The UK’s leading competition for emerging LGBTQ+ stand-up comedians returns for its biggest year yet.
Comedy Bloomers has officially opened applications for the 2026 LGBTQ+ New Comedian of the Year competition, with Manchester once again playing a key role in the search for the UK’s next breakthrough LGBTQ+ stand-up comedian. Aspiring and emerging LGBTQ+ comedians from Greater Manchester and across the North West are being encouraged to apply for the Manchester Regional Heat at the Frog & Bucket on Wednesday 30 September, with successful acts progressing through the competition for the opportunity to perform in the Grand Final at The Comedy Store, London.
Now entering its fifth year, LGBTQ+ New Comedian of the Year continues to grow as one of the UK’s leading platforms for discovering and championing emerging LGBTQ+ comedy talent. Previous finalists and winners have gone on to secure representation from comedy agents, perform at major comedy clubs and festivals, appear on television and radio, and build significant online audiences.
The competition’s role in helping comedians access industry opportunities is particularly significant in light of Comedy Bloomers’ recent UK-wide survey, which found that 76% of LGBTQ+ comedians identified a lack of industry connections as a barrier to career progression, while only 4% felt access to agents and managers was accessible.
The 2026 Grand Final will take place at The Comedy Store, London, in November and will be professionally filmed and released on YouTube, giving finalists a global platform. The winner will receive a £1,000 cash prize.
Quote – Chris Smith
“Manchester has one of the strongest and most exciting comedy scenes in the UK, and we’re delighted to be returning to the Frog & Bucket to discover the next generation of LGBTQ+ comedy talent from the region.
The Manchester heat is an important part of the competition, giving emerging comedians from across Greater Manchester and the North West the opportunity to perform at one of the country’s most respected comedy venues. Former competition finalist Alex Stringer will also be returning to host the heat as MC.
We know there are brilliant new LGBTQ+ voices waiting to be discovered, and we would encourage anyone who has been performing stand-up for six years or less to apply. This could be their opportunity to progress through the competition, perform at The Comedy Store and compete for the £1,000 cash prize.”
Competition Overview
Applications: Now open
Closing date: 29 July 2026
Eligibility: LGBTQ+ stand-up comedians with six years’ performing experience or less
Manchester Regional Heat: Frog & Bucket, Manchester – Wednesday 30 September 2026
Grand Final: The Comedy Store, London – Tuesday 10 November 2026
Winner’s Prize: £1,000 cash prize
Apply here