Live Comedy Association statement about Big Difference Company/Leicester Comedy Festival
The Live Comedy Association (LCA) has responded to the news that Leicester Comedy Festival producers Big Difference Company (registered charity) has ceased trading. The news broke earlier this morning when the trustees of the charity issued a statement saying they had become insolvent and were closing down.
This news comes after the LCA launched a crowdfunding campaign yesterday to raise money to support people affected by non payments following Leicester Comedy Festival 2026.
Jessica Toomey, Director of Live Comedy Association, said: “We are incredibly sad about the dreadful impact this will have on many of our members and the wider live comedy sector across the UK. Leicester Comedy Festival has been a beacon of UK live comedy each February since 1994 and has helped develop the careers of many comedians, as well as supporting promoters, venues and the wider comedy community. Our thoughts are with those people who are still owed money, some of them a considerable amount.
“We hope our recently launched crowdfunding campaign will gain support and be of some help at a time when people really need it. We also hope that a new festival can emerge from the ashes and help sustain the legacy built up over more than 30 years.”
The LCA has submitted a formal request to Big Difference Company that their assets are transferred to the Community Interest Company, in particular the archive materials from Leicester Comedy Festival. The LCA will ensure all items will be joined with the existing archive held at De Montfort University.
The Live Comedy Association is a not for profit, Community Interest Company formed in 2020 and is supported by a board of Directors and an Advisory Panel made up of people working in the industry. Members include comedians, comedy clubs, promoters, venues, festivals and other people who rely on live comedy to earn their living.
