Machynlleth Comedy Festival – Machynlleth, Wales 2026
Overview
Machynlleth Comedy Festival is a compact, curated explosion of wit and intimacy in the heart of Mid Wales, transforming the quaint market town of Machynlleth into a weekend haven for laughter, featuring 100+ performances across historic venues like the Town Hall, Leisure Centre, and cozy pubs. Launched in 2010 by Henry Widdicombe and Little Wander, it stands as a deliberate antidote to sprawling open-door fests, selecting shows from trusted acts and emerging talents to create a “small but perfectly formed” experience that draws 7,000+ attendees for its blend of stand-up, sketches, and experimental humor; amid the town’s 2,300 residents, 1,000+ free program copies distributed nationwide, it’s a folkloric rite that celebrates comedy’s power to connect in a rural idyll.
What elevates Machynlleth is its unpretentious magic—prioritizing fun over frenzy, with a festival app for maps, no nightclubs (but Big Top open till 1am), and a spirit of experimentation in intimate spaces; as a not-for-profit passion project, it fosters a welcoming vibe where locals mingle with fans, ensuring every punchline lands in a space that feels like a shared secret; from Nish Kumar’s BBC endorsement to its focus on diverse voices, it’s a breath of fresh air for comedy lovers seeking depth without the deluge. See official site: https://machcomedyfest.co.uk/
Event Highlights
- Main activities or performances: Over 100 shows including stand-up, panels, and sketches in venues like the Mach Arena and Plas lawn Big Top; past lineups featured stars like Nish Kumar, Sophie Duker, and Rob Auton, with 2026 announcements pending but expected to continue the high-caliber, eclectic curation; daily programs from morning openers to late-night Big Top sets, plus free festival app for schedules.
- Special traditions or features: Annual opener with a crowd-pleaser, free program distribution (9,000 copies across Wales/UK); curated selection over open submissions; eco-conscious with local trading and sustainable transport; volunteer-driven with a “family” ethos, including sponsorships for bespoke packages.
- Unique attractions for visitors: Intimate town navigation (all shows within 10 mins); pop-up performances in pubs and halls; accessibility point at Box Office with dedicated team; diverse lineup emphasizing underrepresented voices, blending highbrow hilarity with accessible fun in Mach’s historic charm.
Why attend
Machynlleth Comedy Festival is a tonic for the soul, distilling comedy’s sharpest edges into a weekend of unhurried hilarity amid Welsh market-town tranquility—perfect for fans craving quality over quantity, where a £12 ticket unlocks gems that feel discovered rather than devoured. Its curated intimacy means no FOMO, just pure engagement with acts handpicked for their spark, all while wandering cobblestone streets lined with indie shops and cozy cafes that amplify the escapism.
Beyond the laughs, it’s a community pulse: rubbing elbows with locals in the Co-Op, debating sets over pints till 1am, and leaving with that rare festival glow—enriched, not exhausted; as a passion project by Little Wander, attending supports accessible arts, fostering connections that echo long after the final encore, making it an essential May pilgrimage for anyone who believes humor heals and unites.
Date & Duration
Dates: May 1 – May 3, 2026, Duration: 3 days
Venue / Location
Multiple intimate venues across Machynlleth town center, including the Mach Arena (Leisure Centre), Town Hall, and Plas lawn Big Top for main events; pubs and halls for fringe; no additional off-site. Main Google location address: Machynlleth Leisure Centre, Pont-y-Rhodwydd, Machynlleth, SY20 8TL, United Kingdom
Ticket Information
- Tickets sold online via the festival site (machcomedyfest.co.uk/tickets) and box office; individual show tickets and bundles; early booking recommended; no lottery, but waitlist for sold-outs.
- Admission paid only; all-ages with some 15+/18+ content; babes-in-arms ok (back seating, may exit if disruptive).
- Ticket pricing in USD: Individual show tickets range from approximately $16 USD (minimum £12) to $26 USD (maximum £20); festival passes ~$91-$130 USD (£70-£100); no free entry, but program distributed free.
- Special seating or VIP options include companion/carer tickets (free with proof like PIP/Blue Badge/DLA—email boxoffice@littlewander.co.uk post-purchase); accessible seats via accessibility team; no formal VIP but priority for sponsors.
- Minimum and maximum ticket price range: Minimum ~$16 USD (£12, individual show); Maximum ~$130 USD (£100, festival pass).
Booking with Euro Travelo
Planning to enjoy this comedy festival without the stress? Euro Travelo can help you book tickets, organize travel, and handle your entire trip from start to finish. Whether it’s a vibrant comedy festival, live event, or cultural celebration, our team ensures a smooth experience for comedy lovers across Europe. Contact Euro Travelo today to secure your festival tickets and travel arrangements.
