Festival doubles in size

The Leicester Comedy Festival is to double in size, boasting more than 200 events next year.

Although details of the programme for the 13th annual event is still being finalised, a total of 216 events have so far been registered with organisers - almost twice as many as this year.

Among the big-name stars will be rare live performances from Ronnie Corbett and Sir David Frost.

AndRoseanne Barr has already announced two exclusive dates as part of the festival – in the De Montfort Hall on opening day, February 10, and February 11.

Other big touring names to pass through the city during the ten-day festival include Sandi Toksvig, Omid Djalili, Stewart Lee, Lee Mack, The Mighty Boosh, John Shuttleworth and Ben Elton

And there are appearances by circuit favourites Danny Bhoy, Andy Parsons. Jo Caulfield, Craig Hill, Daniel Kitson, Rhod Gilbert, Jason Manford and Robin Ince as well as scores of grassroots performances.

As well as the stand-up, there will be  a series of discussions as debates, on such topics as faith and comedy and how to write a joke. Chortle is also organising a comedy pub quiz, in aid of Amnesty International, on the final day, February 19

Festival director Geoff Rowe said: he was ‘incredibly pleased’ with the programme for Britain’s oldest festival dedicated only to comedy.

Published: 11 Dec 2005