The Live Comedy Association (LCA) has joined the creditors committee led by the liquidators of Big Difference Company, the charity behind the annual Leicester Comedy Festival. The first committee meeting took place on 19 October 2026.
The charity ceased trading earlier this year owing £250,000 to comedians, promoters, staff and other people who worked with the festival. The creditors committee are supporting the team from FRP Advisory, which has been appointed as liquidators, and other members of the committee include former staff members, venues, and promoters.
As part of the liquidation process, FRP has commenced an investigation into what happened to the charity.
Jessica Toomey, co-Chair of the Live Comedy Association, said:
“We are continuing to work with partners, and the liquidators, to try and work out what happened to Big Difference Company and why they have ended up in a position owing £250,000, largely to people working in the live comedy sector across the UK. Our members have asked us to work to find out the truth behind the collapse and, where possible, share information to try and ensure this never happens again with other comedy organisations. Leicester Comedy Festival was a nationally significant event in the comedy calendar and made an enormous contribution to the UK comedy scene over many decades.”
The liquidators investigation will result in a report which will be sent to the Insolvency Service. The Insolvency Service may then choose to conduct its own investigation. A separate report, giving information to creditors, will also be issued and published on Companies House.
At the meeting on 19 October, members of the committee highlighted the national importance of the investigation and of the demise of Leicester Comedy Festival. Members of the committee will continue to advise and support the liquidators in their investigation which is focused on finding out what led to the collapse of the charity, and primarily to explore the likelihood of securing financial recompense for creditors.
The next meeting of the committee will take place before Christmas. The LCA will continue to provide updates to members.