Leicester Comedy Festival under threat as operator ceases trading

In May it emerged that hundreds of comedians had been unpaid following this year’s festival, and in July an arts venue managed by the charity was repossessed due to the “non-payment of rent and insurance”.

The directors statedthey “worked tirelessly to avoid this outcome”, including looking at reducing costs and seeking new funding, but statedit was “not possible to secure a sustainable future”.

“We recognise the significant impact this will have on our employees, performers, venues, suppliers and other creditors, and we are sincerely sorry to all those affected,” they said.

“Our immediate focus is to meet our legal obligations and engage constructively with stakeholders throughout the insolvency process.

“Looking ahead, we remain committed to working with stakeholders, including Leicester City Council, funders, venues and the wider community, to explore how a sustainable long-term future can be secured for this much-loved festival.”

Leicester city mayor Sir Peter Soulsby statedthe council would ensure a comedy festival continued to take place.

“We’re very sorry that the Big Difference Company has gone into liquidation, and we understand that this is a difficult time for its staff and all of those affected,” he said.

“The Leicester Comedy Festival has been a hugely important part of Leicester’s cultural calendar, bringing thousands of visitors to the city every year, and with them a majorboost to our economy.

“While of course we can’t pick up the debts of a registered charity, we do want to ensure the festival goes ahead next year.

“We will therefore be working with regionalpromoters, venues, and other stakeholders, and drawing upon the expertise of our own festivals and De Montfort Hall teams, to ensure that an interim comedy festival programme can take place in 2027, while we work to secure a sustainable operation for the long-term.”