Frank Skinner is to headline a new edition of one of the UK’s biggest outdoor comedy festivals, as Cobra presents Comedy at the Castle expands to historic landmark Powderham in Exeter, Devon on Friday 18 and Saturday 19 July 2025.
After two successful years welcoming thousands of comedy fans to the original event at Warwick Castle, organisers - rated one of the top trusted brands in the West Midlands - are now bringing the major food, drink, and live comedy offer to the South West.
The 4,500 daily capacity festival hosted in the Castle’s Deer Park will also present stars of stage and screen alongside a line-up of street food traders, and beer, cocktail and fizz bars.
Saturday afternoon headliner Joel Dommett and Saturday evening headliner Russell Kane will be joined by an additional 10 comics including Jen Brister, Larry Dean, Gary Delaney, Kane Brown and host Freddy Quinne.
Cobra presents Comedy at the Castle is organised by UK comedy promoters Closeup Comedy and the country’s leading street food operators Digbeth Dining Club, in partnership with Powderham.
Harry Jenkins, director of Closeup Comedy, said: “Our team is so excited to be expanding our offer, and finding our second castle and location.
“Securing Frank Skinner, Joel Dommett and Russell Kane, along with our fantastic line-up of comics, and team of food traders, mixologists, bar and event staff mean this will be a very special weekend in July.
“The team at Powderham have been brilliant to work with; we hope this is the start of a really special partnership and look forward to welcoming comedy fans in the South West.”
Powderham is one of the leading attractions and venues in the South West, welcoming 125,000 visits annually.
The castle and grounds host a huge calendar of shows and festivals all year round. Artists including McFly, Dizzee Rascal, Duran Duran, and Nile Rogers are set to appear at the venue over the coming months.
Derry Tydeman, Heritage Manager at Powderham, said: “We’re delighted to be working with Harry and the Closeup Comedy team to bring Comedy at the Castle to Devon.
“We’ve long thought that comedy would be a fun addition to our calendar of events. After seeing what they were doing at Warwick we got in touch to encourage them to bring their unforgettable experiences to fans in the Southwest.
“We’re really impressed with the line-up they’ve secured in their first year in the region. And we’re confident they’re going to deliver two amazing nights of comedy, food and drink.”
Food traders confirmed for Comedy at the Castle Exeter include Beef on the Block (British steak and chips), Brum Mi (East Asian rice bowls and Banh Mi baguettes), and Bournville Waffle Company (Belgian desserts) with more to be confirmed by the organisers.
Digbeth Dining Club is one of the UK’s leading street food promoters, with over 12 years of experience delivering events, consultancy and tours across the UK.
Cobra presents Comedy at the Castle Warwick, which features headliners Paul Smith, Frankie Boyle and Seann Walsh, takes place at Warwick Castle between Friday 23 and Sunday 25 May 2025.
Tickets for Cobra presents Comedy at the Castle Exeter, on Friday 18 July and Saturday 19 July, from £27.50 will be sale from 1000 on Wednesday 19 February via www.comedyatthecastle.co.uk
Limited tickets for Cobra presents Comedy at the Castle Warwick, Friday 23, Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 May 2025, priced from £27.50 are on sale via www.comedyatthecastle.co.uk
