Mission Statement

Slapstick Festival exists to build new audiences for and an appreciation of silent and visual comedy. We do this by showcasing and celebrating archive comedy predominately from the silent era of film (1895-1930) with live and online events in Bristol, a UNESCO City of Film.
With a culture of innovation, branding and marketing we offer access to all sectors of the community, something we do by combining these films with live music from world-class musicians, well-known guests and experts to engage and build new and diverse audiences for this unique art form. 
Buster double

Our Vision

Transforming silent comedy exhibition and public engagement.

Over a Decade of Laughter

Slapstick Festival continues to go from strength to strength. Since 2005 we have presented numerous editions of the festival in Bristol, hosting over 300 events for more than 100,000 people and introducing rare archive and silent comedy films to more and more diverse audiences. Long may this continue!

Mission Statement

Slapstick Festival exists to build new audiences for and appreciation of silent and visual onscreen comedy. We do this by showcasing and celebrating archive film comedy predominately from the silent era (1895-1930).
With a culture of innovation, branding and marketing we offer access to all sectors of the community and we do this by combining these films with live music from world-class musicians, well-known guests and film experts to engage and build new and diverse audiences for this unique art form. 

Our Vision

Transforming silent comedy exhibition and public engagement.

Over a Decade of Laughter

Slapstick Festival continues to go from strength to strength, since 2005 Slapstick has presented 14 editions of the festival in Bristol, hosting over 300 events for more than 100,000 people and introducing rare archive and silent comedy films to more and more diverse audiences. Long may this continue!

Festival Team

Guest Liaison: Bill Kelly. Stage Manager: Gemma Brooks. Musical Director: Günter A. Buchwald. Festival Photographers: David Betteridge, Paul Lippiatt. Website: Dan Jones (Clear Design UK). Press & PR: Pam Beddard. Design & Branding: Louise Kelly (Limepark Studios). Advertising: Piers Martens. Branding: Danny Heffer. Filming Team and Editing: Aardman Machine Room, UWE. Trailer: Skylark Media. Copy Support: Victoria Walker. Ident: Bram Twheam (Aardman). Advisors: Michael Daniels, Andrew Kelly.

Patrons

Kevin Brownlow
Graeme Garden OBE
Peter Lord CBE
Matt Lucas
Rob Brydon MBE
Bernie Clifton
Barry Humphries CBE
David Robinson
David Sproxton CBE
Barry Cryer OBE
Sir Michael Palin
Marcus Brigstocke
Nick Park CBE
Ian Lavender
Bill Oddie OBE
Paul McGann

Advisory Board

Graeme Garden
David Sproxton
David Robinson
Mo Sutton
Robin Ince
Lucy Porter
Chris Kidd
Dr Jo Daniels
Sue Lion
Steven Coombe
Christopher Daniels