Rochdale Comedy Festival launches with ten days of top talent

Thursday, 17 July 2025 21:39

By David Murphy

Former English comedian of the year winner. Rob Mulholland

Rochdale is getting ready to laugh as a brand new comedy festival brings well-known names and rising stars to venues across the borough this autumn.

The first ever Rochdale Comedy Festival will run from Friday 26 September to Sunday 5 October 2025, featuring an impressive line-up of TV favourites, award-winning comedians, and fresh new acts.

Top billing goes to Robin Ince, the co-creator of BBC Radio 4’s The Infinite Monkey Cage, alongside legendary Liverpool comic Mick Miller. Also appearing are Tez Ilyas (Man Like Mobeen, BBC Three), Lou Conran (BBC Radio 4 Extra), and Brennan Reece, a Live at the Apollo star and Edinburgh Festival best newcomer nominee.

Festival highlights include Jonny Awsum, who made the Britain’s Got Talent semi-finals in 2017, and Alex Mitchell, a finalist on last year’s show. They’re joined by rising stars such as Lubna Kerr, Daisy Earl, Rob Mulholland, Arron Wood, tipped by Rolling Stone UK as one of the top 12 comics to watch—and musical comic Alex Camp.

The festival opens with a performance by award-winning improv duo Halls of Ridiculous and offers something for all ages, with family-friendly shows including a child-only performance by Jonny Awsum at Broadfield Community Primary School.

Rochdale Borough Council is backing the festival as part of its year as Greater Manchester’s official Town of Culture. Councillor Sue Smith, cabinet member for communities and co-operation, said: “Us northerners are famous for our sense of humour. This new festival is a brilliant way to bring people together and support emerging talent in our community.”

Comedy courses will also run during the festival, hosted by Dave Williams from Manchester’s legendary Frog and Bucket comedy club. The workshops aim to help new comedians build skills and confidence, particularly those facing challenges such as social anxiety and mental health issues.

Organiser Rick Attwood from Ace Lips said the festival had been carefully curated: “We’ve hand picked some of the most exciting comedy talent, from household names to shows you won’t have seen yet. It’s about giving Rochdale something fresh, fun, and inclusive.”

Supported by Your Trust and the Rochdale BID, the festival is part of a wider calendar of performances and events planned for Rochdale’s Town of Culture celebrations throughout 2025–26, where you can learn more here.