Just as Edinburgh gets its breath back after a habitually chaotic August, there’s a brand new festival on the horizon. The first weekend in October sees the inaugural Leith Comedy Festival, taking place from Friday 6th to Sunday 8th October. Initially due to take place in 2020, the festival finally gets it launch, to the delight of its organisers.
Rosalind Romer, Director of Leith Comedy Festival says, ‘I’m so excited the first weekend Leith Comedy Festival is finally happening! I have been planning it for so long, and all the events I put on during the pandemic have been leading up to this. The Leith community has been so supportive, and I believe the programme reflects the creativity and humour of Leith. They’ll be the first to tell me if it doesn’t!’
All of the acts at the festival are either Scottish or based in Scotland. The Opening Night Gala is headlined by Marjolein Robertson, fresh from a triumphant Fringe, with support from Joe McTernan and Billy Kirkwood acting as MC. The Closing Night Gala has Jamie MacDonald headlining. and Kathleen Hughes providing support, with Liam Withnail is MC. Headliner MacDonald says, ‘It’s great news that Leith has finally gotten its own comedy festival! It’s always been a brilliant place to do stand-up. I’m so excited to be headlining its closing gala night.’
Beside stand-up, Leith Comedy Festival features storytelling, improv classes, clowning, a comedy quiz, and even laughter yoga. All events can be booked on a pay-what-you-can basis and tickets are on sale now at leithcomedyfest.com