Bristol Comedy Festival to launch in January
- The Bristol Comedy Festival will run from Sunday 12th to Saturday 25th January 2025
- It aims to "cement Bristol as a thriving hub for comedy, offering a platform to emerging and established talent alike"
- The festival will also see the launch of The Bristol Comedy Competition
A new comedy festival is to launch in Bristol in January.
The festival, supported by Bristol City Centre Business Improvement District (BID), aims to "cement Bristol as a thriving hub for comedy, offering a platform to emerging and established talent alike".
Running from Sunday 12th to Saturday 25th January 2025, The Bristol Comedy Festival will feature shows, events and see the launch of a new competition for comedians.
The organisers say: "Events include an eclectic mix of shows, from the edgy Roast Battle at The Famous Royal Navy Volunteer to evenings of wit and improvisation at Mr Wolf's Comedy Night. Highlights also include the Best of the West showcase at The Drawbridge and The Comedy Loft, promising something for every comedy fan." Acts confirmed to appear during the festival include Vittorio Angelone and Helen Bauer.
The new festival will also have a charity element. The team explain: "We're proudly partnering with official charity partner TAP for Bristol, a unique initiative that combines contactless technology with local giving, the new-for-2025 event will raise funds to tackle homelessness and support vital services in the city. Throughout the festival, audiences will be encouraged to donate through TAP points located at various venues, helping to make a positive impact while enjoying the laughter."
Comedian Harry Allmark, who is a co-founder of the festival, says: "When I first moved to Bristol, I never imagined we'd be creating something on this scale. This festival is about showing off the talent this city has to offer and creating new opportunities for both performers and audiences. After years of grassroots work, it's a dream to have the backing to grow Bristol into a go-to comedy destination.
"Partnering with TAP for Bristol was also a natural fit as the festival is about celebrating the city's creativity and spirit - and this partnership allows us to make a meaningful contribution to the community we love."
The festival also marks the launch of The Bristol Comedy Competition, a key element of the programming. With prizes of up to £1,000, including guaranteed paid work and industry exposure, the competition aims to "nurture new talent in an inclusive and fair environment".
Co-founder Burt Williamson comments: "Bristol's comedy scene has transformed massively in the past few years. This festival, and particularly the competition, is about creating a collaborative environment where new and seasoned acts can thrive together. We're thrilled to be working with promoters across the city and to see what this festival can become."
Vicky Lee, Director of Bristol City Centre BID, notes: "The Bristol Comedy Festival is testament to the creativity and innovation that defines our city. We're proud to support an initiative that not only showcases local talent but also brings vibrancy to Bristol's venues and communities. We can't wait to see the city come alive with laughter this January."
More information about the festival can be found via thebristolcomedyfestival.com
The Bristol Comedy Competition is open for entries until the end of Sunday 1st December. Entry details