A nine-day comedy festival is set to take over Droitwich, honouring the legacy of the alternative comedy pioneer Rik Mayall who grew up in the town.
The Rik Mayall Comedy Festival will return from Friday, May 29 until June 6, expanded to nine action-packed days, welcoming the original stars of the Young Ones Nigel Planer, Alexei Sayle, along with Comic Strip founder and festival patron Peter Richardson.
There will be more than 300 performances townwide, creating a massive buzz across the local community.
Rik Mayall’s family, reflecting on the success of last year’s inaugural event, said: “We were truly touched by the sheer amount of love for Rik displayed all over the town.
“To see him in almost every shop window was at once familiar, funny, and magical.
“The whole festival truly captured those three things; creating a space where fans of laughter (and Rik, obviously!) feel at home.
“We cannot wait for the fun to arrive back home to Droitwich Spa again this year.”
Barber Town (Image: Jimmy Hill Photography)
Shows start from Friday, May 29 while celebrations kick off with the official Totally Bonkers Family Fun Launch Party on Saturday, May 30 in partnership with Droitwich Spa Friends and Businesses CIC.
From 11am through to the evening, the High Street and St Andrews Square will be packed with live music, comedy, family entertainment with no tickets required.
Performances from Mitch Benn, Droitwich Spa Community Choir, Droitwich Ukulele Club, CircusMash, Kane & Abel Magicians, Coppice Shanty Crew and more local acts and groups will all be helping to kick off the 2026 festival.
The organisers are also bringing some live music to Friar Street (outside the Old Cock Inn) on Sunday, May 31 (12.30pm–8pm) and Saturday, June 6 (midday–4pm), featuring local talent, BBC Introducing acts, and a few very special guests.
A highlight of 2026 is the return of the Pop-Up Museum at the Norbury Theatre. Curated by top photographer Andy Hollingworth the museum which has a Young Ones theme this year has been fully funded by local County Councillor Dan Birch.
A Most Pressing Issue (Image: Mark Wild)
Meanwhile, the festival’s heart is focused on the next generation, thanks to funding from Worcestershire County Councillor Richard Morris and the dedicated RMCF Youth Team.
They have backed a line-up of youth development schemes running throughout the week, including The Festival Joke Spot Live!: an interactive spot at St. Andrews Square where children and young people can grab the microphone and share their favourite jokes.
There will also be specialist comedy workshops and the Youth Showcase will be a premier performance platform for new talent on Saturday, June 6 at the Droitwich Community Centre.
The festival is run entirely by volunteers under the Droitwich Spa Comedy Festival CIC, from exclusive comedy photography exhibitions at Festival HQ and the Norbury Theatre, to the debut of the FlashHeart Club social hub at The Old Cock.
Stuart Panrucker, festival director, said: “This festival only works because the community mucks in.
“Thanks to our performers, venues, sponsors, and local funding partners, there is going to be an incredible atmosphere right across Droitwich.
“We can’t wait for everyone to fill the rooms and join the fun. Let the chaos begin.”
Full programme details at www.rikmayallcomedyfestival.com.