End of the Road Festival adds Fern Brady, Stewart Lee and Paul Foot to 20th edition comedy lineup

Presented by live promoters Chump’s Comedy the programming follows the festival’s instinct for spotlighting boundary-pushing voices, moving from satire and surrealism to offbeat newcomers and cult favourites. Brady, who has gained wider recognition following acclaimed BBC and Netflix specials, Taskmaster and a best-selling memoir, brings her razor-edged, no-filter style to the bill. She's joined by Desiree Burch, a regular on Have I Got News For You and Live at the Apollo, whose transatlantic stage presence has made her a distinctive force in UK stand-up.

Elsewhere, Paul Foot appears with his surrealist approach, while Spencer Jones – known for The Mind of Herbert Clunkerdunk and Ted Lasso – pushes absurdist comedy into unhinged territory. Laura Smyth, praised for her grounded writing and big stage presence, is one of the most exciting working voices today, while Shappi Khorsandi contributes deeply personal and politically sharp material, and festival favourite and era-defining comedy figure Stewart Lee returns for another year.

The festival’s comedy bill doubles as a launchpad for newer talent: the oddball charm of Andy Field, Marty Gleeson’s off-kilter rise, Alexandra Haddow’s precision writing and Dom McGovern’s chaotic, high-energy style. Molly McGuinness brings chronicles of working-class life in Salford, Katie Norris' beautifully unpredictable brilliance, and Sunil Patel’s deadpan mastery. Jack Shep, known for SNL UK, adds a fast-rising presence, while Frankie Monroe promises full-throttle chaos.

The 20th edition’s music bill includes Earl Sweatshirt & Mike, Super Furry Animals, Beverly Glenn-Copeland, Kurt Vile & The Violators, Lucinda Williams, Ty Segall, Fat Dog, caroline, YHWH Nailgun, Just Mustard and james K, with a Secret Headliner still to be revealed.