Leicester Comedy Festival (No. 2)

That this House congratulates the Big Difference Company on over three decades delivering the Leicester Comedy Festival and associated events, making Leicester a nationally recognised centre for comedy and the performing arts; notes that the festival attracts over 80,000 attendees annually and contributes £10 million to the local economy; further notes that the festival has faced a severe funding crisis, including the loss of public grants and a £50,000 NHS grant across 2025 and 2026, leaving over 170 comedy professionals and independent businesses unpaid and forcing the cancellation of LCF In The Park; recognises that without resolution of an outstanding £100,000 debt, the 2027 festival faces cancellation, removing significant economic activity from Leicester's economy; and calls on the Government, including the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and Arts Council England, to work urgently with local partners to address the systemic funding crisis facing regional arts festivals and prevent their loss due to short-term financial pressures.