Independent comedy festival brings more than 600 shows to the Harborough district

A new independent comedy festival is set to bring performances to venues across the Harborough district as part of a wider programme of more than 600 shows. Organised by comedian Alex Hylton and promoter Colin Bowles, the event replaces a previous festival that was cancelled after its organisers ceased trading, leaving performers unpaid.

Key takeaways

• The Independent Comedy Festival is taking the place of the cancelled previous event.

• More than 600 shows are planned across the festival.

• No performances are currently scheduled for Market Harborough, but organisers say there is still time to arrange some.

• Tickets are on sale for shows across the festival.

A fresh start for the festival

Stand-up comedian Alex Hylton is co-ordinating the new event with promoter Colin Bowles. Hylton says he is proud to bring the festival back and give performers a fresh start after the previous event ended amid reports that entertainers had been left unpaid.

The new festival is expected to include performances across the Harborough district. Its wider programme features more than 600 shows, although the precise line-up and venues in the district have not been detailed in the available announcement.

Market Harborough shows could still be added

There are currently no festival performances listed for Market Harborough. However, organisers say it is not too late to arrange one or more shows in the town.

Earlier festivals included performances at Harborough Market, and the organisers are open to bringing comedy back to local venues. The announcement does not confirm whether the market will host a show this time, so local performances remain a possibility rather than a confirmed part of the programme.

Tickets and local comedy

Tickets are already on sale for performances across the festival. Comedy fans can check the festival’s listings for confirmed shows and any additions as arrangements develop.

For readers who also enjoy live comedy in London, Comedy in Your Eye hosts professional stand-up every Tuesday and Thursday at The Camden Eye in Camden Town. Its intimate pub setting offers another way to catch established comedians and discover fresh talent, separate from the Harborough festival.

• New Comedy Festival To Bring Shows To Harborough District – HFM, HFM – Local Radio For Market Harborough.