Leicester Comedy Festival, which begins tomorrow (February 4), will present more than 700 shows across Leicestershire.
The 2026 theme, The Art of Comedy, focuses on comedy as an art form, placing it alongside theatre, poetry and dance. The programme includes a wide range of styles, from political satire and experimental live comedy to family-friendly performances.
Picture credit: Leicester Comedy Festival
This year’s line-up includes a mix of established performers and newer acts, such as Maisie Adam, Ahir Shah, Sophie Duker, Sara Pascoe, Chris McCausland, Paul Merton, Milton Jones, Sue Perkins, Darren Harriott, Olga Koch and Chloe Petts.
The festival will also host a series of talks and discussions, including two live conversations: one with Sir Stephen Fry and another with Fatiha El-Ghorri. Both events are in aid of Big Difference Company, the charity that runs the festival. Sir Stephen Fry’s appearance will take place in memory of the late Tony Slattery, a former festival patron.
Picture credit: Leicester Comedy Festival
Support for emerging comedians continues through talent development programmes including Circuit Breakers, Bridging the Gap, Leicester Comedian of the Year, Silver Stand-Up and the UK Pun Championships, which are open to performers at different stages of their careers.
In 2026, the festival will again extend beyond Leicester city centre, with two Big Weekends of comedy planned in the Harborough and Blaby districts.
A range of venues across the county will host events, including Kayal, Hive & Honey, Old Newtonians RFC, Leicester Indoor Bowls Club and Cosby Village Hall. The programme also includes Pay What You Want shows and accessible venues.
The UK Kids’ Comedy Festival returns for its eighth year, with around 70 shows aimed at younger audiences. Activities include Laugh Academy, a half-term workshop where children learn and perform comedy, as well as school projects and performances by acts such as Marcel Lucont, SHELF, Olaf Falafel, Jody Kamali and Mama G.
Charlotte Laidet, Festivals & Programme Director at Big Difference Company, said: “As we launch the 2026 programme, we continue to focus on comedy in its many forms and on supporting a broad range of voices. In our 33rd year, events will take place across more of the county, and we look forward to welcoming audiences to both Leicester Comedy Festival and the UK Kids’ Comedy Festival.”
For more information about Leicester Comedy Festival, which takes place until February 22, visit: https://www.comedy-festival.co.uk/
