The BBC's popular comedy festival heading up north next month, and there's some big local names on the lineup.
Previously held in other major cities like Belfast, Glasgow, Cardiff, and Newcastle but this year pitching up in Liverpool, the BBC Comedy Festival is an opportunity for those working in the TV industry to get together, discuss, and celebrate comedy.
Respected Yorkshire comedy legend, Sir Michael Palin, alongside other northern names like John Bishop, Lee Mack, Diane Morgan, and Sue Johnston, are among a stellar lineup of comedy talent taking part in next month's festival, as well as other big names like Ruth Jones, James Corden, Gbemisola Ikumelo, and the creators and producers of hit BBC show Amandaland.
Talent on the lineup will take part in a selection of talks, panels, screenings, and live comedy shows across the two days - with many events also being open to the public to attend.
Last year's BBC Comedy Festival proved to be a big success, with 16 panels and masterclasses, and more than 70 comedy names taking to the stage.
Diane Morgan and Lee Mack are two major names appearing at BBC Comedy Festival 2026 / Credit: Wikimedia Commons (BBC / Al Campbell | Amanda Benson)
The BBC says the 2026 festival in Liverpool - which is set to take place on 13 and 14 May - 'marks the start' of expanded script‑development opportunities across the North West, with more details to come.
Alongside some of the more household names on the lineup, other comedians set to appear this year include Ash Atalla, Jessica Knappett, Philippa Dunne, Michael Odewale, Emma Garrett, David Mumemi, and Simon Mayhew Archer, among many others.
Speaking ahead of the festival next month, Jon Petrie, who is the Director of Comedy at the BBC, said: "Liverpool has funny bones and a rich culture of producing top tier comedy creatives, so we’re delighted to be bringing the BBC Comedy Festival 2026 to the city.
"Comedy occupies a unique place in the television industry and British culture. It’s important that we provide a forum that brings together some of the best comedy minds to celebrate and discuss the success of the sector now and in the future."
Featured Image - BBC / Al Campbell
Things To Do
The UK’s oldest nightclub is in Halifax – and now they’re campaigning for a blue plaque
An all-new fundraiser has been set up which aims to crown the UK's oldest nightclub with its very own blue plaque.
Situated in Halifax, Acapulco Club, has been providing clubbers and night out lovers with live music and entertainment for 65 years.
Alongside offering 75p drinks to any guests before 11pm and a whole host of DJs playing out beats and bangers on their mezzanine-floor decks, Acapulco has created lots of happy memories too.
This West Yorkshire cultural hub attracted lots of media attention back in 2022 when the club auctioned off pieces of its spiral carpet for just £20.
Now, this Halifax nightlife institution is giving itself a massive pat on the back by setting up a fundraiser for its very own blue plaque.
Working alongside Halifax BID and Halifax Civic Trust, this living piece of Halifax history is recognising its contributions to this West Yorkshire town and clubbing culture.
Commonly referred to as "Acca", the club prides itself on "Welcoming dancers before man landed on the Moon, before the M62 motorway transformed our region, and before colour television arrived in British homes."
The cost of a blue plaque is £650 and any excess funds that are raised will be donated to Halifax Street Angels - a local charity which works alongside the night-time economy to keep partygoers safe.
Acapulco is encouraging anyone who has visited the nightclub over its 65 year period to donate and also provide any memories or photos they have shared within this venue.
Some of the famous faces that have graced this legendary clubbing hotspot include Katie Price and her son Harvey, Joey Essex, as well as an array of Love Island and Big Brother stars.
The Acapulco Club has even welcomed 80's pop royalty courtesy of a visit from George Michael... the tribute act of course.
Anyone wanting to find out more information or make a donation to the recent fundraiser set up to honour the UK's oldest nightclub Acapulco with a blue plaque can do so HERE.
Featured Image - Google Street View (via supplied)
Things To Do
Inside the new Leeds craft shop where you can make your own phone cases, water bottles, and notepadsÂ
Daisy Jackson
A new crafting paradise has opened in Leeds city centre, right in time for the summer holidays.Â
Happy Hour Workshop has already been a smash hit over in Greater Manchester, and now owner Lili has brought her playful and creative business over to Queens Arcade.Â
The brand-new, sunny yellow crafting destination has walls absolutely crammed with colourful supplies, with a big focus on the current trend of cream gel DIY.Â
The level of customisation here will send an indecisive person into a tailspin.Â
First you can choose the item you want to customise, whether it’s a mirror, a claw clip, a pencil case, a handheld fan, a phone case, a water bottle, a notepad, or just about any other useful item you can think of.Â
Then you’re let loose with a bowl and dream, to peruse the many, many drawers of colourful charms you can add to your chosen product.Â
There are literally thousands of charms - food items like hot dogs and ice cream cones; characters like Labubus and Minions; and adorable motifs like bows and rainbows.Â
The wall of craft suppliesThousands of charms to choose fromYou can customise a glass tumblerOr make a notepadOwner Lili outside Happy Hour Workshop Leeds
You could spell out your name with bubble letters, make a whole buffet’s worth of fake food items, design yourself a beautiful garden, or create a new world for the K-Pop Demon Hunters.Â
Your final step before heading to your craft station is to choose a colour cream gel, which you can pipe onto your item like icing a cake before wedging your charms into place.Â
As well as the charms, Happy Hour Workshop is offering other crafting experiences like bracelet making, money box painting, paint by numbers, slime making, and loads more to come.Â
You’ll find it at 9 Queens Arcade and it’s open now.Â
Emily Sergeant -
15th April 2026 
