Blackpool is set to become the UK’s comedy capital once again as the Blackpool Comedy Festival returns from Saturday, May 24th to Sunday, June 1st, bringing a week of top comedians, outdoor entertainment, and fresh programming across the resort.
Developed in collaboration with Manford’s Comedy Club and supported by the Blackpool Tourism Business Improvement District (TBID), the festival is a true town-wide partnership. With venues including Winter Gardens Blackpool, Comedy Station, Viva Blackpool, Showtown, and The Grand Theatre, this year’s event brings together performers, creatives, and local businesses to deliver a brilliant celebration of comedy.
2025 introduces a new format: A Festival of Two Halves. The fun begins with the South Shore Comedy Takeover on Saturday, May 24th and Sunday, May 25th, transforming local businesses and unexpected spaces into pop-up comedy venues. From Thursday, May 29th to Sunday, June 1st, the festival takes over the town centre with a packed line-up of stand-up, street performances, workshops, and family-friendly events.
Download the GO Blackpool app to see the interactive tour of the full line up and view the offers around the town centre.
Saturday 24th May
Joy Ride – Joy and Joy take you on whimsical, chatty prom rides in search of what brings joy. Expect silly fun and surprises for all ages. South Shore. 11:00am – 3:00pm. All ages. Free
Sunday 25th May
Sunday Fun Day – A roaming day of family comedy on the promenade – joke-telling, funny faces, and spontaneous prizes. South Shore. 11:00am – 3:00pm. All ages. Free
Wednesday 28th May
Harry Stachini: Grenade – Relatable, brutally honest stand-up about life’s messy truths, relationships, and blowing up your own world.
Comedy Station Comedy Club. 7:00pm – 10:00pm. Ages 18+. £16 tickets.
The Clown Lecture – An absurdist deep dive into clowning with performance poet Anthony Briscoe – informative, ridiculous, and original. Abingdon Studios. 7:30pm – 8:30pm. Ages 14+ . Free
Thursday 29th May
Open Up the Mic – Kids become comedians! Tell your best jokes live on stage – laughs guaranteed. Showtown. 2:00pm – 3:00pm. All ages. Free
House of Secrets Magic Show – A magical mix of illusions and close-up magic in an intimate venue – fun for the whole family.
House of Secrets. 7:00pm – 8:30pm. All ages. £14 tickets
Kieran & Matt’s Comedy Showcase – Two very different comics bring heart, sarcasm, and hilarious stories to the stage.
Dirty Blondes. 8:00pm – 10:00pm. Ages 18+. £10 tickets
Paul Zerdin & Friends – America’s Got Talent-winning ventriloquist dazzles with characters and comedy. VIVA Blackpool. 8:00pm – 10:00pm. Ages 14+. £15.95 – £30.95 tickets.
Justin Moorhouse: The Greatest Performance – A thoughtful, funny stand-up about family, dreams, small talk, and life’s silly struggles. Comedy Station Comedy Club. 7:00pm – 10:00pm. Ages 14+. £17 tickets.
Friday 30th May
Games Through the Ages – Silly family fun with vintage games, time-travelling hosts, and plenty of cheering.
Showtown. 11:00am – 12:00pm and 1:00pm – 2:00pm. All ages. Free or donation
Frankie Monroe: Dead Good Bastard – A raucous, bitter Yorkshire comedy storm from one of Britain’s boldest newcomers.
Blackpool Catholic Club. 7:00pm – 8:00pm. Ages 18+. £8 tickets.
House of Secrets Magic Show – A magical mix of illusions and close-up magic in an intimate venue – fun for the whole family.
House of Secrets. 7:00pm – 8:30pm. All ages. £14 tickets.
Varnish with Jonathan Mayor – A comedic deep dive into ego, adoption, and identity by the fabulous Jonathan Mayor.
Blackpool Grand Theatre. 7:30pm – 8:30pm. Ages 16+. £10 tickets.
Saturday 31st May
Festival Square Street Comedy – All-day outdoor street comedy with performers, stunts, and slapstick. A must-see for all ages.
St John’s Square. 11:00am – 5:00pm. All ages. Free
Funny Portraits – Get your own caricature drawn by top artists – a festival keepsake with attitude.
Abingdon Street Market. 11:00am – 5:00pm. All ages. £15 to £25 tickets.
Character Comedy Masterclass – Learn character creation and drag comedy in this creative workshop with Gareth Joyner.
Showtown. 11:00am – 4:00pm. Ages 18+. £25 to £30 tickets.
House of Secrets Magic Show – A magical mix of illusions and close-up magic in an intimate venue – fun for the whole family.
House of Secrets. 7:00pm – 8:30pm. All ages. £14 tickets.
Headline Event: Manford’s Comedy Club – Russell Howard, Maisie Adam, Emmanuel Sonubi and more in a powerhouse night of stand-up. Winter Gardens. 8:00pm – 10:00pm. Ages 14+. £40.25 tickets.
Sunday 1st June
Festival Square Street Comedy – Day two of brilliant outdoor comedy with street performers, improv and circus antics.
St John’s Square. 11:00am – 5:00pm. All ages. Free
Funny Portraits – Get your own caricature drawn by top artists – a festival keepsake with attitude. Abingdon Street Market. 11:00am – 5:00pm. All ages. £15 to £25 tickets.
The First Rule of Comedy – Sitcom star Jeffrey Holland shares behind-the-scenes tales and comedy memories in conversation.
Showtown. 11:00am – 12:00pm. Ages 18+. £7 to £9 tickets.
House of Secrets Magic Show – A magical mix of illusions and close-up magic in an intimate venue – fun for the whole family.
House of Secrets. 7:00pm – 8:30pm. All ages. £14 tickets.
Black Liver’s Game Show Show
Part game show, part sketch, and all comedy – a quirky night of Blackpool-themed fun.
Blackpool Grand Theatre. 8:30pm – 10:30pm. Ages 12+. £12.50 tickets.
Rock On Tommy! Remembering Cannon & Ball – A tribute to comedy icons Cannon and Ball, with laughs, music, and stories from The Harper Brothers. VIVA Blackpool. 8:00pm – 10:30pm. All ages. £15.95 tickets.
More than just a comedy festival, this is a celebration of Blackpool’s creativity, community, and character. By working closely with local partners, the festival delivers laughs while supporting the town’s growing cultural scene.
Tickets for selected events are on sale now. Visit bplcomedyfest.co.uk for full listings and booking.
Image (British Comedy Guide)