Inaugural Bristol Comedy Festival comes to the city this January

The festival, running from Sunday 12 - 25 January, will host more than 100 events and a competition to win tickets to the Comedy Competition finale. 

The Bristol Comedy Festival is set to bring an unforgettable dose of laughter to the city from Sunday 12 to Saturday 25 January 2025. Promising an eclectic mix of shows, competitions and charity fundraising, the festival will be a platform for both established and emerging comedians - and will champion local talent and venues.

The stellar line-up includes acts such as Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee Glenn Moore, writer, actress and podcaster Jess Fostekew, Star of Friday Night Dinner and Plebs Tom Rosenthal, Acclaimed author and funny man Mark Watson and the quick-witted star Brennan Reece, alongside a host of visiting and local talent. 

Image: Jess Fostekew 

Other highlights include:

Primary school teacher turned eccentric comedian, John Tothill, best known for his offbeat comedy involving medical trials, will be performing a solo show at The Granary on Monday 13 January, 19:00.

Mustachioed ‘clown’ Rob Copland, who was the recipient of the Victoria Wood Award at this year’s Edinburgh Comedy Awards, will be presenting an improv jazz piano at The Boardroom on Friday 24 January, 21:00.

Standout tour shows include BBC Comedy Award nominee Lou Taylor, who will be performing at the Robin Hood on Saturday 18 January, 16:30, Essex comedian Amy Matthews who can be found at Milk Thistle, Saturday 18 January, 18:00 and London-born comic Hatty Preston who will be bringing the laughs to The Crown on Saturday 25 January, 16:30.

Image: John Tothill

Fresh off his win of the BBC New Comedy Award, rising local star Paul Hilleard will be performing at Robin Hood on Friday 24 January, 19:30. 

The festival will also feature an array of innovative comedic showcases, such as the ‘Made in Bristol’ working-class showcase (The Hatchet, Thursday 16 January, 20:00), Comedians Getting Drunk Playing Panel Shows (Dareshack, Friday 17 January, 21:00), and Wine Night, a unique pairing of comedians and wine (Avery’s, Friday 17 January 19:30). For comedy-lovers wanting to try out jokes for themselves, the festival will offer a Comedy Course helping budding performers take their first steps (Dareshack, Saturday 18 January, 11:00).

Image: Tom Rosenthal

The Bristol Comedy Festival is supported by Bristol City Centre Business Improvement District (BID) and TAP for Bristol. Donations made at the festival’s events will support homelessness services across the city through the BID’s TAP for Bristol initiative. The festival will also host Bristol’s first city-wide comedy competition. Participants stand a chance to win £1,000, paid comedy gigs and exposure to industry insiders. The finale will take place on Friday 24 January at Bristol Folk House.

It’s not just comedians that can win big with the Bristol Comedy Festival. The festival is launching a competition where lucky winners will receive a one-night bed and breakfast for 2 at The Bristol Hotel, a £100 Love Bristol Gift Card and two tickets to the Comedy Competition finale on Friday 24 January at the Folk House. Those wanting to enter must follow both Bristol Comedy Festival and Bristol City Centre BID’s Instagram page and tag three friends on the Bristol Comedy Festival's giveaway post.

Co-founder Harry Allmark, said: "This festival is about showcasing Bristol’s incredible comedy talent and building opportunities for all. Partnering with TAP for Bristol aligns with our mission to make comedy a force for good, not just a way to lift spirits in post-Christmas January. The lineup for this festival is also incredibly diverse, bringing together big names and emerging voices, intimate showcases and unique concepts. By blending local grassroots talent with nationally recognised acts, we’re creating a space that celebrates creativity, community, as well as of course, the vibrant spirit of Bristol.”

Vicky Lee, Director of Bristol City Centre BID, said: "The Bristol Comedy Festival is a fantastic addition to the city’s cultural calendar, showcasing the creativity and diversity that Bristol is known for. Events like this bring vibrancy and energy to our venues and streets and serve to highlight the amazing businesses across the city.”

To view the line-up and for more information about tickets and competition details, visit thebristolcomedyfestival.com. Follow the festival on Instagram at @thebristolcomedyfestival and Facebook at Bristol Comedy Festival.