University of Leicester supports Big Difference Stand Up Challenge
Sikisa, host of the Stand Up Challenge in 2021.
Big Difference are delighted to announce the support of the University of Leicester as an Associate Partner of the Stand Up Challenge 2021.
The fundraising event for Big Difference, which sees seven participants take up the challenge to write and perform their first five minutes of stand-up comedy, raises funds to support the projects, programmes and festivals delivered by the charity, including the annual Leicester Comedy Festival and The UK Kids’ Comedy Festival in February.
This year Big Difference are thrilled that comedian Sikisa will host the competition on Wednesday 3rd November at The Y Theatre. Nominated for Best Newcomer in 2020 and for Best Show in 2021 at Leicester Comedy Festival, Sikisa has become one of the most exciting acts in the UK; regularly performing and hosting at nights such as Angel Comedy Club, Top Secret Comedy Club and The Boat Show, she also leads the Comedy Lab: Stand Up course at Soho Theatre.
The University of Leicester’s support of the Stand Up Challenge is the start of a new partnership with Big Difference and Leicester Comedy Festival and coincides with the University of Leicester’s Centenary celebrations this Autumn. From October Leicester Comedy Festival will be partnering with the University on a programme of exciting festival events and projects.
Kerry Law, Chief Marketing & Engagement Officer at the University of Leicester, said: “As we celebrate our Centenary year, we are delighted to be supporting local festivals and events. The Leicester Comedy Festival, which has been running for 27 of our 100 years, plays an important role in our shared history.
“We are thrilled to be an Associate Partner of the Stand Up Challenge in 2021, which raises vital funding to support projects and events delivered by Big Difference Company, for the whole community to experience and enjoy.
“We very much look forward to working with the Big Difference team on further projects over the course of the year.”
Laura Arends, CEO of Big Difference said: “We are honoured and thrilled that the University of Leicester have chosen to partner with Big Difference and Leicester Comedy Festival, as part of their Centenary celebrations.
“The Stand Up Challenge is an important fundraising event for our charity, which supports our projects, events and mission to improve people’s lives through comedy and laughter. We deeply value the support of the University of Leicester and look forward to announcing further details of the partnership in due course.”