Comedy / charity
Stellar comedy lineup announced for second ‘Laughing Matters’ SWEDA fundraiser at Bristol Beacon
Following a sellout inaugural event at the Hippodrome in 2025, SWEDA has announced a stellar lineup for a second comedy fundraiser on July 30 – this time to be held at Bristol Beacon.
Based in Shepton Mallet, the charity provides a range of services for those affected by eating disorders in the region, as well supporting family members and friends who are helping their loved ones to navigate such challenges.
Bringing together a multi-award-winning group of the UK’s most distinctive comic voices, Laughing Matters is intended to give its audience a memorably hilarious night, for a vital cause.
On hosting duties is arguably the most venerated live standup in the country, Daniel Kitson. Joining him on the bill will be Mark Thomas, Bridget Christie, Rose Matafeo, Elis James, Priya Hall and Athena Kugblenu.
Bridget Christie – photo: Natasha Pszenicki
Speaking to Bristol24/7, SWEDA fundraising manager Gavin Osborn explained how an event like this takes shape, and what it means both for the charity and the community it serves.
What does the work of SWEDA mean to you?
“I got involved with SWEDA having supported someone close to me with an eating disorder for a number of years. It’s so hard to see people going through an illness and not know how to get out of it, so to know that there’s a local charity able to help people recover before the NHS needs to step in, makes a huge difference. Seeing the work our team does, for people of all ages, is really inspiring.”
Mark Thomas – photo: Tony Pletts
As a fundraising manager, what do you most enjoy about your job?
“Before my charity work, I’ve been involved in music, comedy and events all my life, so the best part of the job is being able to use that love of performing to help bring people together, and to raise awareness about serious issues in a positive way.
“Everyone struggles with their mental health at times, and everyone knows someone who has been affected by disordered eating in some way. Being able to get positive, meaningful conversations going and meeting people who have had their lives turned around by SWEDA makes it all worthwhile.”
Rose Matafeo – photo: Rebecca Thomas
January 2026 marked the inaugural Side Dish series, bringing food and comedy together. How did it go, and what are your hopes for how the event might evolve in future?
“There are so many brilliant independent restaurants in Bristol who all struggle in the first months of the year. Charities find it really hard to fundraise too, especially after Christmas. The idea behind Side Dish was to bring those two things together, and, truly, it’s a win for everyone. None of it would be possible without the amazing local comedians who give all their time and talent for free, and this year we had 35 of them involved. It was an absolute joy, and Bristolians really stepped up and sold all the shows out in a matter of days, just taking a chance on something new.
“We went to places like Nadine’s Caribbean Cafe, which is tiny and holds about 15 people, as well as historic institutions like the SS Great Britain. I’ve always loved gigs in weird places where comedy doesn’t normally happen, so hopefully in the future we can branch out to places like Bristol Lido or a secret gig in Leigh Woods or something. We’ll be back next year for sure.”
Comedy at Pie Minister – photo: Side Dish
Laughing Matters was a sellout and a big success in 2025. How did you go about piecing together the lineup for this second iteration?
“I’m so unbelievably grateful to all the comedians who did last year’s show. We had local legends like Jayde Adams and Stu Goldsmith, rubbing shoulders with the likes of Nish Kumar, Jenny Eclair and James Acaster. Everyone was so supportive of the charity and either had experience of the issues or wanted to help in some way.
“To put together this year’s lineup, I asked my good friend Daniel Kitson if he’d like to host. Luckily, he knows loads of brilliant acts, so we just picked our favourites, asked nicely and hoped for the best. In my wildest dreams I couldn’t have asked for a better bill to follow last year.”
Standup and author Athena Kugblenu – photo: courtesy of the artist
What are you most looking forward to about the night itself?
“I’m really looking forward to being at Bristol Beacon, as it’s an amazing venue and their team have been brilliant to work with. Also to have the chance to showcase what SWEDA does and to see our small charity raised up and celebrated on big nights like this is something very special.
“Comedians generally use fundraisers to try out new stuff as well, so I can’t wait to see what they’ve all got in store for us. It’s going to be incredible.”
Laughing Matters: charity comedy night in aid of SWEDA is at Bristol Beacon on July 30 at 7.30pm. Tickets are available at www.bristolbeacon.org.
Main photo: SWEDA
Read next:
Our newsletters emailed directly to you
