Long weekend in July

Milton Keynes is launching a new comedy festival this July, with a long weekend of stand-up, character comedy, improv and interactive shows spread across venues in the city centre.

The event runs from July 9 to July 12 and features a mix of well-known circuit names and alternative acts including Ed Byrne (pictured), Joe Pasquale, Sara Pascoe, Simon Brodkin,  Ria Lina, Felicity Ward, Fiona Allen and Eshaan Akbar.

Alongside the stand-up shows, the programme includes John Robertson’s The Dark Room, The Noise Next Door, CSI: Crime Scene Improvisation and Fawlty Towers: The Dining Experience.

Events will be held at MK Gallery, Blossom Room, Midsummer Tap, Revolución de Cuba, MERKUR Casino and The Residence.

Jill Farnsworth, chief executive of MyMiltonKeynes Business Improvement District, said: ‘This feels like exactly the right moment to launch something on this scale. The city already has a strong cultural base and a big appetite for live events.’

Mark Row and Ben Robinson of promoters The Comedy Cow added in a statement  ‘We wanted to curate a genuinely varied programme, mixing stand-up with interactive shows and experiences you don’t always get in one place.

‘Milton Keynes is a fantastic setting for it, and we think people will be surprised by just how much comedy is happening across the city.’

Milton Keynes has been longlisted for UK City of Culture 2029 and is home to cultural venues including Bletchley Park and MK Gallery.

Published: 28 Mar 2026