Comedy Festivals Light Up Hull and Rochdale, Bringing Laughter to Audiences and Train Travellers

Two vibrant comedy festivals are set to bring waves of laughter across the North of England. The Hull Comedy Festival, scheduled for November 2025, has already kicked off with a unique promotional event on Hull Trains, while the inaugural Rochdale Comedy Festival is launching in late September 2025, promising ten days of comedic brilliance.

Key Takeaways

• Hull Comedy Festival will run from November 1st to 23rd, 2025, featuring notable acts like Phil Nichol and Suzi Ruffell.

• Rochdale Comedy Festival, its first iteration, takes place from September 26th to October 5th, 2025, with a diverse lineup of established and emerging comedians.

• Hull Trains partnered with comedians to entertain passengers, offering a novel way to promote the festival.

• Rochdale's festival is a significant part of its year as Greater Manchester Town of Culture 2025-26.

Hull Comedy Festival Hits the Tracks

To generate buzz for the upcoming Hull Comedy Festival, comedians Hannah Margaret, Jed Salisbury, Will Burns, and Gary Jennison surprised passengers on Hull Trains heading to London King's Cross. The impromptu performances offered a unique interactive experience, with passengers choosing entertainment from a "Comedy Crew Menu" that included one-liners, game show fun, comedy chats, and even impressions. This initiative, a collaboration between Hull Trains and the festival, aims to champion local arts and provide a platform for emerging talent.

Louise Mendham from Hull Trains expressed pride in supporting arts and culture, noting the fantastic customer feedback and the festival's growing momentum. Gary Jennison, Creative Director of Hull Comedy Festival, hailed the train event as a joyful and unforgettable way to showcase regional comedy talent.

The Hull Comedy Festival, running from November 1st to 23rd, 2025, will feature performances by Phil Nichol, Suzi Ruffell, Josh Jones, Joe Kent-Walters, and Su Pollard across venues like Hull Truck Theatre, Hull Minster, and The Edge Hub. Over 7,500 attendees are anticipated.

Rochdale Comedy Festival: A New Era of Laughter

Rochdale is set to host its very first Comedy Festival from Friday, September 26th, to Sunday, October 5th, 2025. The festival boasts a rich lineup of established television and radio personalities alongside rising stars, performing in various venues across the borough, including the historic Curtain Theatre, Champness Hall, sports clubs, pubs, bars, and Rochdale Town Hall.

Headlining acts include comedy legend Mick Miller, Robin Ince (co-host of BBC Radio 4's 'The Infinite Monkey Cage'), Tez Ilyas ('Man Like Mobeen'), and Lou Conran. The festival also features Britain's Got Talent finalists Alex Mitchell and Jonny Awsum, Edinburgh Festival award nominees Brennan Reece and Daisy Earl, and Scottish comic Lubna Kerr.

Councillor Sue Smith highlighted the festival's launch during Rochdale's year as Greater Manchester Town of Culture, celebrating the town's wit and love for laughter. Rick Attwood from organisers Ace Lips Events expressed pride in the curated lineup, promising a mix of well-known acts and undiscovered gems.

The Rochdale Comedy Festival is a key event in the town's cultural calendar for 2025-26, supported by various local authorities and organisations. Comedy courses for aspiring comedians, led by Dave Williams of The Frog and Bucket, will also be available.

### Sources

• Hull Comedy Festival comedians entertain train travellers, British Comedy Guide.

• Rochdale’s Comedy Festival is seriously funny, Rochdale Borough Council.

• Rochdale Comedy Festival | Rochdale Borough Council, Rochdale Borough Council.

• Get ready for a laugh: tickets released for Rochdale Comedy Festival, Rochdale Borough Council.