Rochdale Roars with Laughter: Comedy Festival Promises 10 Days of Hilarious Performances

Rochdale is set to be filled with laughter as the town's first-ever Comedy Festival kicks off this week. Running from Friday, September 26 to Sunday, October 5, 2025, the event will feature a diverse lineup of established comedians and rising stars performing across various iconic and intimate venues throughout the borough.

Key Takeaways

• Duration: 10 days of comedy from September 26 to October 5, 2025.

• Lineup: Features well-known TV and radio personalities alongside emerging talent.

• Venues: Performances will take place in a mix of historic and contemporary locations, including Rochdale Town Hall, Curtain Theatre, Champness Hall, sports clubs, pubs, and bars.

• Special Events: Includes an opening night with improvisation duo 'Halls of Ridiculous' and comedy courses led by Dave Williams.

• Context: Part of Rochdale's year as Greater Manchester Town of Culture 2025-26.

A Stellar Lineup Takes the Stage

The festival boasts an impressive roster of comedic talent. Audiences can look forward to performances from comedy legend Mick Miller, and Robin Ince, co-creator of the acclaimed BBC Radio 4 series 'The Infinite Monkey Cage'. Tez Ilyas, known for BBC3's 'Man Like Mobeen' and Channel 4's 'The Tez O’Clock Show', will also be gracing the stage. Lou Conran, a regular support act for Sarah Millican and host of BBC Radio 4 Extra’s Comedy Club, is set to entertain.

Rising Stars and Festival Debuts

Adding to the excitement, last year's Britain's Got Talent finalist Alex Mitchell and Edinburgh Festival best newcomer nominee Brennan Reece are confirmed. Scottish observational comic Lubna Kerr will make her Rochdale debut, alongside Chortle Best Newcomer winner Daisy Earl and former Britain's Got Talent semi-finalist Jonny Awsum. The bill also includes Edinburgh Festival favourite Patrick Monahan and English Comedian of the Year Rob Mullholland. Stockport's Aaron Wood, recognized by Rolling Stone UK as a rising star, and comedy musician Alex Camp are also set to perform.

Diverse Venues and Community Celebration

Comedy will echo through a variety of locations, from the historic 100-year-old Curtain Theatre and the grand Champness Hall to the majestic Rochdale Town Hall. The festival will also utilize sports clubs, pubs, and bars, offering a unique experience for every attendee. The opening night at The Flying Horse Hotel will feature the internationally-renowned improvisation duo ‘Halls of Ridiculous’.

Councillor Sue Smith highlighted the significance of the festival, stating, “Us northerners are known for our sharp wit and love of a good laugh, so it’s fantastic to see the launch of the Rochdale Comedy Festival during our year as Greater Manchester Town of Culture.” This sentiment is echoed by Rick Attwood from organisers Ace Lips, who expressed pride in the hand-picked selection of exciting comedy talent.

The Rochdale Comedy Festival is a key event in the town's calendar as it celebrates its year as Greater Manchester Town of Culture 2025-26, showcasing the rich history, creativity, and diverse arts scene of the borough.

Rochdale Comedy Festival Returns with a Seriously Funny Lineup

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

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