Birmingham’s funniest neighbourhood is launching a Comedy Festival & it's going to be hilarious

With neighbours like Joe Lycett and Barbara Nice you’re never too far from someone who can make you smile.

Now a thriving Birmingham neighbourhood is launching its very own comedy festival this summer.

The inaugural event has got an impressive lineup with some old and new faces from Birmingham and across the country - although it doesn’t look like they’ve booked Joe.

The Kings Heath Comedy Festival will be held from Thursday to Sunday, July 25 to 28 at the Hare and Hounds and other top local venues. It’s being organised with the women behind cult hit comedy night Hare of the Dog.

Kings Heath Comedy Festival line-up

The launch show at the Hare and Hounds on Thursday, July 25 will be headlined by the brilliant (adopted Brummie) Celya AB, and also feature Barbara Nice and Trusty Hogs star Helen Bauer.

Elsewhere over the weekend there will be performances from Northfield’s Princess Lindsey Santoro, Edinburgh Award Nominee Kwame Asante, Comedian of the year winner Brennan Reece, TV star Jo Enright, the fabulous Aaron Twitchen, award-winner Anna Thomas and loads of other local and national acts. 

Audiences can pick from a diverse array of comedic styles and unique voices, ensuring there's something for everyone.

What else is happening at Kings Heath Comedy Festival?

Festival goers will also have the chance to experience special events such as Rob Kemp's critically acclaimed show, The Elvis Dead, and the wildly popular Board Game Smackdown hosted by James Cook. 

Additionally, there will be a comedy quiz, and children’s comedy show alongside a variety of compilation shows featuring a mix of established comedians and emerging talent. Saturday night will end with a late-night disco hosted by internet sensation Ruth Husko.

Whereabouts is Kings Heath Comedy Festival taking place?

The festival will be spread across lots of beloved local venues, transforming Kings Heath into a comedy hub. 

Performances will take place at: The Hare and Hounds, The Station, Schooners, The Juke, Houblon, Fletchers, Hop and Scotch, How Brave Is the Wren and Grace + James.

Organisers Alice Rosenthal and Kate Glaze said: “We are thrilled to bring the Kings Heath Comedy Festival to life. Joe Lycett introduced the world to our community and its vibrant arts scene, and this festival will further cement Kings Heath as a cultural hotspot. We're excited to offer a platform for both established and up-and-coming comedians and to provide an unforgettable experience for comedy fans and the community as a whole."

The majority of shows will be run on a pay as you feel basis, so audiences can take a chance on something new at no risk.  Ticketed shows in the Kings Heath Comedy Festival are on sale now. For more information on the lineup, schedule, and ticketing, please visit khcomedyfest.com or follow social media @khcomedyfest.