Summer is sorted: 30 shows, infinite laughs - the Creatures Comedy Festival

Helen Clarke

Following the success of its debut - the Creatures Comedy Festival is making a return this summer by Manchester’s only comedy club running every night of the week.

Running from 15th to 26th July this year’s festival promises a fresh wave of laughs as it brings together over 30 comedy shows from familiar faces to emerging talent.

Once again Manchester will be the go-to city for top acts warming up their sets ahead of the world-famous Edinburgh Fringe - giving locals the chance to see big-name comics before they hit the global stage.

A special highlight this year is Sunday 20th July when the spotlight will shine on some of the best comedy talent from across the North putting regional stars front and centre in a celebration of homegrown humour.

Last year brought in major hitters like Maisie Adam, Larry Dean, Chloe Petts, Huge Davies, and Pierre Novellie alongside rising stars like Kemah Bob, Sashi Perera, and Fatiha El-Ghorri.

New for 2025 is the launch of the Creatures Comedy Competition - a quest to find the North West’s top comic.

Weekly heats will lead up to the grand final during the festival with the winner earning a paid primetime slot and ongoing performance opportunities at Creatures Comedy Club.

The first batch of tickets goes on sale next week, featuring an incredible early lineup including:

- Helen Bauer (Live at The Apollo, BBC, ITV2)

- Alison Spittle (RTÉ, iRadio, Newstalk)

- Rob Copland (Winner, Edinburgh Comedy Award)

- Vidura BR (Named in The Times’ Best Jokes of the Fringe)

- Jack Carroll (Coronation Street, Britain’s Got Talent, Live at the Apollo)

Now in its second year and with support from NOMAD Comedy the festival marks another big step for Manchester’s rapidly growing comedy scene.

It’s part of a wider mission to build the city’s reputation as a key destination for comedy lovers across the UK with tickets on sale now.