Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentIndependentSwipe for next articleIndependent Bulletin homepageDownload our appAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleLauren MorrisFriday 15 May 2026 17:59 BSTThe annual comedy festival runs for almost three weeks every February, welcoming around 100,000 customers to see the likes of Sara Pascoe, Maisie Adam, Chris McCausland and Sir Stephen Fry. (PA)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 fullBritish comedians owed thousands by big UK comedy festival: ‘I’ve got bills to pay’Thank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in