The BBC Comedy Festival is set to return for its fifth edition in May 2026, with Liverpool confirmed as the next host city.
Previously held in Belfast, Glasgow, Cardiff and Newcastle, the annual festival brings together the UK’s comedy and television community for three days of conversation, celebration and creative exchange. Over the years, it has welcomed an impressive roster of talent including Jesse Armstrong, Stefani Robinson, Sharon Horgan and Guz Khan, providing a space for both established names and rising stars to connect and reflect on the state of the industry.
From Wednesday 13 to Friday 15 May, Liverpool will take centre stage as it hosts a packed programme of talks, panel discussions, screenings, a short film night and live comedy performances.
The 2025 edition in Belfast featured 16 panels and masterclasses across two days, showcasing more than 70 comedy figures such as Steve Coogan, Lisa McGee, Ash Atalla and Michelle de Swarte. During the event, BBC Comedy and BBC Northern Ireland unveiled a new initiative ringfencing £500,000 to support comedy production in Northern Ireland.
In Liverpool, the 2026 festival will mark the start of fresh development and production opportunities for the North West region, with further details set to be announced in the coming months.
Jon Petrie, Director of Comedy at the BBC says:
“Liverpool has funny bones and a rich culture of producing top tier comedy creatives, so we’re delighted to be bringing the BBC Comedy Festival 2026 to the city. Comedy forms a unique corner of the television industry and in British culture. It’s important that we provide a forum that brings together some of the best comedy minds to celebrate and discuss the success of the sector now and in the future.”
At the BBC Comedy Festival in Liverpool a selection of panels and events will be open to the public. More information on the dates, venues and how to get tickets will be available closer to the time.
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