...and it's almost as big as before

The full line-up has been revealed for the Independent Comedy Festival replacing the collapsed Leicester Comedy Festival.

It will feature 630 shows across 43 venues over almost three weeks, meaning the city retains the title of the UK’s largest dedicated comedy festival.

Last year’s Leicester festival featured 756 shows, but the charity behind it, Big Difference Company, went bust this summer owing £215,000 – much of it to comedians and promoters who did not receive their box office takings. 

The replacement event will run from February 3 to 21 next year and include top comics such as Maisie Adam, Peter Serafinowicz, Darren Harriott, Angela Barnes and Milton Jones.

Also returning is the Comedian Of The Year competition, this year sponsored by law firm Howes Percival and hosted by Angela Barnes. Past winners include Josh Widdicombe and Romesh Ranganathan.

 Local comedian Alex Hylton and promoter Colin Bowles, both pictured, are behind the new festival.

Hylton said: ‘It’s been a lot of work, but we’re delighted that so many brilliant performers have backed the Independent Comedy Festival project. 

‘There’s been a lot of speculation that the new festival would be smaller or scaled back, but we’re going to be able to deliver a massive three-week party thanks to so many people who are determined to make it happen.'

Bowles added: ‘The interest in, and support for, the new festival from venues, promoters and acts has been absolutely incredible, and as prospective audience members look through the line-up now it’s been released I think they’re going to be really excited as well.’

Sarah Johnson, who will be performing her solo show Older And Wiser at the Y Theatre, said: ‘As a Leicester comedian, being part of a new festival in the city where it all began feels particularly special. I’m looking forward to celebrating comedy, supporting the local scene and being part of a fresh new chapter for Leicester.’

A full line-up of shows and tickets can be found at www.indiecomedyfest.co.uk, with more than 35,000 tickets on sale from 10am

Published: 29 Oct 2026