UK's Top Comedy Festivals: Your Guide to a Year of Laughter in 2025

The UK's comedy scene is booming, with festivals catering to every taste, from intimate club nights to sprawling city-wide events. These festivals offer a platform for both established stars and emerging talent, providing a diverse range of comedic experiences throughout the year. Whether you're looking for a weekend escape or a month-long immersion in laughter, the UK's comedy festival circuit has something for everyone.

Edinburgh Fringe Festival

• When: August 2025

• Where: Various venues around Edinburgh

Renowned globally, the Edinburgh Fringe Festival is the ultimate destination for comedy lovers. Throughout August, the entire city buzzes with performances, showcasing not only stand-up but also theatre, improv, and spoken word. It's a career-making event for aspiring comedians and a must-visit for any comedy enthusiast.

Creatures Comedy Festival

• When: 15th - 26th July 2025

• Where: Creatures of the Night Comedy Club, Manchester

Manchester's Creatures Comedy Club hosts this exciting festival, featuring a fortnight of top UK comedy talent. With daily shows and expanded programming, it's a vibrant celebration of humour in the heart of the city.

Comedy at the Castle

• When: 23rd - 25th May 2025 (Warwick) & 18th - 19th July 2025 (Devon)

• Where: Warwick Castle & Powderham Castle

Closeup Comedy presents two spectacular events against the backdrop of historic castles. These festivals boast impressive lineups, including some of the biggest names in British comedy, offering a unique blend of laughter and heritage.

Brighton Fringe

• When: May 2025

• Where: Various venues around Brighton

Often seen as Edinburgh's southern counterpart, Brighton Fringe is a massive celebration of arts and entertainment. For a month, Brighton comes alive with comedy, theatre, and drag, offering a fantastic alternative for those in the south of England.

Glasgow International Comedy Festival

• When: 12th – 31st March 2025

• Where: Various venues around Glasgow

Glasgow offers a comedy-focused alternative to Edinburgh, with its month-long festival in March. It attracts major comedy stars and is known for its enthusiastic audiences, making it a highlight of the Scottish comedy calendar.

Shrewsbury International Comedy Festival

• When: 9th - 13th July 2025

• Where: Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury

This charming festival punches above its weight, attracting high-calibre comedians to Shrewsbury. It's a perfect weekend getaway for comedy fans looking for quality performances in a picturesque setting.

Laughterama

• When: 3rd - 7th September 2025

• Where: Castlefield Bowl, Manchester

A newer addition to the festival circuit, Laughterama has quickly become a must-attend event in Manchester. It features a stellar lineup of well-known comedians, drawing large crowds for its high-energy shows.

Greenwich Comedy Festival

• When: 17th - 21st September 2025

• Where: National Maritime Museum, London

Set against the stunning grounds of the National Maritime Museum, this London festival is a premier event for comedy in the capital. It consistently delivers a star-studded lineup, ensuring a weekend of side-splitting entertainment.

Women In Comedy Festival

• When: 2nd - 12th October 2025

• Where: Various Venues in Manchester

Now in its 12th year, Manchester's Women In Comedy Festival is a vital platform for female talent. Beyond stand-up, it includes workshops, panels, and networking events, fostering growth and providing crucial exposure for women in comedy.

Wells Comedy Festival

• When: 23rd - 25th May 2025

• Where: Various venues in Somerset

Located in the beautiful town of Wells, this festival is a gem for comedy fans in the South East. It brings top comedians to Somerset for a weekend packed with laughter, offering a more refined festival experience.

Sources

• Top 10 Comedy Festivals in the UK, Skiddle.