Expanded comedy festival set to get under way

Leicester Comedy Festival returns on Wednesday and will include two "Big Weekends" of shows in the Harborough and Blaby areas as it continues to expand.

The event, now in its 33rd year, comprises 700 shows across 76 venues in both Leicester and Leicestershire along with competitions such as the UK Pun Championships.

Actor and writer Sir Stephen Fry features on the line-up as well as Maisie Adams, Sara Pascoe, Chris McCausland, Paul Merton, Milton Jones and Sue Perkins.

Sir Stephen will be part of a live discussion with festival founder Geoff Rowe at De Montfort Hall on 8 February in memory of his friend and festival patron Tony Slattery, who died last year.

New and returning venues on the programme of events include Kayal, Hive & Honey, Old Newtonians RFC - all in Leicester - Leicester Indoor Bowls Club and Cosby Village Hall.

The theme for this year's festival is "the art of comedy", which organisers say "celebrates humour as a true art form, standing alongside theatre, poetry, and dance in its power to inspire, challenge, and connect audiences".

Showcase events include Circuit Breakers, which features rising stars on 13 and 14 February at The Big Difference in High Street, and Bridging the Gap, a scheme to make the festival more inclusive at the Curve studio theatre on 18 February.

There will also be Silver Stand-up, also at The Big Difference on 6 February for comedians aged 55 and older.

The UK Pun Championships will be held at De Montfort Hall on 9 February, while the Leicester Comedian of the Year will be announced on 21 February at the Y Theatre in East Street.

Organisers say "pay what you want" shows and additional venues will make enjoying comedy more accessible than ever.

The UK Kids Comedy Festival also returns to Leicester for its eighth year, with 70 shows including school projects and workshops.

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."

The Big Weekend events run from 11 to 15 February in Harborough, and from 17 to 22 February in Blaby.

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