Kirkstall Abbey Comedy Festival returns for 2026

Yorkshire-based promoters Futuresound, in collaboration with Leeds Comedy Festival, have announced the return of The Kirkstall Abbey Comedy Festival, which will once again take place within the stunning grounds of the Leeds landmark on Sunday 26 July 2026. The event, which has already earned its title as the largest outdoor comedy festival in the UK, will bring together some of the country’s finest and funniest performers for another laughter-filled day in a truly unique setting.

Following 2024’s sell-out debut, next year’s festival promises an even stronger line-up. Comedian, presenter, actor and household name Jason Manford joins one of Britain’s most loved Irish comedians Dara Ó Briain, and acclaimed Hull-born comic Lucy Beaumont for an unmissable afternoon of top-class stand-up.

Familiar faces

They’ll be joined by a line-up packed with familiar faces, including the sharp and insightful Sara Pascoe, TV favourite Alan Davies, political satirist Geoff Norcott, and high-energy performer Hal Cruttenden. Hosting the day is New Zealand-born Chortle Comedy Award winner Jarred Christmas, ensuring the laughs keep coming throughout.

This year’s event will once again take place within the historic 12th-century Kirkstall Abbey, offering audiences the chance to enjoy world-class comedy surrounded by centuries of history. With both General Admission and Premium Seated tickets available – the latter including priority access and entry to ‘Bob’s Monkhouse’, a premium hangout in the Abbey’s cloister – it’s set to be one of the highlights of Yorkshire’s summer events calendar.

Postcode pre-sale and ticket information

Kirkstall Abbey Comedy Festival will run a special postcode pre-sale for local residents in LS4, LS5, LS13 and LS18 areas, giving locals the first opportunity to secure tickets ahead of the general sale. The pre-sale is now open, with general sale following at 9am on Wednesday 29 October.

The festival is open to those aged 16 and over, with gates opening at 2pm on the day. Tickets are available here.

Part of the Live At Kirkstall Abbey series

The comedy festival forms part of the wider Live At Kirkstall Abbey series, which returns next July with a run of live performances. The programme also includes a reunion from Leeds indie heroes The Sunshine Underground as they celebrate 20 years of their 2006 classic Raise The Alarm, and a very special appearance from The Streets, who will perform their landmark album A Grand Don’t Come For Free in full within the Abbey’s atmospheric grounds.

Image: Danny Payne