UK Comedy Scene Ignites: Major Festivals and Awards Celebrate Stand-Up and Sitcoms

The UK's vibrant comedy landscape is set to be celebrated with a series of major festivals and prestigious awards. From the burgeoning Rochdale Comedy Festival showcasing a mix of established and rising stars to the highly anticipated Comedy.co.uk Awards honouring the best in stand-up and sitcoms, the nation's funny bone is in for a treat. These events highlight the depth and diversity of British comedy talent.

Key Takeaways

• The Rochdale Comedy Festival will run from September 26 to October 5, 2025, featuring a diverse lineup of comedians.

• The Comedy.co.uk Awards 2024 have announced their winners, celebrating excellence in television and radio comedy.

• Several other major comedy festivals across the UK are also gearing up for their 2025 editions.

Rochdale Comedy Festival Takes Centre Stage

The inaugural Rochdale Comedy Festival is set to bring ten days of laughter to the town from Friday, September 26 to Sunday, October 5, 2025. The festival will feature a stellar lineup of comedians, including established television and radio personalities alongside emerging talents. Venues across the borough, from historic buildings like Rochdale Town Hall and the Curtain Theatre to local pubs and sports clubs, will host the performances.

Notable acts confirmed for the festival include Robin Ince, co-host of BBC Radio 4's 'The Infinite Monkey Cage'; comedy legend Mick Miller; and Tez Ilyas, known for 'Man Like Mobeen'. The bill also features Lou Conran, a regular support act for Sarah Millican, and rising stars such as Britain's Got Talent finalist Alex Mitchell and Edinburgh Festival best newcomer nominee Brennan Reece. Scottish comic Lubna Kerr, Chortle Best Newcomer winner Daisy Earl, and Jonny Awsum are also set to perform. The festival's opening night will feature the improvisation duo 'Halls of Ridiculous'. Additionally, comedy courses for aspiring comedians will be hosted by Dave Williams of The Frog and Bucket comedy club.

Rochdale's Comedy Festival is a significant part of its year as Greater Manchester Town of Culture 2025-26, celebrating the region's rich artistic heritage.

Comedy.co.uk Awards Honour Top Talent

The British comedy scene's achievements were also recognised at the Comedy.co.uk Awards 2024. The triumphant final episode of 'Gavin & Stacey' was crowned Comedy of the Year. Other notable winners included 'Daddy Issues' for Best New TV Sitcom and 'Gavin & Stacey' again for Best Returning TV Sitcom. 'Call Jonathan Pie' took home the award for Best Radio Sitcom, while 'Horrible Histories' was recognised for Best TV Sketch Show. Panel shows 'Would I Lie To You?' (TV) and 'Wing It' (Radio) also received accolades, as did entertainment shows 'Taskmaster' (TV) and 'You're Dead To Me' (Radio). 'Big Mood' was awarded Best TV Comedy Drama.

A Year of Comedy Festivals Across the UK

Beyond Rochdale, the UK's comedy festival circuit is buzzing with activity for 2025. Major events like the Edinburgh Fringe Festival (August), Brighton Fringe (May), and Glasgow International Comedy Festival (March) continue to be highlights for comedy enthusiasts. Other notable festivals include Creatures Comedy Festival in Manchester (July), Comedy at the Castle in Warwick and Devon (May & July), Shrewsbury International Comedy Festival (July), Laughterama in Manchester (September), Greenwich Comedy Festival in London (September), and the Women In Comedy Festival in Manchester (October). These festivals offer a platform for both established comedians and the next generation of comedic talent, solidifying the UK's reputation as a global hub for laughter.

### Key Takeaways

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

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

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

• Top 10 Comedy Festivals in the UK, Skiddle.

• Comedy.co.uk Awards 2024 results - British Comedy Guide, British Comedy Guide.