Events announced in London, Blackpool, Shrewsbury and more

A number of UK towns and cities have announced comedy festivals n the run-up to the Edinburgh Fringe. 

The Big Belly Comedy Club on London’s South Bank has announced a three-day festival from June 20, with events running at multiple venues, with fans buying wristbands for £35 a day or £50 for the full weekend, that gives them access to all the shows.

Comedians taking part  in the Big Fat Fest include Sara Pascoe, Jamali Maddix, Red Richardson and Aurie Styla and full derails are here.

Blackpool Comedy Festival  has held the official launch for its event, running from May 23 and June 1. Organiser Ryan Gleeson said: ‘We are hoping to bring people to Blackpool that may not necessarily have been before, that perhaps don't think it's that good, and prove them wrong.’

 Russell Howard, Justin Moorhouse, Maisie Adam and Tommy Cannon are among the comedians taking part.

The Shrewsbury International Comedy Festival has announced  that Cally Beaton, Troy Hawke, Abandoman, Lindsey Santoro, Tez Ilyas and MC Scott Bennett, will perform at its gala show at Theatre Severn on Sunday, July 13. Others performing in the preceding four days includ include Mick Miller, Nina Gilligan,  Terry Christian and Tony Law.

Acts including Joe Kent-Walters, Dan Tiernan and Stevie Martin are appearing at the day-long Durham Comedy Festival on May 26.

And more than 50 comedians will appear at the Northampton Comedy Festival. Although as it contains just 12 gigs over  two months, kicking off on May 25, it may not feel like much of a festival. Acts appearing include Rosie Jones, Paul Sinha and Josh Pugh and the line-up is here.

Published: 30 Apr 2025