Mark Watson, Jayde Adams and Maisie Adam are among the line-up
05:00, 15 Jan 2026
The Bristol Comedy Festival returns this week for its 2026 edition, with a line-up of local and big name stars in the world of comedy. Taking place at venues across the city from January 15 to 31, it promises 'the very best in comedy' and a celebration of our city's 'thriving, diverse and ever-growing comedy scene'.
What's more, because of its central location, attendees have a variety of choice when it comes to getting to the festival - bus routes running to the Centre, taxis, trains to Bristol Temple Meads, by car, by foot, and even by bike, e-bike and e-scooter.
Over the course of two weeks, the event takes over venues across the city centre and beyond hosting shows that include everything from intimate 'work-in-progress' gigs in bars, to 'big names off the telly' performing to audiences at some of Bristol's biggest and most iconic venues. And it raises money for charity in the process.
It will also host emerging talent comedy competitions and collaborations with local venues that give new upcoming local acts a chance to share the stage with household names. Here's everything you need to know about it - from ticket prices, to the line-up, venues, and more...
When and where Bristol Comedy Festival is taking place
Bristol Comedy Festival is taking place across the city, predominantly in the city centre, between Thursday (January 15) and January 31. Gigs will take place at the following venues:
- Avery's Wine Bar
- Bambalan
- Basement 45
- Bristol Central Library
- Bristol Folk House Cafe
- Bristol Marriott Royal
- Bristol Megascreen
- Hey Dude Bar
- King Street Brew House
- Kongs
- Le Vignoble
- Llandoger Trow
- Mr Wolfs
- Seamus O'Donnell's
- Small Bar
- Sparks
- Strange Brew
- The Apple
- The Bristol Improv Theatre
- The Conspiracy
- The Courts
- The Crown
- The Drawbridge
- The Famous Royal Navy Volunteer
- The Gaffe Comedy Club
- The Granary
- The Hatchet
- The Hen & Chicken: Studio
- The Lost & Found
- The Milk Thistle
- The Ostrich
- The Raven
- The Robin Hood
- YHA Bristol
How much tickets cost - and where to buy them
Tickets vary in price depending on the event you attend. For example, the first event on the line-up - the film premiere of The Home of Comedy at Bristol Megascreen on Thursday costs £7.50, while Jayde Adams' 'Work in Progress' act at The Gaffe Comedy Club on January 31 costs £15 and Mark Watson live at the same venue currently has a waiting list you can join, due to its popularity.
You can find the full list of events at varying prices and with varying availability via the official Bristol Comedy Festival website here.
Who is on the line-up?
In addition to the aforementioned Jayde Adams and Mark Watson, other comedians on the line-up include the likes of:
- Maisie Adam
- Dani Johns
- Stuart Goldsmith
- Abi Clarke
- Dom McGovern
- Felicity Ward
- June Tuesday
- Dan Tiernan
- Matt Richardson and Esther Manito
- Rajiv Karia
- Omari Douglas
- Ollie Young
- Alexandra Haddow
... and many many more.
The event list also includes everything from a film premiere to comedy nights featuring multiple acts, drag cabarets, boozy comedy brunch, improv, alternative book club, Comedians Got Talent, sketch show, live podcast, comedy and wine night, closing gala, and that all-important comedy competition with multiple heats.