UK National Laughter Festival and Championships

17 June 2012 - 24 June 2012

The UK National Laughter Festival and Championships will be taking place at The Comedy Store and around Manchester from June 17th – 24th.

This is the UK’s (and maybe the World’s) first festival dedicated to laughter-for-no-reason. It is not about comedy, but is a participatory festival about happiness and playfulness and laughing together.

It will be based in Manchester, with some events further afield. The festival will involve education and sharing ideas, and bringing communities together and laughing together.

There is scientific evidence to show that laughter improves happiness, lowers stress, improves health, and builds community spirit. Our event is about wellbeing of individuals and our city.

The schedule has about 20 activities/events including:

- Free public laughter yoga sessions in public spaces

- Interfaith / intercommunity laughter events

- Conference (on the benefits/use/meaning of laughter)

- First UK showing of the film Laughology

- An internet based worldwide laughter session

- Laughter at primary schools (linked via the internet)