Equity has said it is “grossly unfair” that performers have been left unpaid, as the operator of Leicester Comedy Festival has officially ceased trading.

In a statement, the union, which represents comedians, has called for “change in relation to gig bookings to ensure a greater degree of protection for paying performers for their work”.

Earlier in the year, the union successfully secured payments for some comedians who had been left unpaid for shows performed during the festival held in February.

Concerns arose in the weeks following the festival, when several members chased up payment for their gigs and were told there would be a delay. At the beginning of July, The Big Difference venue – run by the charity behind Leicester Comedy Festival – was repossessed. Now Big Difference Company, organiser of the festival has officially filed for insolvency.

Michael Day, Equity Variety Official, said: “Despite being widely anticipated, it’s a huge blow to see Leicester Comedy Festival file for insolvency. The festival has been a huge feature on the comedy calendar for many years, being the largest comedy-only performance festival and providing hundreds of gigs to both seasoned stand ups and those seeking to break into the comedy scene. It’s terrible news and leaves many performers unpaid from this year’s festival.”

In more positive news, Leicester’s City Mayor Sir Peter Soulsby says the city council will ensure a comedy festival takes place in the city in 2027. And, Big Difference Company staff – who have also been left unpaid – have stated that they wish to save The Big Difference venue and run it as a community venture.

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.”