National digital radio station Union JACK has become one of three Main Partners for Leicester Comedy Festival 2020, following a successful first-time sponsorship at the event earlier this year.

Leicester Comedy Festival 2020 takes place from the 5 – 23 February 2020, with Union JACK Radio once again set to broadcast the Leicester Mercury Comedian of the Year competition and Circuit Breakers live on-air. The station, widely known as the “The home of Great British comedy” on the radio, will also shine a light on the popular UK Pun Championships (host Jason Byrne pictured), adding this hilarious event to its live broadcasting line-up. 

This investment from Union JACK radio has allowed organisers to make some remarkable improvements to the offering of Circuit Breakers; a programme which supports new and emerging comedy acts, providing a supportive place for them to perform and develop their network and contacts. The number of comedians able to come and perform at Leicester Comedy Festival 2020 will increase from six to eight, with all eight being given a short, filmed showreel of their sets. In addition, organisers will invite all eight comedians to perform at a special event in London to showcase their talent to industry insiders following the Festival.

In another new twist for 2020, Union JACK radio will also invite fans to see some of its most successful shows broadcast live from Leicester Comedy Festival 2020, including the hugely popular impressions sketch-show, Josh Berry’s Fake News, and the recently launched Asking for a Friend; a panel show hosted by Balls of Steel star Mark Dolan and which sees a number of famous guests such as Christopher  Biggins and Basil Brush discussing the answers to listeners’ questions such as, “are vegans rubbish people?”

Giles Gear, Programme Manager at Union JACK Radio, said: “Leicester Comedy Festival is one of the biggest and best comedy events in the world and, with Union JACK’s position as ‘the home of Great British comedy’, it’s a no-brainer that we continue to build on the successful partnership that we established earlier this year.

“Not only will we be giving brilliant shows from the Festival a platform on national radio and offering people around the country a chance to listen in, but we’re also going to bring our own shows to life for guests of the event. Visitors will be able to join us as we laugh our socks off at Josh Berry’s impressions, and the questions pondered by Mark Dolan and his guests. We might even have other surprises up our sleeves too!”  

Geoff Rowe, Director of Leicester Comedy Festival, added: “Through the continued support of Union JACK radio, we are able to take some of the best moments from Leicester Comedy Festival and broadcast them to people far and wide who aren’t able to attend in person. The station’s investment has also led to a huge boost in the offering for new and emerging talent taking place in Circuit Breakers, with a prize that is absolutely invaluable for those trying to make it on the comedy circuit.”

Union JACK broke new ground when it launched in 2016 announcing a format that saw the audience select the music in its entirety, via an app boasting the most extensive playlist in UK radio. Today, the station has become the fastest growing in commercial radio, with a complete focus on the best of British music and comedy, and an array of both high-profile and emerging comedic talent gracing the station’s schedule.   

Union JACK radio’s full broadcast schedule from Leicester Comedy Festival 2020 will be announced nearer the time.

Union JACK is available across the UK on digital radio, online at unionjack.co.uk and via the Union JACK app.