About

Founded in 2020, Rode Comedy Festival has grown from an impromptu passion project into one of the most talked-about comedy events in the South West. 

For its 2026 edition, the festival will feature five nights of live comedy, bringing together some of the biggest names in British stand-up. The festival will be headlined by the incomparable Sir Lenny Henry, a true icon of British comedy, making Rode his only comedy festival appearance in 2026. 

Joining Sir Lenny Henry in the headline slots are Romesh Ranganathan, Katherine Ryan, Tom Davis, Jen Brister and Iain Stirling - a line-up that punches well above the weight of a boutique Somerset festival, confirming Rode’s remarkable reputation for attracting world-class talent.

Also performing across the week are Radio 4 favourites Zoë Lyons and Tom Wrigglesworth, Tom Rosenthal (star of Friday Night Dinner and Plebs), Funny Women Award winner Laura Smyth, Comedian’s Comedian Rob Rouse, and fast-rising stars Micky Overman, Josh Jones and Kyra Gray. 

All shows will be hosted by the festival’s co-founder, multi-award-winning comedian Jarred Christmas, accompanied by world-renowned beatboxer Hobbit.

New for 2026, festival-goers can also enjoy an afternoon gameshow hosted by Jarred Christmas and Hobbit, featuring comedian Rhod Gilbert, and some very special surprise guests — in aid of local charities Dorothy House and We Hear You, a Frome-based cancer counselling charity.