The Bristol Comedy Festival will return for its second edition from Thursday 15th – Saturday 31st January 2026, once again transforming the city into a hub of laughter, creativity and connection. Following a successful inaugural year that brought together hundreds of comedy fans, performers and venues, the festival will build on its momentum with an expanded programme of shows and events across Bristol.
This year’s festival will see names like Bristol’s Jayde Adams, author and funny man Mark Watson, critically-acclaimed stand-up and podcaster Milo Edwards and breakout winner of So You Think You’re Funny Finlay Christie.
Run by a small team from the local comedy scene, The Bristol Comedy Festival was established to champion Bristol’s thriving comedy scene and showcase both emerging and established talent. This year’s event will continue to celebrate the creativity and diversity of Bristol’s performers, while introducing new acts and partnerships that will make the festival’s second edition bigger and bolder than before.
New for 2026, ticket buyers will be able to add an optional donation to TAP for Bristol when purchasing tickets. TAP for Bristol is a citywide initiative led by Bristol Business Improvement District (BID), raising funds for local charities that support people experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness. Donations go directly to organisations such as Caring in Bristol, Emmaus Bristol and SLEEC, which provide vital services, accommodation, and support for those in need. This partnership highlights the festival’s ongoing commitment to bringing people together and giving back to the community, using comedy as a catalyst for positive impact across the city.
Co-founder Harry Allmark said: “Seeing how Bristol embraced the festival in its first year was incredible. The city has such a passionate, creative comedy community and our 2026 event will build on that energy with more venues, more acts and more opportunities for people to get involved.”
Co-organiser Emma Phillimore, added: “The festival is all about collaboration. We’re working with local promoters, venues and partners to make this a celebration that truly belongs to Bristol. Whether performing, volunteering or attending, this festival is all about bringing people together through comedy.”
The Bristol Comedy Festival will once again run in partnership with organisations across the city, with support from Bristol BID, creating a vibrant and inclusive programme that highlights the very best of Bristol’s live entertainment scene. This year’s event will see comedians taking over venues in Bristol like Bristol Folk House, Basement 45, Strange Brew, The Gaffe Comedy Club, St George’s Bristol and many more.
Sabrina Shutter, Senior Project Events Manager at Bristol BID, said: “The Bristol Comedy Festival brings a real buzz to the city at a time of year when Bristol needs it most. It draws people into venues, drives footfall for local businesses and showcases the brilliant creative talent that makes Bristol such a vibrant place to live and visit. This year, we’re especially proud that festivalgoers can choose to make a small donation to TAP for Bristol when buying tickets, helping support people in our city who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness. It’s a simple way to enjoy an amazing night out and do something meaningful for the community at the same time.”
As part of its community focus, the festival team is inviting volunteers to join the crew that helps bring the event to life. Volunteers will gain hands-on experience across a variety of roles including audience management, event tech, logistics and marketing support. Those interested can apply via the festival website.
The Bristol Comedy Festival is also welcoming new partners to join its growing network of supporters. Businesses and organisations are invited to help make the 2026 event even more inclusive and far-reaching through financial sponsorship, in-kind contributions or creative collaborations. From sponsoring a venue or show to providing services or discounts for performers and volunteers, there are many ways to be part of the city’s biggest celebration of comedy.
With performances and events taking place across Bristol from mid-January, The Bristol Comedy Festival will continue to strengthen the city’s reputation as one of the UK’s leading destinations for live comedy.
Further details, updates and tickets can be found at thebristolcomedyfestival.com and via the festival’s social channels @thebristolcomedyfestival / @bristolbid. The full line-up of venues and acts will be announced soon.
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