The Bristol Comedy Festival’s inaugural event is set to bring laughter and creativity to the city in January, offering a dynamic lineup of events, shows and the launch of Bristol’s first city-wide Comedy Competition. The festival, supported by Bristol City Centre Business Improvement District (BID), aims to cement Bristol as a thriving hub for comedy, offering a platform to emerging and established talent alike.
The festival will run from Sunday 12 – Saturday 25 January 2025 across various city centre venues and kicks off with a launch party at Bambalan on opening night. Events include an eclectic mix of shows, from the edgy "Roast Battle" at The Famous Royal Navy Volunteer to evenings of wit and improvisation at Mr Wolf’s Comedy Night. Highlights also include the Best of the West showcase at The Drawbridge and the Comedy Loft, promising something for every comedy fan.
Proudly partnering with official charity partner TAP for Bristol, a unique initiative that combines contactless technology with local giving, the new-for-2025 event will raise funds to tackle homelessness and support vital services in the city. Throughout the festival, audiences will be encouraged to donate through TAP points located at various venues, helping to make a positive impact while enjoying the laughter.
Harry Allmark, co-founder of the festival and award-winning comedian, said: "When I first moved to Bristol, I never imagined we’d be creating something on this scale. This festival is about showing off the talent this city has to offer and creating new opportunities for both performers and audiences. After years of grassroots work, it’s a dream to have the backing to grow Bristol into a go-to comedy destination."
"Partnering with TAP for Bristol was also a natural fit as the festival is about celebrating the city’s creativity and spirit - and this partnership allows us to make a meaningful contribution to the community we love." All proceeds raised will go directly to helping those most in need, aligning the festival’s mission of inclusivity and community support with tangible action.
The festival also marks the launch of the city’s first-of-its-kind Bristol Comedy Competition, a key element of this year’s programming. With prizes of up to £1,000, including guaranteed paid work and industry exposure, the competition aims to nurture new talent in an inclusive and fair environment. Heats will include an audience vote and an industry panel in the grand final, ensuring a transparent and thrilling format.
Co-founder Burt Williamson, added: "Bristol’s comedy scene has transformed massively in the past few years. This festival, and particularly the competition, is about creating a collaborative environment where new and seasoned acts can thrive together. We’re thrilled to be working with promoters across the city and to see what this festival can become."
Vicky Lee, Director of Bristol City Centre BID, said: "The Bristol Comedy Festival is testament to the creativity and innovation that defines our city. We’re proud to support an initiative that not only showcases local talent but also brings vibrancy to Bristol’s venues and communities. We can’t wait to see the city come alive with laughter this January."
The initial programme is only the beginning, with more acts and special events to be announced in the coming weeks. Audiences can expect an engaging mix of local talent and nationally recognised performers, promising an unforgettable week of laughter and celebration.
Festival highlights include:
Festival launch party
@ Bambalan, January 12th | 8 PM | Free
Best of the West
@ The Drawbridge, January 12th | 5 PM | Free
Mr Wolf’s Comedy Night
@ Mr Wolf’s, January 12th | 7 PM | £5
The Robin Hood Comedy Night
@ The Robin Hood, January 13th | 7:30 PM | Free
Bristol Comedy Competition - Heat 1
@ Bristol Folk House, January 13th | 7:30 PM | £4
Comedy Loft: Roast Battle
@ The Famous Royal Navy Volunteer, January 14th | 8 PM | Free
Vittorio Angelone
@ BCC, 15th January | 7:30 PM | £10
Comedy Rave
@ Basement 45, January 18th | 11 PM | £6
Comedy on King Street
@ select locations on King Street, January 21st | 6 PM | Free
Helen Bauer
@ Basement 45, January 23rd | 8 PM | £10
Bristol Comedy Competition Finale
@ Folk House, January 24th | 7:30 PM | £10
Applications for the Bristol Comedy Competition are open until Sunday 1st December, with more information and the sign-up form available here. Successful entrants will be notified in early December.
For more details about the festival and to stay updated on new announcements, visit https://thebristolcomedyfestival.com/ or follow the festival’s social media channels https://www.instagram.com/thebristolcomedyfestival/ and https://www.facebook.com/BristolComedyFestival/.
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