Leicester Comedy Festival, the largest and longest-running comedy festival in Europe launches tomorrow, running until 22 February with more than 700 shows taking place across the county.
This year’s theme, The Art of Comedy, celebrates comedy as a powerful art form — sitting alongside theatre, poetry and dance in its ability to inspire, challenge and bring people together. The festival offers something for everyone; from sharp political satire, ground-breaking shows and experimental live comedy to family-friendly fun.
The programme features an outstanding line-up of established stars and rising talent, including Maisie Adam, Ahir Shah, Sophie Duker, Sara Pascoe, Chris McCausland, Paul Merton, Milton Jones, Sue Perkins, Darren Harriott, Olga Koch, Chloe Petts, and many more.
As part of its wider programme of talks and discussions, Leicester Comedy Festival will host two special live conversations, including an event with Sir Stephen Fry and a separate discussion with Fatiha El-Ghorri, both in aid of Big Difference Company, the charity behind the festival. Sir Stephen Fry’s event will be held in honour of the late Tony Slattery, the festival’s much-loved patron.
Championing new voices remains at the heart of Leicester Comedy Festival, with talent-development showcases including Circuit Breakers, Bridging the Gap, Leicester Comedian of the Year, Silver Stand-Up, and the ever-popular UK Pun Championships — providing vital platforms for comedians at every stage of their careers.
In 2026, the festival continues to grow its reach across Leicestershire, with two Big Weekends of comedy taking place in the Harborough and Blaby districts, bringing live comedy to even more communities.
The festival’s network of venues also continues to expand, with new and returning spaces joining the programme, including Kayal, Hive & Honey, Old Newtonians RFC, Leicester Indoor Bowls Club, Cosby Village Hall, and more. A wide range of Pay What You Want shows and accessible venues will ensure that enjoying comedy — and discovering new talent — is easier than ever.
The UK Kids’ Comedy Festival also returns for its eighth year in 2026, bigger than ever with 70 shows designed to inspire laughter and creativity in young audiences. Highlights include Laugh Academy — a half-term workshop where children learn and perform comedy — alongside school projects and performances from Marcel Lucont, SHELF, Olaf Falafel, Jody Kamali and Mama G.
Charlotte Laidet, Festivals & Programme Director at Big Difference Company, the charity behind the festival, said, “We’re thrilled to launch the 2026 programme, celebrating the art of comedy in all its forms and supporting voices that need to be heard. In our 33rd year, we are proud to say the festival is bigger and more inclusive than ever, with events reaching further out into the county. We look forward to welcoming visitors and the local community to Leicester Comedy Festival & the UK Kids’ Comedy Festival - two fun & vibrant festivals that bring people together”.
Details here.