Contact Information
- Email: boxoffice@littlewander.co.uk (tickets, returns, waitlist); accessibility@littlewander.co.uk (access queries); steve@machcomedyfest.co.uk (trading); henry@machcomedyfest.co.uk (sponsorship/advertising); press@machcomedyfest.co.uk (media); hello@littlewander.co.uk (performers).
- Phone: Not specified; use email or social for responses.
- Website: https://machcomedyfest.co.uk (official site for lineup, tickets, and FAQs).
- Social Media: @machcomedyfest (Instagram, Facebook, X/Twitter).
- Key Staff: Henry Widdicombe (founder); contact via emails for team.
- Press/Volunteers: Press via press@; volunteer apps via site (click “Volunteer” for details).
- Note: Response time ~24–48 hours. English/Welsh support; join mailing list for updates.
Getting There
- Nearest airports: Cardiff Airport (CWL, ~80 miles/2-hour drive); Birmingham Airport (BHX, ~90 miles/2.5-hour drive).
- Public transport: Trains to Machynlleth Station (0.5 miles/10-min walk, ~4 hours from London Euston via Shrewsbury); buses 54/715 from Shrewsbury; festival shuttles from station if needed (check site).
- Parking: Maengwyn Street Car Park (pay/display, ~$1.30 USD/£1/hour); campsite parking £19.50 USD (£15/weekend, pre-book or cash on arrival); EV charging for 8 vehicles there.
- Driving directions: From A489 (after Welshpool), follow signs to town center; sat-nav SY20 8TL; ~3.5 hours from London via M4/A470; narrow rural roads—plan for rural drive.
Accommodation Options
- On-site camping: Available on festival field (£19.50 USD/£15/weekend parking add-on); spaces limited—book via site; no glamping, but basic tent pitches with facilities.
- Glamping and VIP: No formal glamping; some B&Bs offer festival packages.
- Nearby hotels: Wynstay Arms Hotel (0.2 miles, historic pub rooms with breakfast, ~$130 USD/night) or Ynyshir Hall (5 miles, luxury spa access, ~$845 USD); book via Booking.com.
- Local B&Bs and rentals: Gogarth Hall (0.3 miles, garden views/WiFi, ~$110 USD) or Airbnb cottages in Corris (10 miles, ~$130 USD); 20+ options—update via accommodation form on site.
Reviews
- Packed with gems—Nish Kumar crushed it, intimate venues made every laugh land hard; town’s charm and easy nav sealed the deal—pure joy without the chaos.
- Fringe shows in pubs were highlights—diverse lineup, volunteer vibe welcoming, and that Big Top finale electric; Mach’s a comedy sleeper hit.
- Accessibility spot-on, food stalls vegan-friendly, and the app saved the day; felt like a locals’ secret shared—back for more next year.
Maps
Contact
Video
FAQ's
What should I pack for Machynlleth Comedy Festival to handle the Welsh spring weather?
Layer for May's variability—light rain jacket and comfy shoes for town walks, umbrella for showers, and a light scarf for cool evenings; reusable water bottle for venue hydration, notebook for show notes, and ID for any 18+ events. Small bag for quick venue hops (no large rucksacks). Download the app for maps/program. Pro tip: Snacks for between shows, and a festival program (free) for offline navigation; cards for cashless bars.
How family-friendly is Machynlleth Comedy Festival for young kids?
Moderately so—all-ages entry, but content varies (some 15+/18+); babes-in-arms ok at back (exit if disruptive); no dedicated kids' zone, but some family shows; email boxoffice@ for suitability. Some venues pub-based—better for older children. Thousands attend yearly; pair with town exploration for balance.
Are there dietary or accessibility accommodations available?
Local cafes/pubs offer vegan/gluten-free (flag allergies); festival stalls via traders. Accessibility includes access point at Box Office (Leisure Centre), ramps in main venues, and reserved seating; changing facilities at Mach Arena. Assistance dogs ok (email accessibility@); strobe warnings for lights. Case-by-case: Submit proof (e.g., Access Card) for custom needs like captions.
Can I bring my dog or pet to the festival?
Dogs ok around town/campsite (on lead, cleanup required); assistance dogs welcome in venues with email (accessibility@); no other pets indoors. Strict policy—ejection if disruptive. Nearby parks for walks; focus on human comedy.
What's the re-entry policy and what happens if I lose my ticket?
Tickets scanned per show (no full re-entry; multi-show bundles allow); no wristbands. Lost ticket? Email boxoffice@littlewander.co.uk with ref/ID for digital reissue (app backups help); waitlist for sold-outs. Security chill; 95% smooth with QR screenshots. Name changes via support pre-event; resale prohibited—buy official only. Box office on-site (open till 10pm) assists.
