Showing just how big the circuit has become

The Leicester Comedy Festival has published its 2020 programme, featuring  more than 1,600 performers.

Between them, they will stage over 800 shows on more than 90 stages across Leicester & Leicestershire.

Headline acts include Jo Brand, Stewart Lee, Milton Jones, Shappi Khorsandi, Fascinating Aida, Paul Sinha and  Josie Long

Founder Geoff Rowe joked: ‘We’ve always said we would launch Leicester Comedy Festival 2020 on October 30; no ifs no buts.  We have kept our word so fortunately, I won’t have to go and die in a ditch.

‘It’s fantastic that over 1,600 acts are going to visit the festival and entertain thousands of people at more venues than ever before.  We’re delighted that we can continue to grow and develop the event in so many ways, and continue to claim the crown of the biggest comedy festival in the UK.’

A separate strand for youngsters – the UK Kids’ Comedy Festival – returns as do regular events including Circuit Breakers for emerging comedians, The UK Pun Championships, the Leicester Mercury Comedian of the Year Competition, Silver Stand Up and more.

The festival – which runs from Feburary 5 to 23 – has also produced a mental health guide aimed at performers, audiences and anyone else working at the festival plus a series of events with specific mental health material.

Tickets are on sale now at www.comedy-festival.co.uk

Published: 30 Oct 2019