We all could use a laugh right now. You turn on the TV, the news is bleak. You look out of the window, the weather is grim. Thankfully, the inaugural Bristol Comedy Festival will ‘stand up’ and lift our moods in January – with a dynamic lineup of events, shows and the launch of Bristol’s first city-wide Comedy Competition.
Happening from January 12 to 25, the Bristol Comedy Festival aims to cement the city as a thriving hub for comedy. It all kicks off with a FREE launch party at Bambalan on opening night but will spread across various city centre venues with a dynamic line-up including Vittorio Angelone and Helen Bauer.
Other 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.
Harry Allmark, co-founder of the festival and award-winning comedian, said: “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.”
The festival also marks the launch of the city’s first-of-its-kind Bristol Comedy Competition, with prizes of up to £1,000, including paid work and industry exposure. The competition heats will include an audience vote and an industry panel in the grand final. Applications are now open until December 1, which you can sign up to here.
Co-founder Burt Williamson, added: “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.”
The two-week festival, supported by Bristol City Centre BID, is also partnering with official charity partner TAP for Bristol. The unique initiative combines contactless technology with local giving to raise funds to tackle homelessness and support vital services in the city. Throughout, audiences will be encouraged to donate through TAP points located at the venues.
Bristol Comedy Festival programme:
- Festival launch party @ Bambalan, January 12th | 8 PM | Free
- Best of the West @ The Drawbridge, January 12th | 5 PM | Free
- Mr Wolf’s Comedy Night @ Mr Wolf’s, January 12th | 7 PM | £5
- The Robin Hood Comedy Night @ The Robin Hood, January 13th | 7:30 PM | Free
- Bristol Comedy Competition – Heat 1 @ Bristol Folk House, January 13th | 7:30 PM | £4
- Comedy Loft: Roast Battle @ The Famous Royal Navy Volunteer, January 14th | 8 PM | Free
- Vittorio Angelone @ BCC, 15th January | 7:30 PM | £10
- Comedy Rave @ Basement 45, January 18th | 11 PM | £6
- Comedy on King Street @ select locations on King Street, January 21st | 6 PM | Free
- Helen Bauer @ Basement 45, January 23rd | 8 PM | £10
- Bristol Comedy Competition Finale @ Folk House, January 24th | 7:30 PM | £10
This is only the initial programme, with more acts and special events to be announced soon. To stay up-to-date on new announcements head here.