Maisie Adam leads major new wave of shows announced for The Bristol Comedy Festival 2026

Taskmaster winner joins expanded citywide programme as more than 150 comedy shows take over Bristol in January.

A new wave of headline names and festival favourites have been announced for The Bristol Comedy Festival 2026, as the citywide celebration of comedy reveals its next phase of shows ahead of its return from Thursday 15th to Saturday 31st January.

Building on momentum from its launch and first ticket release, the expanded line-up further cements the festival’s position as one of the UK’s most exciting destinations for live comedy, with more than 150 shows taking place across dozens of venues throughout Bristol.

Among the newly announced names is Maisie Adam, one of the UK’s most in-demand comedians and the recent winner of Taskmaster. Known for her sharp observational humour and energetic live shows, Adam joins the festival fresh from appearances on Live at the Apollo and Have I Got News For You, marking one of the biggest headline additions to the 2026 programme.

She is joined by a standout mix of nationally-recognised performers and rising stars, including Jonny Pelham, Harriet Dyer, Fatiha El-Ghorri, Sara Barron, Bella Hull and Stuart Goldsmith, alongside international acts such as Sam See and Celya AB. The announcement also shines a light on emerging talent and festival favourites including Chelsea Birkby, Ben Pope, Rosalie Minnitt, and JoJo Maberly, winner of the Bristol Comedy Competition 2025, as the festival continues its commitment to platforming new voices alongside established names.

Co-organiser Jacob Burley, said: “This next wave of shows really captures what we’re trying to do with the festival. Bringing someone like Maisie Adam to Bristol at this moment in her career is huge for us, but just as important is creating space for brilliant emerging acts and showcasing the depth of talent coming through the comedy scene right now.”

Alongside headline performances, the festival will once again deliver a packed programme of special events that celebrate comedy’s role within the city. The King Street Takeover returns on Tuesday 20th January, transforming the street into a night of donate-what-you-want shows across multiple venues, with comedians moving between venues and all profits going to homelessness charity TAP for Bristol. Following a sell-out event last year, the charity night is set to be one of the festival’s highlights.

The Bristol Comedy Competition also returns for its second year, offering audiences the chance to discover the next generation of stand-up talent as performers compete across heats, with semi-finals at The Comedy Box and a final at The Bristol Folk House on Friday 30th January. Hosted by festival co-founder and local comedian Burt Williamson, the competition has quickly become a key platform for emerging acts from the South West and beyond.

Burt Williamson, said: “The competition is all about championing new voices and giving comics a proper platform in front of engaged audiences. The standard last year was incredibly high, and we’re excited to see who steps up in 2026.”

The Bristol Comedy Festival continues its partnership with the newly unified Bristol Business Improvement District (BID), supporting a citywide programme that drives footfall, champions local venues and strengthens Bristol’s cultural economy during the quieter winter months.

Sabrina Shutter, Senior Project Events Manager at Bristol BID, said: “The Bristol Comedy Festival brings an incredible energy to the city at a time of year when it’s really needed. It fills venues, supports local businesses and showcases the creativity that makes Bristol such a vibrant place to live and visit. We’re proud to support the festival as it continues to grow, welcoming even more audiences into the city and shining a spotlight on Bristol as a leading destination for live comedy.”

Continuing its celebration of local talent, Made in Bristol, which celebrates Bristol’s incredible local talent, will return as a dedicated showcase of working-class comedians born and raised in the city. The event shines a spotlight on voices rooted firmly in Bristol’s communities and culture.

The 2026 festival will once again take over venues across the city, with performances running throughout January and transforming Bristol into a hub of laughter, creativity and connection at one of the coldest points of the year. Gift vouchers are now available and the festival team is also inviting volunteers and sponsors to get involved as the event continues to grow.

The Bristol Comedy Festival 2026 promises an even bigger, bolder programme that champions comedy at every level, from household names to the next breakout stars.

Tickets for all newly announced shows are available now at thebristolcomedyfestival.com.