As 30th anniversary programme is launched

Leicester Comedy Festival  has announced a new raft of patrons as it launches its 30th anniversary programme.

Eshaan Akbar, Jo Brand, Sikisa and Stewart Lee join existing patron Tony Slattery.

Lee said: ‘Comedy makes us see light in the darkness. And it helps us to understand the mad world we live in through the lens of laughs.

‘There's rarely been a time comedy has been needed more, and Leicester Comedy Festival continues to deliver it. From big names that help make it a must see to the kind of new talent so deserving of its support, Leicester Comedy festival's programme lands all across the social spectrum.

‘ I am honoured to be a patron of this vibrant event that has made the name of Leicester echo for ever in the caves of comedy history.

Becoming patrons of the sister UK Kids’ Comedy Festival are Michael Rosen and Rosie Jones, who said: ‘As a comedian who also writes children's books this could not be more up my street! I love making people laugh, especially kids, so here's to lots more daft events where we can be funny and very, very silly!’

The festival will kick off with a preview Show at De Montfort Hall on January 6 hosted by Seann Walsh.

Other gala events include a fundraiser on February 16 in the same venue withThanyia Moore hosting Milton Jones, Nina Gilligan, Emmanuel Sonubi and Scott Bennett; Comedy Heaven at Curve Theatre on February 26, headlined by Nish Kumar and 30 acts for £30 at Hansom Hall on February 18.

Comedians performing in 2023 include Richard Herring, John Kearns, Fern Brady, Gary Delaney, Darren Harriott, Ahir Shah, Sophie Duker, Josh Pugh, Emmanuel Sonubi, Ignacio Lopez, Sarah Keyworth, Chloe Petts, Colin Hoult and Adele Cliff.

Many events from the festival – the last to be run by its founder Geoff Rowe –  will be streamed on the Next Up platform.

It runs from February 8 to 26 and the programme is online here.

Published: 27 Oct 2022