Details announced for inaugural Milton Keynes Comedy Festival

Details have been announced for the debut Milton Keynes Comedy Festival, which takes place in July and will see multiple comedy performances in venues across the city.

The festival takes place between 9 and 12 July 2026, as part of a brand new festival, created by MyMiltonKeynes BID in partnership with local comedy promoters The Comedy Cow.

The event will see performances at a multitude of locations across the city, including MK Gallery, thecentre:mk, BrewDog, Blossom Room, Revolución de Cuba, Midsummer Tap, Merkur, The Residence Bar & Kitchen and more.

A first wave of names announced includes a litany of names from TV and comedy clubs, including Ed Byrne, Joe Pasquale, Sara Pascoe, Simon Brodkin, Rhys James, Nina Benjamin, Matt Richardson, Ria Lina, Felicity Ward, Fiona Allen, Darren Harriott, Hal Cruttenden, Brennan Reece, Tez Ilyas and Eshaan Akbar. Further names are expected in due course.

As well as big name stand-up acts, the festival will showcase alternative and interactive comedy including John Robertson’s Dark Room, Noise Next Door, CSI: Crime Scene Improvisation, Wifi Wars, and A Star Wars Improv Show, bringing something fresh and unexpected to the city’s comedy scene. There will also be comedic dining with the Faulty Towers dining experiences.

Tickets go on sale March 2026, with additional acts and shows to be revealed in the coming weeks.

Jill Farnsworth, CEO of MyMiltonKeynes BID, said, “We’re so excited to bring Milton Keynes its first ever citywide comedy festival. From bigname headliners to unique oneoff shows in brilliant local venues, there really is something for everyone. The response from the city has been incredible, and we can’t wait for audiences to experience four unforgettable days of laughter this July.”

The Comedy Cow added, “We’ve curated a mix of major stars, rising talent and innovative shows, and we’re thrilled to be bringing them all together across the city centre. This is just the start—we’re building something special for MK.”