Geoff Rowe

Geoff Rowe co-founded Leicester Comedy Festival in 1994 and has led its development since then. He has been on the judging panel for many UK comedy competitions including BBC New Comedy Awards, Wilkinson Sword “Cut Above The Rest”, Funny Women, So You Think You’re Funny & Edinburgh Comedy Award. In 2013 he was awarded a British Empire Medal in the Queen’s birthday honours, recognising his contribution to British comedy. He was also awarded an Honorary Doctorate from De Montfort University in 2012. As part of the annual festival, Geoff has interviewed many comedians live on stage, including Sarah Millican, Alexei Sayle, Jasper Carrott, Romesh Ranganathan, Tom Allen, Jo Brand and Harry Hill. Alongside his work with the festivals, Geoff is also Director of Comedy for Union Jack Radio. Geoff has spoken to many different groups including the Institute of Directors, The Royal Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce (RSA), The Business Club and UKPHA Conference. He has contributed to BBC One’s “The Big Question”, presented by Nicky Campbell and was a guest on BBC Radio 2’s The Arts Show, interviewed by Claudia Winkleman. Most recently he was interviewed on BBC Radio 4’s Front Row as part of a special programme dedicated to Leicester Comedy Festival. If you follow Geoff on twitter you will know he also loves baking and watching Coronation Street, not necessarily at the same time.