LEICESTER'S City Mayor Sir Peter Soulsby says the city council will ensure a comedy festival takes place in the city next year.
This follows news that the Big Difference Company, organisers of the festival for more than 30 years, has become insolvent and ceased trading.
Peter Soulsby said: “We’re very sorry that the Big Difference Company has gone into liquidation, and we understand that this is a difficult time for its staff and all of those affected.
“The Leicester Comedy Festival has been a hugely important part of Leicester’s cultural calendar, bringing thousands of visitors to the city every year, and with them a big boost to our economy.
"While of course we can’t pick up the debts of a registered charity, we do want to ensure the festival goes ahead next year.
“We will therefore be working with local promoters, venues, and other stakeholders, and drawing upon the expertise of our own festivals and De Montfort Hall teams, to ensure that an interim comedy festival programme can take place in 2027, while we work to secure a sustainable operation for the long-term.”