Gilded Balloon has announced Lumo as the official travel partner in 2026 for So You Think You’re Funny?, the UK’s longest-running and most prestigious competition for new comedy talent.
Since launching in 1988, So You Think You’re Funny? has become one of the comedy industry’s most respected launchpads, helping discover and champion generations of stand-up stars. Previous finalists and winners include Peter Kay, Aisling Bea, Romesh Ranganathan, Sara Pascoe, Lee Mack, Dylan Moran, Maisie Adam and Russell Kane.
The partnership will support the competition as it continues its nationwide search for the next generation of comedy talent, culminating in the iconic Grand Final at Gilded Balloon Teviot on 27 August.
Lumo are also supporting Gilded Balloon’s wider artist development programme, including supporting travel for So You Think You're Funny? alumni Fab Goualin and Madeleine Brettingham, who are debuting at the Fringe this year with their shows, Mixed Messages and Legend respectively. Also supported is Best of So You Think You’re Funny? featuring finalists Reb Day, Joel Walker and Rachel Porter.
All of which are part of So You Think You're Funny? Artist Development Programme, an initiative run by Gilded Balloon Futures, which supports competition participants in their onward development within the comedy industry by helping to cover competition costs and providing vital opportunities for emerging comedians. This includes financial assistance for travel and accommodation for selected performers, removing one of the biggest barriers to accessing the Fringe. More information can be found on this at https://soyouthinkyourefunny.co.uk/artist-development/
Gilded Balloon’s Artistic Directors are now fundraising for support which will go towards the Artist Development programme from competition alumni alongside others who want to support new talent.
Money raised will go towards existing project strands such as accommodation or travel alongside general costs which continues to be a barrier to new performers bringing their debut performance at the Fringe who came through the development programme.
Karen and Katy Koren, Artistic Directors of Gilded Balloon, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome Lumo on board as the official travel partner for So You Think You’re Funny?. The competition has always been about opening doors for emerging comedians from across the UK and beyond, and having a partner that shares our commitment to accessibility, sustainability and supporting the arts makes this collaboration especially exciting.
“For nearly four decades, So You Think You’re Funny? has helped launch extraordinary comedy careers and continues to provide a vital platform for new voices. We’re looking forward to working with Lumo to support this year’s talented entrants on their journey to the Fringe stage.”
Richard Salkeld, Director of Communications and Partnerships at Lumo, said: “It’s a joy to be on board as the official travel partner for a competition which has such an exciting track record of kick-starting the careers of so many amazing comedians.
“Supporting arts and culture in the communities that we serve is very important to us, and So You Think You’re Funny? embodies this spirit.
“We’re also a proud partner of the Glasgow International Comedy Festival, and this competition is a unique chance for new talent to perform at the illustrious Grand Final. Good luck to all of the talented entrants!”
As part of the partnership, Lumo will support travel connected to the overall artist development programme, helping emerging performers travel sustainably between key UK cities and the Edinburgh Fringe.
Alongside the competition So You Think You’re Funny? Heats return with an unmissable line-up of fresh talent, giving audiences the chance to see tomorrow’s comedy stars before they become household names.
So You Think You’re Funny? Heats will run 19th - 26th August as aspiring comedians compete for a coveted place in this year’s Grand Final on 27 August in 2026.
LISTINGS INFORMATION
2026 BEST OF SO YOU THINK YOU’RE FUNNY?
5 – 31 AUGUST @ 19:40 (60 MINS)
GILDED BALLOON PATTER HOUSE, DRAM
TICKETS: £9.00 – £13.50
SO YOU THINK YOU'RE FUNNY? HEATS
19 - 26 AUG - 21:45 (75 min)
Gilded Balloon Teviot, Wine Bar
Tickets:£13.50
SO YOU THINK YOU’RE FUNNY? GRAND FINAL at Gilded Balloon Teviot, Debating Hall
on 27 August at 7pm (2 hr 30 min inc interval) Tickets: £16
