Bristol Comedy Festival taking place at venues across the city in January

A new comedy festival is coming to venues across the city next year. 'Bristol Comedy Festival' will be holding its inaugural event in January, promising a 'dynamic line-up of events, shows, and the launch of Bristol's first city-wide Comedy Competition'.

The festival, which is supported by Bristol City Centre Business Improvement District and runs from Sunday, January 12, to Saturday, January 25, across various city centre venues. It will kick off with a launch party at Bambalan on opening night.

Events across the festival's run will include an eclectic mix of shows - from an edgy 'Roast Battle' at The Famous Royal Navy Volunteer, to evenings of 'wit and improvisation' at Mr Wolf's. There will also be a 'Best of the West' showcase at The Drawbridge and the Comedy Loft.

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The festival will mark the launch of the city's first-of-its-kind Bristol Comedy Competition. A key element of this year's programme, prizes of up to £1,000 can be won, including guaranteed paid work and industry exposure.

The competition "aims to nurture new talent in an inclusive and fair environment". Heats will include an audience vote and an industry panel in the grand final, and applications for the Bristol Comedy Competition will be open until Sunday, December 1, 2024 - more information and the sign-up form is available here.

Vicky Lee, director of Bristol City Centre BID, said: "The Bristol Comedy Festival is testament to the creativity and innovation that defines our city. We’re proud to support an initiative that not only showcases local talent but also brings vibrancy to Bristol’s venues and communities.

"We can’t wait to see the city come alive with laughter this January."

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The festival will be partnering with official charity partner TAP for Bristol, an initiative that combines contactless technology with local giving. The new-for-2025 event will raise funds to tackle homelessness and support vital services in the city.

Throughout the festival, audiences will be encouraged to donate through TAP points located at various venues. More acts and special events are to be announced in the coming weeks, but a list of festival events so far include:

• Free festival launch party at Bambalan - January 12 (8pm)

• Free 'Best of the West' at The Drawbridge - January 12 (5pm)

• Mr Wolf's Comedy Night at Mr Wolf's - January 12 (7pm) and priced at £5

• The Robin Hood Comedy Night (free) - January 13 (7.30pm)

• Bristol Comedy Competition - Heat 1 at Bristol Folk House - January 13 (7.30pm) £4

• Comedy Loft: Roast Battle at The Famous Royal Navy Volunteer - January 14 (8pm) - free

• Vittorio Angelone at BCC - January 15 (7.30pm) £10

• Comedy Rave at Basement 45 - January 18 (11pm) £6

• Comedy on King Street at select locations on King Street - January 21 (6pm) free

• Helen Bauer at Basement 45 - January 23 (8pm) £10

• Bristol Comedy Competition Finale at Folk House - January 24 (7.30pm) £10

The festival's co-founder, Burt Williamson, said: "Bristol’s comedy scene has transformed massively in the past few years. This festival, and particularly the competition, is about creating a collaborative environment where new and seasoned acts can thrive together.

"We’re thrilled to be working with promoters across the city and to see what this festival can become."