Gong for Leicester's Geoff Rowe

Leicester Comedy Festival founder Geoff Rowe has been awarded a British Empire Medal for his services to comedy.

The honour, sometimes described as the ‘working class’ gong comes as the festival celebrates its 20th anniversary.

Rowe said: ‘I am thrilled to have received this honour which helps recognises the position of the festival as a significant event in the UK’s comedy calendar. 

‘I’ve had the privilege to have worked with some amazing comedians, performers and artists over the past 20 years and the festival would be nothing without the support of many many people.’

The accolade, which was phased out by John Major, was revived by David Cameron for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee last year, when 293 people were honoured. The BEM recognises ‘the dedication and hard work so many provide to their communities’.

Rowe promoted his first concert aged 13 in the local village hall, and it proved successful enough for him to continue staging gigs throughout his teenage years.

But it was when he was studying an arts administration degree course at De Montfort University in 1994 that he helped launch the festival he has been associated with ever since. Acts on that first bill included Matt Lucas and Harry Hill.

He has also driven environmental campaigns through the festival, which signed a sponsorship deal with TV channel Dave in 2011, including setting up a ‘comedy wood’ within the National Forest.

Unlike other honours, the BEM is not awarded by the Queen or Prince of Wales but by Lord-Lieutenants, who are the representatives of the Crown for each county. The Lord-Lieutenant of Leicestershire is Lady Gretton, the widow of the Third Baron Gretton, of the 500-acre Stapleford Park country estate, near Melton Mowbray.

Published: 14 Jun 2013