Leicester Comedy Festival 2026: Shortlists Announced for Prestigious Contests

Leicester Comedy Festival is gearing up for its 2026 edition, set to run from February 4th to 22nd, promising a fortnight of laughter and entertainment across the city and surrounding areas. The festival has unveiled the shortlisted comedians for its highly anticipated contests, including the Leicester Comedian of the Year and the UK Pun Championships, alongside the emerging talent featured in the Circuit Breakers development programme. This year's festival also sees a significant presence in Harborough, with events scheduled from February 11th to 15th.

Key Takeaways

• The Leicester Comedy Festival 2026 will run from February 4th to 22nd.

• Harborough will host a week of comedy events from February 11th to 15th.

• Shortlists for Leicester Comedian of the Year and UK Pun Championships have been announced.

• Circuit Breakers programme highlights emerging comedic talent.

Leicester Comedian Of The Year Finalists

The prestigious Leicester Comedian of the Year competition, formerly known as the Leicester Mercury competition, will see eight comedians, nominated by industry professionals, battle it out for the top spot. Hosted by Emmanuel Sonubi, the final will take place at The Y Theatre on Saturday, February 21st, 2026. Past winners of this contest have included notable names like Josh Widdicombe, Johnny Vegas, and Romesh Ranganathan. The finalists for 2026 are:

• Chloe Reynolds

• Ciara O'Connor

• Jack Kelly

• Oliver Moore

• Oro Rose

• Sapphire McIntosh

• Sydney May

• Valeria Vulpe

UK Pun Championships Showdown

Prepare for a barrage of wordplay as the UK Pun Championships returns on Monday, February 9th, 2026. This popular pun-based contest, running since 2014, will feature eight acts competing in a lively atmosphere at De Montfort Hall, hosted once again by Jason Byrne. The contenders vying for the title of pun master are:

• Adam Pickard

• Katie Pritchard

• Louie Falls

• Mary Cross

• Nayim Ali

• Paggy Gacheva

• Richard Stott

• Richard Woolford

Circuit Breakers: Nurturing New Talent

The Circuit Breakers initiative is dedicated to showcasing and supporting up-and-coming comedians. Selected comedians will perform showcase shows at The Big Difference venue on February 13th and 14th, 2026, with MC Sian Davies guiding the proceedings. The comedians part of this year's programme are:

• Ben Treloar

• Ibs Sesay

• Kathy Rivett

• Louis Beer

• Mia Lewis

• Phoebe Taylor

Harborough Embraces the Laughter

Harborough district is set to be a hub of comedic activity from February 11th to 15th, 2026. The programme includes a diverse range of events such as stand-up performances, family-friendly shows, comedy trails, quizzes, and mixed bills. Popular venues like Harborough Market Hall and Lutterworth Town Hall will host events, with new additions like Fifty Eight in Market Harborough joining the lineup. Highlights include 'Live at the Market Hall' featuring Britain's Got Talent winner Lost Voice Guy, supported by Wendy Wason, Eric Rushton, David Arnold, and MC Jason Neale. Other performers across various venues include Nina Gilligan, El Baldhiniho, Jenny Collier, Jules O’Brian, David Eagle, Louise Leigh, Adam Beardsmore, Joey Page, Jack Campbell, Matt Price, Tony Cowards, and Samantha Day. A special Comedy Club 4 Kids event is also planned for Harborough Market Hall.

Festival director Charlotte Laidet expressed her excitement, stating, "Leicester Comedy Festival 2026 celebrates comedy as an art form. The festival is proud to continue to give a voice to new talent and bring people together through laughter. We can't wait for February and wish all the finalists the best of luck!"

Sources

• Leicester Comedy Festival To Return To Harborough – HFM, Harborough FM.

• Leicester Comedy Festival announces 2026 shortlists, British Comedy Guide.