Leicester Comedy Festival will go ahead next year despite the charity behind the event collapsing, Leicester City Council has vowed.

The Big Difference Company, which has run the Leicester Comedy Festival for more than 30 years, has entered liquidation and ceased trading.

The organisation, which was founded by De Montfort University students in 1994, helped grow the festival into one of the UK’s biggest comedy events, attracting thousands of visitors to the city each year.

Its collapse had raised questions over the future of the much-loved festival, but Leicester Mayor Sir Peter Soulsby has moved to reassure audiences, performers and venues that the show will go on in 2027.

He told TheBusinessDesk : “We’re very sorry that the Big Difference Company has gone into liquidation, and we understand that this is a difficult time for its staff and all of those affected.”

Sir Peter described the festival as a key part of Leicester’s cultural calendar and said it brings a significant economic boost to the city.

While the council cannot take on the charity’s debts, he confirmed plans are already being put in place to keep the event alive.

He added: “We do want to ensure the festival goes ahead next year.

“We will therefore be working with local promoters, venues and other stakeholders, and drawing upon the expertise of our own festivals and De Montfort Hall teams, to ensure that an interim comedy festival programme can take place in 2027, while we work to secure a sustainable operation for the long term.”

The Leicester Comedy Festival was established in 1994 before becoming a registered company a year later. In 2009, it rebranded as the Big Difference Company.

Over the past three decades, the festival has become one of the largest comedy celebrations in the UK, helping emerging acts break into the industry while also attracting some of the biggest names in stand-up.

In a statement, the Big Difference Company’s directors said: “For 32 years, the festival has been an important part of the cultural and economic life of our region, showcasing comedy talent, attracting visitors, and supporting local businesses and venues.

“We acknowledge that this news will be deeply disappointing to staff, performers, venues, promoters and supporters.”