Now in its 23rd year, Liverpool Comedy Festival offers a unique and exciting array of community comedy events – workshops, classes, panels, academic discussions PLUS the annual celebration of Sir Ken Dodd with the Doddy Day Happiness Show!
8th Oct – Variety Lunch Club
Aimed at an older audience, Variety Lunch Club features the best in local entertainment with a variety of comedians, actors, singers and entertainers. We are open to anyone who wants to enjoy an afternoon of entertainment, a bowl of Scouse and a cup of tea all in the very best company. Tickets are just £4 or £7.50 including a bowl of finest home-made Scouse with bread roll and red cabbage and there is a special discount for groups with a free ticket for every 10th person.
20th Oct – Laugh it Off Primary
For more than two decades, The Comedy Trust have worked in secondary schools. In 2025 we’re launching Laugh it Off Primary with funding from PH Holt. We’ll be working with over 120 children from Key Stage 2 from Our Lady Immaculate Catholic Primary School, Everton.
Throughout Oct – PSS Mums
We’re proud to partner with PSS Mums to bring laughter, confidence, and connection to new and expectant mums. Through our fun and supportive comedy workshops, participants explore storytelling, humour, and self-expression — helping them find their voice, build resilience, and share a good laugh along the way. Together, we’re proving that comedy isn’t just about punchlines — it’s about wellbeing, community, and joy.
26th Oct – The Happiness Show! Royal Court Theatre
We’ve teamed up with National Museums Liverpool, the Ken Dodd Charitable Foundation, Knotty Ash Productions, BBC Radio Merseyside and Liverpool’s Royal Court to create a celebration of one of Liverpool’s most famous sons. Doddy Day takes place annually on Sir Ken’s birthday weekend and is a tattyfilarious festival of all that is good about comedy and the impact it can have on people’s health!
West Derby School – various dates
We’ve been delighted to work with West Derby School through our Laugh it Off programme, helping students build confidence, creativity, and communication skills through the power of comedy. Our workshops give young people the chance to write, perform, and express themselves in a supportive and inspiring environment — proving that laughter can be a powerful tool for learning, wellbeing, and personal growth. This year we’ve been working with comedy streaming platform Next Up Comedy to produce a short film that will air next year.
Around the City in 2025
Each year, the Festival emphasises accessibility and community involvement by taking comedy to unexpected places so look out for pop-up events around the city. This year we’re offering FREE HUMOUR SESSIONS for Liverpool businesses – get in touch for details!
Laugh it Off Exhibition – various dates and locations
Our Laugh It Off exhibition will celebrate Liverpool’s unique ability to find humour in even the toughest times. Showcasing stories, voices, and moments from across the city, the exhibition explores how comedy and laughter have long been part of Liverpool’s resilience and identity. From quick wit to shared laughter, Laugh It Off highlights how humour continues to bring people together, lift spirits, and help the city face challenges with a smile.
Thrive – 5th November
The Comedy Trust are working with a group of 18-24 year olds to help with their journeys to employment. Thrive are a coffee shop and safe space where support workers and the young people they care for can meet, build relationships and access job search support.
Comedy for Social Change
Working with our academic partners at Liverpool Hope, Edge Hill and Salford Universities, this year we’ll be showcasing all of our academic research alongside performances from past participants.
About Liverpool Comedy Festival
The Liverpool Comedy Festival is one of the UK’s premier comedy events, established in 2003 to celebrate the city’s rich comedic tradition. Each year, the festival draws comedy lovers and features performances by top comedians, as well as providing a platform for emerging talent. Funding comes from Liverpool City Council’s CAIP grants programme and via The Comedy Trust’s commercial work.
Further Information
For press inquiries, contact:
Kevin Coogan, Press Officer, Liverpool Comedy Festival
Email: kevin@thecomedytrust.com