 The festival now attracts over 60,000 people from all over the world and is seen as one of the 'Top 5 comedy festivals in the world' (The Guardian)

Since then many top stand-up comedians have performed in the festival including Jo Brand, Jack Dee, Dave Gorman, Rory Bremner, Simon Pegg, Alan Davies, Bill Bailey, The Mighty Boosh, Johnny Vegas, Rich Hall, Jimmy Carr, Dara Ó Briain, Russell Howard, Dave Spikey, Harry Hill, Greg Davies, Sarah Millican and Romesh Ranganathan.The main programme is also complemented by workshops and outdoor street events to encourage the development of comedy skills.Every year towards the end of the Festival the Leicester Mercury Comedian of the Year is announced.