Performers & Council Unpaid After Comedy Festival

Harborough District Council is among those still owed money following this year’s Leicester Comedy Festival.

Hundreds of comedians are also waiting to be paid after performing at the February event, which featured more than 500 acts, including shows in and around Market Harborough.

Festival organisers say the delay is due to cash-flow problems they are trying to resolve.

Lost Voice Guy was one of the performers in Market Harborough during this year’s festival

A council spokesperson said: “We are proud supporters of the Leicester Comedy Festival, which brings outstanding entertainment to the city and county and has enjoyed many years of success. We have been in contact with the festival organisers, Big Difference, regarding this year’s payments, and they have explained the current situation. As always, we are working constructively with them to finalise and settle financial matters relating to the recent festival events.”

Big Difference Company has apologised for the delays and says it is working to pay artists as quickly as possible.

Chief Executive Michael Harris-Wakelam said they “remain committed to making these payments as quickly as we can” and acknowledged it is a “wholly unsatisfactory situation” that needs urgent resolution.

He added the organisation is working towards providing a timeline for payments and says it is continuing to trade, with fundraising activity ongoing to support the festival’s future.