Rochdale Comedy Festival will be staged for the first time this autumn and the names on the line-up have been revealed.
Running from Friday, 26 September 2025 to Sunday, 5 October 2025 in venues across the the borough, the new festival will include established names from television and radio alongside rising stars.
The line-up includes Robin Ince – co-host and creator of the Sony Gold Award winning BBC Radio 4 series The Infinite Monkey Cage.
The comedy legend Mick Miller will be appearing at the festival.
Also appearing is comedy legend Mick Miller, Tez Ilyas (Man Like Mobeen, BBC3 and The Tez O’Clock Show, Channel 4) and Lou Conran who’s a regular tour support for Sarah Millican and host of BBC Radio 4 Extra’s Comedy Club.
Tez Ilyas, as seen on Man Like Mobeen, BBC3 and The Tez O’Clock Show, Channel 4.
Last year’s Britain’s Got Talent finalist Alex Mitchell and Edinburgh Festival best newcomer nominee, English comedian of the year winner and star of BBC1’s Live at the Apollo - Brennan Reece are also on the bill.
Aaron Wood, picked by Rolling Stone as one of the 12 rising comedy stars to see at the Edinburgh Fringe.
‘Big appetite for comedy’
Scottish observational comic Lubna Kerr will make her Rochdale debut along with Chortle Best Newcomer winner Daisy Earl and 2017 Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalist Jonny Awsum. Edinburgh Festival favourite Patrick Monahan will also be performing along with English comedian of the year Rob Mullholland, Arron Wood - named by Rolling Stone UK as one of the 12 rising comedy stars to see at the Edinburgh Fringe this summer, and comedy musician Alex Camp. The festival’s opening night features internationally-renowned award-winning improvisation duo ‘Halls of Ridiculous.’
Daisy Earl, Chortle Best Newcomer winner.
There will be comedy courses for aspiring comedians hosted by Dave Williams from legendary comedy club The Frog and Bucket. Dave has been a professional comedian for over 25 years and is a regular MC and act at the venue as well as other top clubs across the UK.
Lou Conran, host of BBC Radio 4 Extra’s Comedy Club.
There’ll be family friendly laughter on offer too, with Jonny Awsum doing 2 shows, one adults only and another just for children, performed at Broadfield Community Primary School.
Councillor Sue Smith, cabinet member for communities and co-operation at Rochdale Borough Council said:
“Us northerners are famous for our sense of humour and there’s a big appetite for comedy. So I’m happy to see Rochdale Comedy Festival launching during our year as Greater Manchester Town of Culture. It will bring together communities and give new comedians a chance to shine.”
Brennan Reece, star of BBC1’s Live at the Apollo.
Rick Attwood, from organisers Ace Lips, added:
"We’re proud of this line-up and have hand-picked some of the most exciting comedy talent from well-known names to hysterical shows you won’t have seen yet, along with workshops for aspiring local comedians and support for those who face challenges with socialising, mental health and confidence.”
Rochdale Comedy Festival is part of a spectacular line up of festivals, live performances, exhibitions and art during Rochdale’s year as Greater Manchester Town of Culture 2025-26. The title, awarded by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority celebrates the town’s rich history, creativity, talent and diverse arts scene.
Rochdale’s year as Greater Manchester Town of Culture is supported by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, Arts Council England, Rochdale Borough Council and Rochdale Development Agency.
Rochdale Comedy Festival is supported by Your Trust and the Rochdale Business Improvement District (BID).
Tickets will be released soon.
Find out more about Rochdale’s year as Greater Manchester Town of Culture. LINK TO at rochdale.gov.uk/TownOfCulture