These are just some of the health benefits that are associated with laughter:

• Laughter relaxes the body by relieving physical tension and stress held by your muscles, the effects of which can be felt for up to 45 minutes after you finishing having a good laugh.
• It provides a boost to your immune system by increasing immune cells and antibodies, both of which are essential for fighting illness.
• Triggers the release of endorphins to promote a sense of well-being which can even temporarily relieve pain.
• It can protect the heart from heart attacks etc. by increasing blood flow and improving the functionality of your blood vessels.
• Laughter can help dispel negative emotions. It is physically impossible to be sad, anxious or angry while laughing.
• Lowers your blood pressure thus reducing your risk of stroke
• It's a fun way of toning your abs! Ditch the ab workout and laugh instead.
• It's able to trigger an overall sense of well-being that you will struggle to find by doing anything else.
• Laughter helps you burn calories – research has shown that if you laugh for 10-15 minutes then you could be burning 50 calories! It my not sound like much, but it all adds up and is an added bonus.

If this has left you craving a good laugh and you need a good excuse to have a good night out (or two, or three…) then why not have a look at some of the shows that are happening as part of Leicester Comedy Festival taking place between 8^th and 26th February 2017. This is the 24th year that this fabulous festival has been held and it is bigger and better than ever, with a variety of comedy acts performing in 50 locations all over the city.

Not only are you able to go and see some of the biggest names in comedy today including Jimmy Carr, Jason Manford, Sean Walsh and Ken Dodd but you will also be able to sample some of the upcoming stars that are not currently as well-known such as Paul Sinha (from ITV's The Chase) and Doc Brown, . 

So, if you're looking for something to help you beat those winter blues, take a look at www.comedy-festival.co.uk for the full line up and programme of events. If you are unable to find the answer to your questions then feel free to contact 0116 261 6812 with any queries. If you’re on Twitter then feel free to follow and tweet the festival on @LeicsComedyFest