Hastings Comedy Festival 2026: A Week of Laughter with Top Talent Announced

Hastings is set to roar with laughter as the Hastings Comedy Festival unveils its star-studded line-up for 2026. From June 1st to June 7th, the coastal towns of Hastings and St Leonards will host over 90 live comedy events, featuring a vibrant mix of established comedians and exciting emerging talent across various venues.

Key Takeaways

• The festival runs from June 1st to June 7th, 2026.

• Over 90 comedy performances will take place.

• Venues span Hastings and St Leonards.

• Headliners include Maisie Adam, Red Richardson, Rhys James, and Tez Ilyas.

A Stellar Line-Up

The 2026 edition boasts an impressive roster of comedians. Audiences can look forward to sets from Taskmaster champion Maisie Adam, stand-up and podcast host Red Richardson, Mock The Week regular Rhys James, and viral comic Joe Wells. Joining them are American actor and sketch comedian Russell Hicks, British-Pakistani comic Tez Ilyas, Mexican-American-Venezuelan storyteller Lara Ricote, and political comedian Mark Thomas.

Returning Favourites and Newcomers

Fans will be delighted by the return of popular acts such as the improv group The RH Experience, Singaporean stand-up and Edinburgh Fringe 2024 Best Newcomer winner Jin Hao Li, and comedian President Obonjo. Canadian stand-up Tony Law and 2025 Norman Award winner Oliver Moore are also set to perform. The festival continues its tradition of showcasing fresh talent, culminating in the Norman Award newcomer competition.

Diverse Venues and Special Events

This year's festival will utilize a wide array of local venues, including The Albion, Observer Building, White Rock Studio, Jenny Lind, Ye Olde Pump House, The Piper, The St Leonard, Oscars, Electric Palace, and Sugarpie Honeybuns. New additions to the venue list include Frenches, Brewing Brother@Source, The Printworks, and the festival's newest space, The Spun Glass Theatre in Hastings Old Town.

Special events throughout the week include late-night comedy shows, an Open Mic Saturday at Ye Olde Pump House, and Comedy for Kids. The festival promises a dynamic blend of classic stand-up, clowning, theatre, and puppetry, offering something for every comedy enthusiast.

Sources

• Hastings Comedy Festival announces line-up for 2026, The Argus.

• Hastings Comedy Festival announces full line-up for 2026, SussexWorld.