Rochdale’s Comedy Festival is seriously funny

Posted by on 22 Sep 2025

The very first Rochdale Comedy Festival begins this week, bringing ten days of laughter from Friday 26 September to Sunday 5 October.                                                   

The line-up features established names from television and radio, alongside rising stars, in a varied selection of fascinating venues across the borough, from the 100-year-old Curtain Theatre and iconic Champness Hall, to sports clubs, pubs, bars and the majestic Rochdale Town Hall.   

Robin Ince, co-host and creator of the Sony Gold Award winning BBC Radio 4 series The Infinite Monkey Cage, is part of a stellar line-up.  Also appearing is comedy legend Mick Miller, Tez Ilyas (Man Like Mobeen, BBC3 and The Tez O’Clock Show, Channel 4) and Lou Conran, who is a regular tour support for Sarah Millican and host of BBC Radio 4 Extra’s Comedy Club. 

Last year’s Britain’s Got Talent finalist, Alex Mitchell, and Edinburgh Festival best newcomer nominee, English comedian of the year winner and star of BBC1’s Live at the Apollo, Brennan Reece, are also on the bill.  Scottish observational comic Lubna Kerr makes her Rochdale debut, along with Chortle Best Newcomer winner Daisy Earl and former Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalist, Jonny Awsum. Edinburgh Festival favourite Patrick Monahan will also be performing, along with English comedian of the year, Rob Mullholland. 

Stockport’s own Aaron Wood - named by Rolling Stone UK last month as one of the 12 rising comedy stars to see at the Edinburgh Fringe - and comedy musician Alex Camp will be appearing. The festival’s opening night at The Flying Horse Hotel features internationally-renowned improvisation duo ‘Halls of Ridiculous’, who’ve recently been shortlisted for the BBC New Comedy Award. 

Councillor Sue Smith, cabinet member for communities and co-operation at Rochdale Borough Council, said: “Us northerners are known for our sharp wit and love of a good laugh, so it’s fantastic to see the launch of the Rochdale Comedy Festival during our year as Greater Manchester Town of Culture.” 

Rick Attwood, from organisers Ace Lips, added: “We’re proud of this line-up and have hand-picked some of the most exciting comedy talent from well-known names to hysterical shows you won’t have seen yet.” 

Book tickets and check out the full line-up at www.rochdalecomedyfestival.co.uk  

Rochdale Comedy Festival is part of a spectacular line up of festivals, live performances, exhibitions and art during Rochdale’s year as Greater Manchester Town of Culture 2025-26. The title, awarded by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority celebrates the town’s rich history, creativity, talent and diverse arts scene. 

Rochdale’s year as Greater Manchester Town of Culture is supported by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, Arts Council England, Rochdale Borough Council and Rochdale Development Agency. 

The festival is supported by Your Trust and the Rochdale Business Improvement District (BID). 

Find out more about Rochdale’s year as Greater Manchester Town of Culture at rochdale.gov.uk/TownOfCulture