Including Comedian Of The Year and pun champion

The Leicester Comedy Festival has announced finalists for their flagship competitions.

The event’s main prize is the Comedian Of The Year, which will be contested between Andy Fox, Ant Dewson, Archit Goenka, Hannah Lawrence, James Ellis, June Tuesday, Louise Atkinson and Lucas Jefcoate.

Finalists are put forward by comedy promoters around the UK and past winners have included Josh Widdicombe, Johnny Vegas & Romesh Ranganathan.

The final takes place at The Y Theatre on February 22, hosted by Thanyia Moore. Past winners have included Josh Widdicombe, Johnny Vegas & Romesh Ranganathan.

Meanwhile, the UK Pun Championships return for the 11th  year on February 10, again hosted by Jason Byrne in De Montfort Hall.

Taking part this year are: Daniel Edison, Josh Faulkner, Rabiah Coon, Mary Cross, Pauline Eyre, Sharlin Jahan, Stevie Vegas and Will BF

 The Silver Stand-Up competition for established or up-and-coming comic over  55 takes place at LCB Depot on February 13, hosted by Mrs Barbara Nice.

Its finalists are: Julie Metcalfe, Kevin Hudson, Kevin O’Brien, Lubna Kerr, Mark Ahier, Mark Vincent, Samantha Day and SJ Wyatt.

Finally, Circuit Breakers, a festival scheme to back emerging talent showcases its 2025 cohort at The Guildhall on February 14 and 15, with two gigs hosted by Charlie George.

Participants are: Caroline Gustafsson, Farhan Solo, Jen Nolan , Kate Sharp, Kent Cameron and Marina Smith

Charlotte Laidet, programme director at Big Difference, the charity behind the festival, said of the competitions: "This year, we received a record number of applications, which underscores the ongoing demand within the comedy industry and community for opportunities and events like these.'

Next year’s dates for Leicester Comedy Festival and parallel UK Kids Comedy Festival runs from February 5 to 23 and features 720 shows over 72 venues.  More details at www.comedy-festival.co.uk

Published: 6 Dec 2024