Leicester Comedy Festival 2026

Leicester Comedy Festival is the longest-running comedy festival in the UK and the second largest in the world after Edinburgh. Over two weeks in February, more than 800 shows take place across venues throughout Leicester — from pub back rooms to theatres — featuring established headliners, rising stars, and new acts trying out material. The festival has a brilliant mix of ticketed shows and free events, and the intimate venue sizes mean you're often watching comedians at incredibly close range. The UK Pun Championships and the Leicester Mercury Comedian of the Year are festival highlights. It's far more affordable and less overwhelming than Edinburgh, which is part of its charm. Book early for the bigger names, but leave room in your schedule to take a punt on someone you've never heard of — that's where the festival magic happens. Leicester city centre is compact and walkable between venues. The festival runs a late-night club for post-show drinks and networking.