New and emerging comedians from across the UK are encouraged to enter for the opportunity to gain support and a guaranteed spot to perform at the 2022 Leicester Comedy Festival.

The scheme, which has been running since 2018, is designed to help comedians develop their careers. Each February, eight comedians from across the UK are selected to benefit from the programme.

The comedians selected last year were Martin Durchov, Charlie George, Charlie Hopkinson, Elie Kraft, Dannie Grufferty, Wilson, Sharlin Jahan and Ash Preston.

This year’s selected comedians will perform at showcases on 11th and 12th February 2022.

The performers In Circuit Breakers shows are paid for their performances, and Leicester Comedy Festival will arrange transport and accommodation. In addition to the chance to perform for the festival audience, the comedians will have their photos taken by acclaimed photographer Andy Hollingworth to use in future promotion.

To be eligible you must not have an agent or a manager; must not already be regularly doing paid spots across the UK comedy circuit; don’t have a full solo show; and you must be available to perform on 11th and 12th February 2022 at the shows in Leicester.

The deadline is 8th December.

Apply here