Get ready for a laughter-filled extravaganza as the Bristol Comedy Festival 2026 takes center stage, bringing a whopping 150 live shows to the city! But here’s where it gets exciting: this isn’t just about big names—it’s a celebration of both established stars and the next generation of comedic genius. And this is the part most people miss: the festival is as much about discovering fresh talent as it is about enjoying household names like Maisie Adams.
Running from Thursday through the end of January, the festival will transform Bristol into a comedy hub, with performances across a variety of venues. Co-organiser Jacob Burley highlights the dual focus: “Landing someone like Maisie Adams at this stage in her career is a massive win, but equally important is creating a platform for emerging acts. The depth of talent in the comedy scene right now is incredible, and we’re thrilled to showcase it.”
Controversially, some might argue whether festivals like this truly benefit up-and-coming comedians or if they’re just overshadowed by the big names. What do you think? Let us know in the comments!
Returning for its second year, the Bristol Comedy Competition is set to be a highlight, with comedians battling it out in heats to claim the top spot. Festival co-founder and local comedian Burt Williamson emphasizes its role as a launchpad for new talent: “This competition is all about amplifying fresh voices and giving comedians a real stage to shine in front of engaged audiences. Last year’s standard was sky-high, and we can’t wait to see who’ll rise to the challenge in 2026.” Catch the semi-finals at The Comedy Box and the grand finale at The Bristol Folk House on Friday, January 30.
The lineup is nothing short of stellar, featuring names like Jonny Pelham, Harriet Dyer, Fatiha El-Ghorri, Sara Barron, Bella Hull, and Stuart Goldsmith. International acts such as Sam See, Celya AB, Chelsea Birkby, Ben Pope, and Rosalie Minnitt will also grace the stage. And don’t miss JoJo Maberly, last year’s competition winner, making a triumphant return.
One of the festival’s most anticipated events is the King Street Takeover on January 20, where comedians will hop between venues for a night of non-stop laughs. The best part? Profits from the event will support TAP for Bristol, a charity tackling homelessness. But here’s a thought-provoking question: Should more festivals integrate charitable initiatives like this, or should they focus solely on entertainment? Weigh in below!
Another crowd-pleaser is Made in Bristol, a showcase of working-class comedians born and raised in the city. Sabrina Shutter, senior project events manager at Bristol BID, sums it up perfectly: “The Bristol Comedy Festival injects an incredible energy into the city during a time when it’s truly needed. It fills venues, boosts local businesses, and highlights the creativity that makes Bristol such a dynamic place to live and visit.” She adds, “This festival puts Bristol on the map as a top destination for live comedy.”
So, whether you’re a comedy aficionado or just looking for a good laugh, Bristol Comedy Festival 2026 is the place to be. But before you go, we want to hear from you: What’s your take on the balance between big names and emerging talent at festivals like this? Does it work, or is there room for improvement? Share your thoughts in the comments!
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