Leicester Comedy Festival has announced finalists for three of their flagship competitions as well as the incoming Circuit Breakers for 2024. Each year the festival provides an important platform for aspiring comedians as well as celebrating more seasoned comedians.
Leicester Mercury Comedian of the Year is back for the 30th edition in 2024 will bring 8 comedians, nominated by industry professionals to Leicester on 24th February. It will take place at its spiritual home The Y Theatre. It will be hosted by Sindhu Vee. Past winners have included Josh Widdicombe, Johnny Vegas and Romesh Ranganathan.
The finalists for the Leicester Mercury Comedian of the Year 2024 are:
Alasdair Wallace
Alex Bertulis-Fernandes
Blank Peng
Eva Bindeman
Fiona Ridgewell
Henry Michael
Julia Stenton
Romina Puma
UK Pun Day has become a significant date on the comedy calendar with punsters flocking to Leicester to show off their best one liners. Contestants battle it out in the ring until the winner is crowned The UK Pun Champion! The show is hosted by Jason Byrne and takes places on Punday 12th February 2024 at De Montfort Hall.
Battling it out this year are:
Adam Dorr
Bennet Kavanagh
Daniel Edison
Kat Dellar
Kev Mud
Mary Cross
Pauline Eyre
Rabiah Coon
Circuit Breakers is one of Leicester Comedy Festival’s flagship projects and supports new comedians who are breaking on to the scene by bringing them to the Festival for two mixed bill shows, a photo shoot with legendary photographer Andy Hollingworth and networking opportunities provided in partnership with Equity. Circuit Breakers will be hosted by Eshaan Akbar and will take place at PETER Pizzeria on 16th & 17th February 2024.
The Circuit Breakers for 2024 are:
Aisha Amanduri
Holly Ludlow
Ryan Kenny
Tasmin Sarkany
Tegan Verheul
Vinny Shiu
The Silver Stand-up is a unique competition that showcases comedians over the age of 55. It is hosted by Mrs Barbara Nice as seen on Britain’s Got Talent on Tuesday 20th February 2024 at PETER Pizzeria.
The contestants for 2024 are:
Gary Edwards
Georgia Apsion
Gerry Carroll
Jurgen Strack
Kevin Daniel
Mark Ahier
Roland Ghent
Tracey Rhodes aka Our Trace
Festivals & Programme Director Charlotte Laidet said ‘Supporting emerging talents and celebrating comedy in all its forms are the core missions of our festival and Big Difference as a charity. We are so proud to run these events, and the record breaking number of applications shows the high demand for these type of events in the comedy industry. We wish all finalists good luck and are looking forward to the shows in February!’
Next year’s dates for Leicester Comedy Festival and the UK Kids Comedy Festival are 7 – 25 February 2024. Tickets for all of the shows are available to purchase on www.comedy-festival.co.uk
