BIG Weekend Returns for 2020

The inaugural 2019 Harborough BIG Weekend took place as part of the Leicester Comedy Festival and saw Harborough District Council bring some top comedy acts to the district to huge success and positive feedback.

Venues hosting comedy events as part of the ‘BIG Weekend’ of comedy from 13 February to 17 February 2020 include Harborough Market, The Angel Hotel, Market Harborough's Old Grammar School, Lutterworth Golf Club, Beerhouse and Aldwinckles Coffee House.

Once again, Harborough Market, owned by Harborough District Council, will be transformed into a theatre for two days to host some nationally-renowned comedy performers including a new children’s matinee show. With some familiar TV and Britain’s Got Talent faces, Arthur Smith, Dad's Army Radio Show, Wriggly Readers and Comedy Quizzes lined up, there is something for all ages during the course of the weekend.

Geoff Rowe, Leicester Comedy Festival Director said: “The BIG Weekend programme in 2019 was an amazing first year in Harborough and we are delighted to be returning bigger and better in 2020. The line up for 2020 is brilliant, featuring some great community events plus performances from top comedians including Britain’s Got Talent winner Lost Voice Guy, Paul Sinha (from ITV’s The Chase) and Mrs Barbara Nice. 

“I’m also thrilled to have the opportunity to be interviewing comedy legend Arthur Smith as part of the Harborough BIG Weekend, which has quickly become a key project as part of Leicester Comedy Festival. Some of the shows, including the return of the sell-out Dad’s Army Radio Show, will take place in the transformed Market Hall which will be turned into a professional theatre for two nights, including a family show for the first time. 

"The project would not happen without the support of the team at Harborough District Council, the local venues and promoters, and the dedication of the fantastic volunteers who support the activities. It’s great to be returning to Harborough and people can expect plenty of laughs!”

The Harborough BIG Weekend 2020 will be officially launched on Friday 8 November 2020.

Tickets for The Harborough BIG Weekend and the full Leicester Comedy Festival 2020 are available by visiting www.comedy-festival.co.uk

Following the 2019 event, Harborough District Council and the BIG Weekend scooped the Liberty Award at the 2019 Leicester Comedy Festival Awards given in honour of events that embodied the spirit of the Comedy Festival.