Another £6,000 paid out to help unpaid comics

The Live Comedy Association has handed out £6,000 to 14 comedians and promoters left out of pocket by the Leicester Comedy Festival’s failure to pay ticket money.

The money came from donations to a crowdfunder set up for people owed money by Big Difference Company, the charity behind the annual festival.

The 14 awards follow 19 made earlier this year, bringing the amount given to 33 people to more than £10,000. Demand far outstripped the money raised, with applications in this round alone totalling almost £70,000.

Jessica Toomey, director of the LCA, said: ‘The total amount owed by Big Difference Company is a staggering £250,000 and we recognise the available funds are only able to support a fraction of people owed money. However, we know the support we have been able to provide is making a real difference to people affected.’

She said the LCA has now raised and distributed almost £100,000 to people working in live comedy, including money from the SaveLiveComedy fund set up during the pandemic.

The recipients have asked to remain anonymous. One said: ‘The relief when I received this email was huge so thank you.’ Another said: ‘Thanks so much for all your hard work with this difficult situation!’

The LCA, which relies largely on volunteers, is urging people to donate to its Stand Up And Give Fund to help it keep supporting grassroots live comedy across the UK.

Published: 10 Nov 2026