Sir Stephen Fry to Honour Tony Slattery at 2026 Leicester Comedy Festival as Tickets Go On General Sale…
Tickets have gone on general sale today (October 31) for the 33rd Leicester Comedy Festival, following the unveiling of a massive 2026 programme featuring over 700 shows.
The festival, which will run from February 4-22, 2026, is celebrating humour under the theme “The Art of Comedy.” The extensive lineup includes household names like Sara Pascoe, Paul Merton, Maisie Adam, Ahir Shah, Chris McCausland, Sophie Duker, and Milton Jones.
A highlight of the 2026 programme will be a special live discussion with Sir Stephen Fry at De Montfort Hall on Sunday, February 8. The event, held in aid of the festival’s operating charity, Big Difference Company, will be in honour of the festival’s late patron and Fry’s close friend, the “wonderful, kind, generous, funny and clever” Tony Slattery, who passed away earlier this year.
“I am delighted to be coming to Leicester Comedy Festival,” Sir Stephen Fry said in a statement. “This special event is in memory of my dear friend Tony Slattery who was a patron of the festival since it started in 1994.”
Comedy For All
This year’s theme, “The Art of Comedy,” champions humour as a true art form, standing alongside theatre and dance in its power to connect audiences.
“I am delighted to be coming to Leicester Comedy Festival,” Sir Stephen Fry said in a statement. “This special event is in memory of my dear friend Tony Slattery who was a patron of the festival since it started in 1994.”
Charlotte Laidet, Festivals and Programme Director at Big Difference Company, said, “Leicester Comedy Festival celebrates the art of comedy in all its forms and supports any voice that needs to be heard.”
The festival continues to expand its reach, with new “Big Weekends” of comedy planned for the Harborough and Blaby districts. The event is also welcoming a host of new and unusual venues, including Kayal restaurant, Leicester Indoor Bowls Club, and Cosby Village Hall, joining the 76 venues across the county.
This commitment to accessibility is also reflected in the festival’s talent pipeline. Returning showcases include the popular UK Pun Championships, the Leicester Comedian of the Year competition (previously won by acts like Romesh Ranganathan and Rhod Gilbert), and the Silver Stand-Up showcase for older performers.
UK Kids’ Comedy Festival Returns
Running concurrently, the UK Kids’ Comedy Festival is back for its eighth year, presenting 70 shows across 30 venues. Designed for younger audiences, the lineup features family-friendly acts like Marcel Lucont, Olaf Falafel, and Mama G.
The children’s festival will also host its own Gala Preview Show on December 14, 2025, at The Y, headlined by Jonny Awsum. The main festival’s Gala Preview Show will be hosted by Taskmaster breakout star Fatiha El-Ghorri on January 9, 2026, at De Montfort Hall. El-Ghorri will also participate in a special live discussion to raise funds for the festival.
“This year we’re particularly excited to see more venues and shows taking part in The UK Kids’ Comedy Festival, and events extending to more county areas,” added Laidet. “We’re proud to champion two vibrant, welcoming festivals that bring people together.”
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