The Live Comedy Association (LCA) has launched an initial, emergency hardship pot for comedians and promoters affected by the nonpayment of ticket income at Leicester Comedy Festival 2026. The £5,000 fund is an initial amount set aside by the LCA Directors from the Stand Up And Give Fund to support those in urgent financial need due to unpaid money. Full details of the fund, and how to apply, can be found by visiting www.livecomedyassociation.co.uk
The Stand Up And Give Fund was launched in autumn 2025 and has so far raised over £30,000 from donations and fundraising events. This money is supporting the LCA’s lobbying work, to get greater recognition and support from government, but also funding activities and projects which benefit the sector. Following contact from an LCA member, the Directors recently met and agreed to allocate an initial amount of money to directly support people who have been impacted by the Leicester Comedy Festival situation. Donations to the fund can be made via https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/stand-up-give
Jessica Toomey, Director of Live Comedy Association, said “we have been aware of the impact the nonpayment of ticket income from Leicester Comedy Festival 2026 has had on some of our members, and the wider live comedy community. We recognise that increasingly times are tough for comedians, promoters, festivals and venues and we want to support those working in the live comedy sector when things become difficult.
We know £5,000 won't help everyone affected but wanted to make a start for the members struggling most. If we find there is a need to allocate more funding, we will explore every opportunity to provide more funds so a greater number of people can benefit.”
The LCA is the only organisation in the UK representing people who work in live comedy. Members include comedians, comedy clubs, promoters, venues, festivals and other people who rely on live comedy to earn their living. The live comedy sector is estimated to be worth over £1billion to the UK economy however venues, promoters, festivals and freelancers are facing rising costs and increasing financial pressures, which has led to growing concern about the long-term sustainability of the sector.
The LCA recently launched a letter writing campaign to get MPs to sign a letter to the Culture Secretary asking for recognition that grassroots live comedy is an essential part of the creative industries and needs the same support as grassroots live music. The campaign is supported by the Night Time Industries Association and the letter has already been signed by MPs from Wales, London, Midlands, South, North East and Yorkshire. Further details are available by visiting www.livecomedyassociation.co.uk
