Belgium

For its fourth edition, Namur is a Joke was once again a resounding success. The comedy festival created by GuiHome attracted 14,000 festival-goers from March 25 to 30. With a 90% attendance rate, it brought together an increasingly loyal audience. Nearly 50 shows enlivened the city, more than half of which were sold out. Five days of laughter and celebration confirmed its status as an unmissable comedy event. The headliners shone, with exceptional performances by Paul Mirabel, Nawell Madani, Aymeric Lompret, Alexandre Kominek, Guillermo Guiz, Doully, and many others. The opening gala, now in its second year, set the Théâtre de Namur alight, confirming its status as the highlight of the festival.

In 2026, Namur is a Joke will celebrate its fifth anniversary. GuiHome and his team are preparing an even more daring and surprising edition: “We want to live up to this anniversary and aim to take the festival to a whole new level”, promises GuiHome.

This year, the entire city vibrated to the rhythm of the festival. The marquee on Place d'Armes confirmed its status as the beating heart of the event. The public flocked there to share unique moments, between concerts and unforgettable evenings. Among the highlights: the retro 90/2000 evening and the performance by Average Rob and Omdat Het Kan, who sent a message of unity and sharing made in Belgium.

The festival has expanded its commitment to a more inclusive culture. In addition to a stand-up show at Namur prison, it offered a performance and a concert at the Le Grand Pré retirement home in Wépion. “The elderly feel cut off from the world. Bringing the festival to them, bringing audiences closer together, and temporarily transforming the nursing home into a real cultural venue are part of Namur is a Joke's mission,” emphasizes GuiHome.

The Samedi Bien program, dedicated to families, has been a resounding success and is now firmly established as an unmissable event for young and old alike. Similarly, the educational aspect of the festival has won over its audience: workshops and conferences were fully booked.

The Joke une fois competition crowned Simon Cortisone, who charmed the jury with his verbal and physical gymnastics, bringing to life an overflowing and absurd imagination.

Join us from March 23 to 29, 2026, for an anniversary edition that promises to be exceptional and memorable, with the program to be announced at a press conference next September.