Top comedians booked for first ever Rochdale Comedy Festival this autumn

Tuesday, 5 August 2025 16:03

By David Murphy

A new ten-day comedy festival featuring TV names and rising stars is heading to Rochdale for the first time this September

Comedy fans are in for a treat as the inaugural Rochdale Comedy Festival takes place this autumn, bringing a star-studded line-up to venues across the borough.

Running from Friday 26 September to Sunday 5 October, the festival will feature more than 25 comedians performing at 12 venues. Organised by Ace Lips Events in partnership with Rochdale Development Agency, the ten-day celebration of live comedy includes household names, award-winning acts and breakthrough talents.

One of the biggest names on the bill is Robin Ince, co-host of the BBC Radio 4 series The Infinite Monkey Cage, who will perform at the recently restored Rochdale Town Hall. Comedy legend Mick Miller, a familiar face from television variety shows, will appear at Champness Hall, supported by 2017 Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalist Jonny Awsum.

Other highlights include Lou Conran, regular tour support for Sarah Millican, performing at The Engine House in Middleton alongside 2024 BGT finalist Alex Mitchell, who arrives fresh from the Edinburgh Fringe.

The Curtain Theatre in Rochdale will host Tez Ilyas, star of Man Like Mobeen (BBC Three) and The Tez O’Clock Show (Channel 4), supported by Scottish comic Lubna Kerr, Bas Rahman, and Don Biswas.

Improvised sketch comedy from award-winning duo Halls of Ridiculous will kick off the festival at The Flying Horse Hotel. Meanwhile, Patrick Monahan headlines at Milnrow Cricket Club with Live at the Apollo performer Brennan Reece, and Chortle Best Newcomer Daisy Earl appears at Rochdale AFC.

Other acts across the borough include English Comedian of the Year Rob Mulholland, rising star Arron Wood, tipped by Rolling Stone UK, and comedy musician Alex Camp at Vicolo del Vino.

The Masonic Ballroom will host ‘Comedy at the Lodge’, featuring Pete Selwood, Mandy McCarthy, Stephen Cookson, Henry Michael and Jamie Sutherland.

As well as live performances, the festival will run comedy workshops for aspiring performers. Led by Dave Williams from Manchester’s Frog and Bucket Comedy Club, the sessions aim to nurture local talent and offer a first step into the industry.

Tickets are now available at https://www.rochdale.gov.uk/TownOfCulture and https://www.rochdalecreates.co.uk with many shows priced under £15.