Battersea Park Set to Host Inaugural Comedy Festival This Summer

Battersea Park is gearing up to host its first-ever comedy festival this summer, promising a weekend packed with laughter from June 5th to 7th. The inaugural Battersea Park Comedy Festival will feature a stellar lineup of established comedians and emerging talent performing under a Big Top Tent, offering a vibrant mix of stand-up, family entertainment, and a relaxed open-air atmosphere.

Key Takeaways

• Dates: June 5th - 7th

• Location: Battersea Park, London

• Headliners: Joe Lycett, Sara Pascoe, Simon Amstell, Lucy Beaumont, Simon Brodkin

• Features: Big Top Tent performances, family shows, Festival Garden with food and drink, outreach program.

A Star-Studded Lineup

The festival boasts an impressive roster of comedians. Friday night kicks off with Sara Pascoe leading an all-female lineup, including Desiree Burch, Felicity Ward, and Ania Magliano. Saturday features BAFTA-winning Joe Lycett headlining an afternoon show, supported by Grace Campbell, Huge Davies, and Paddy Young. The evening will see character comedian Simon Brodkin take the stage with Schalk Bezuidenhout, Travis Jay, and Abi Clarke. Sunday's performances include Lucy Beaumont, joined by Rachel Parris, Sophie Duker, and Lewis Garnham, before cult favourite Simon Amstell closes the festival with Christopher Hall, Catherine Bohart, and Erika Ehler.

Family Fun and More

Beyond the headline acts, the festival caters to all ages. Saturday afternoon includes a family-friendly performance by Comedy Club 4 Kids, offering daytime comedy suitable for children aged six and up. Sunday features "Showstopper! The Kids Show," an improvised musical adventure created from children's suggestions. The festival also partners with Wise Fools for a special Saturday afternoon show featuring Nabil Abdulrashid, Kae Kurd, and Ola Labib.

Festival Atmosphere and Community Engagement

Set against the backdrop of Battersea Park, the event aims to provide a relaxed, open-air experience. Festival-goers can enjoy the Festival Garden, offering street food, craft beers, and cocktails throughout the weekend. Additionally, the festival is committed to community engagement through an educational outreach program in select Wandsworth schools, using comedy to build confidence and public speaking skills in young people. Discounted tickets are available for eligible Wandsworth residents through the Access for All scheme.

Tickets for headline shows start at £32, with other shows priced at £20 and £15 for family events. Main comedy performances are suitable for ages 16 and over.

Sources

• New comedy festival to light up Battersea Park this summer, Yahoo News UK.

• Battersea Park Comedy Festival to launch in June, British Comedy Guide.