Some of the biggest names in comedy will be descending on Leicester next month to take part in the city’s annual comedy festival, which organisers say will be its ‘biggest yet’.

This year’s Leicester Comedy Festival will feature 720 shows in 72 venues across Leicestershire, with big names including Katherine Ryan, Milton Jones, Seann Walsh, Darren Harriott and Zoe Lyons.

Festival patrons Eshaan Akbar, Rosie Jones, Stewart Lee and Sikisa will also all be performing. 

It also incorporates the seventh UK Kids’ Comedy Festival with shows including Marcel Lucont and The Mighty Kids Beatbox.

The festival is the largest and longest-running comedy festival in Europe and is billed as a celebration of laughter, creativity, and community, showcasing the brightest talents in comedy, from big names to emerging talent.

A dozen new venues have come on board for the 2025 festival and these include Leicester Cathedral, The International, De Montfort Student Union, and the Soundhouse, as well as venues reaching out into the county, such as The Old Plough, Barkby Cricket Club, Sunny Skies Café, and more.

Charlotte Laidet, festivals and programme director at Big Difference, the charity behind the festival, said:  “Leicester Comedy Festival and the UK Kids’ Comedy Festival have a crucial economic and social impact on the city and county.

“In a cultural sector still suffering from the pandemic, and other external factors, as an audience member, you can help save the industry simply by going to events. Go and see your favourite TV personality, but also take a risk on someone you don’t know who might be the future star of comedy. Together, we create a vibrant festival community where everyone feels welcome.”

The full programme is available to view at comedy-festival.co.uk with tickets now on sale.