We have some entertainment news for you today as the Leicester Comedy Festival, which is the largest and longest-running comedy festival in Europe, proudly and inclusively showcases comedy in all its forms. This year’s theme, The Art of Comedy, rightfully celebrates humour as a true art form, standing alongside theatre, poetry, and dance in its power to inspire, challenge, and connect audiences.
With a rich and exciting new programme of over 700 shows, the festival will spotlight the brightest talents in comedy — from household names to emerging voices — with comedy for everyone.
Comedians performing at this year’s festival include 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. Fatiha El-Ghorri will host the annual Festival Gala Preview Show at De Montfort Hall on 9 January 2026.
Leicester Comedy Festival will host two special live discussions with Sir Stephen Fry and Fatiha El-Ghorri, both in aid of Big Difference Company — the charity behind the festival. The event with Sir Stephen Fry will be held in honour of the late Tony Slattery, the festival’s much-loved patron.
Leicester Comedy Festival continues to nurture and support new talent, with showcases such as Circuit Breakers, Bridging the Gap, Leicester Comedian of the Year, Silver Stand-Up, and the ever-popular UK Pun Championships — all providing vital platforms for comedians of every level, background and identity.
In 2026, the event will expand further across the county, including hosting two Big Weekends of comedy in the Harborough and Blaby districts.
The family of festival venues also continues to grow, with many new and returning spaces joining the programme, including Kayal, Hive & Honey, Old Newtonians RFC, Leicester Indoor Bowls Club and Cosby Village Hall, among others.
Additional venues and Pay What You Want shows will make enjoying comedy and discovering exciting new talent more accessible than ever.
The UK Kids’ Comedy Festival also returns bigger than ever for its eighth year in 2026, presenting 70 shows designed to inspire laughter and creativity in young audiences. Highlights include the Laugh Academy (a half-term workshop where children learn and perform comedy), school projects, and performances from Marcel Lucont, SHELF, Olaf Falafel, Jody Kamali and Mama G. The Kids’ Gala Preview Show, headlined by Jonny Awsum and hosted by Edy Hurst, will take place at The Y on 14 December 2025.
Charlotte Laidet, Festivals and Programme Director at Big Difference Company, the charity behind the festival, said, “Leicester Comedy Festival celebrates the art of comedy in all its forms and supports any voice that needs to be heard. This year, we’re particularly excited to see more venues and shows taking part in The UK Kids’ Comedy Festival, and events extending to more county areas. We’re proud to champion two vibrant, welcoming festivals that bring people together”.
Leicester Comedy Festival’s main partners are De Montfort University and Leicester City Council.
The Patrons of Leicester Comedy Festival are: Eshaan Akbar, Stewart Lee, Sikisa, Jo Brand & the late Tony Slattery.
The Patrons of The UK Kids’ Comedy Festival are: Rosie Jones & Michael Rosen.
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Leicester Comedy Festival runs 4-22 February 2026. Featuring Sara Pascoe, Sir Stephen Fry, Ahir Shah, Paul Merton, Maisie Adam, Milton Jones, Chris McCausland, Sophie Duker & more!
Karen Woodham is the founder and owner of the Blazing Minds. She is also a Cinema reviewer and works with RealD 3D reviewing the latest 3D releases and IMAX, she has also had several articles published in various publications including the first edition of SFW Magazine. In 2015 she became an Award Winning Blogger and also has her website listed as one of the UK’s Top 10 Film Blogs.
