UK comedy festival featuring popular acts leaves stars out of pocket

WorldEntertainment
16 May 2026 • 12:59 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

UK comedy festival featuring popular acts leaves stars out of pocket

  • Leicester Comedy Festival has failed to pay hundreds of comedians who performed at its February event, with many owed thousands of pounds.
  • Performers, including comedian Benjamin Alborough who is owed nearly £2,000, were informed of payment delays after expecting to be paid by 19 April.
  • Only 22 per cent of the performing comedians received their payments on time, according to reports.
  • Michael Harris-Wakelam, CEO of organiser Big Difference, stated the delays are due to a 'cashflow problem' stemming from outstanding payments from sponsors, commission shows, and third-party ticket sales.
  • Despite the ongoing payment issues, the festival organisers are proceeding with plans for the 2027 festival and an upcoming event, LCF in the Park, in June.

IN FULL