The UK's fastest-growing outdoor stand-up comedy festival has revealed an all-star line-up

Comedy at the Castle will transform the stunning medieval castle grounds of Lancaster Castle, with household names and emerging talent from the world of comedy plus an exclusive food and drink offering throughout June this year.

Paul Smith, Russell Kane, Joanne McNally, and Paul Smith are amongst comics headlining year four of the popular event which has drawn over 20,000 comedy fans to the hosting venues around the UK.

Combining evenings of live performances from some of the funniest names in British and Irish comedy with award-winning street food traders; cocktail, craft ale and fizz bars, and top-class live production, Comedy at the Castle has won over legions of laughter aficionados in just a short time.

Organised by established promoters Closeup Comedy and street food experts Digbeth Dining Club, the three-day independently-run festival will see 30 comedians specialising in one-liners, observational, satirical, and surreal comedy take to stages across three stunning sites.

Harry Jenkins, Comedy at the Castle director, said: “We are totally overjoyed to finally release our biggest and best line-up yet, which draws on the success of previous years as well as feedback from audience members.

“Adding Lancaster Castle has been almost 18 months in the making, and 2026 feels like the right moment to grow our offering.

“The Comedy at the Castle team is really looking forward to working with friends and partners in the Midlands, South West and North West to bring more comedy, street food and great nights out to fans old and new in 2026.”

Multi-award-winning comedian, presenter, actor, author, and scriptwriter Russell Kane is a regular on Channel 4, BBC, and ITV. Winner of Best Show at the Edinburgh Comedy Awards - becoming the first comedian to win both Edinburgh and Melbourne Comedy Festival’s Barry Award in one year.

Described by national press as a ‘truly gifted stand-up’, Irish comic Joanne McNally has been taking Ireland and the UK’s comedy scene by storm with sell-out tours, hilarious chat show appearances, and a hit documentary.

Paul Smith’s rise to fame in the comedy world has been nothing short of phenomenal. Recently concluding an 18 month, record-breaking European tour, that concluded at London’s O2 Arena last week, the funnyman infamously honed his skills as resident compere for Hot Water Comedy Club Liverpool, and soon evolved into their most prized asset with distinctive charm and cheeky wit.

Tickets for Comedy at the Castle 2026, at Lancaster Castle (19-21 June) are on sale. Saturday and Sunday night are now sold out. Tickets remain only for Friday night.

Go to comedyatthecastle.co.uk/lancaster.