LCA wins ISH Edinburgh Comedy Award for work supporting those affected by Leicester Comedy Festival non-payments

The Live Comedy Association (LCA) has been named a recipient of the James Corden/Rhod Gilbert ISH Edinburgh Comedy Award Panel Prize 2026, in recognition of its work supporting people affected by the non-payment of money following the demise of Big Difference Company, the charity behind Leicester Comedy Festival.

The prize was split between all five nominees, with the LCA recognised specifically for its efforts to support the hundreds of people owed money following the charity's collapse.

The LCA has already distributed £5,000 in hardship funding to people left unpaid by Big Difference Company and has since launched a crowdfunding campaign to provide further support to those most in need.

Many of those affected are individuals working in live comedy, including performers, promoters, suppliers and others whose livelihoods have been impacted by the non-payments. While some have been able to weather the financial loss, others have experienced significant hardship. The LCA’s fundraising campaign will prioritise support for those most in need.

Support the Leicester Comedy Festival hardship fund: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/lcfsupportfund

The ISH award is shared with Henry Churney and Laugh For Life Comedy, Jess Brough and the Fringe of Colour Database, Lee Kyle and Felt Nowt, and Sarah-Louise Young.

LCA Directors, Che Burney and Mark Boosey at the ISH Edinburgh Comedy Awards on 28 August.