Russell Howard and Ross Noble to headline the one-day open-air event

Some of Britain's best-known comedians will perform at the one-day York Comedy Festival when it returns to the city's Museum Gardens this July.

Russell Howard and Ross Noble will headline the open-air event on July 12, which expects to draw more than 3,000 people to the historic venue. Last year's inaugural festival sold out. 

They'll be joined by Russell Kane, Joanne McNally, Suzi Ruffell, Jeff Innocent, Nabil Abdulrashid and Barry From Watford – the 82-year-old character created by Alex Lowe – all compered by New Zealand comedian Jarred Christmas.

The comedy event is part of the Live at York Museum Gardens series, now in its third year.  Musical acts Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark and Self Esteem have already been announced for other dates in the 2026 programme.

Rachel Hill, project manager at Leeds-based Futuresound Group, which promotes the event alongside York Museums Trust, said: 'There's nothing more satisfying than walking among happy people knowing that Futuresound and York Museums Trust have played a part in this.'

Tickets are on sale to York residents tomorrow, with general sale opening on January 23.

Published: 20 Jan 2026