The charity behind the Leicester Comedy Festival, Big Difference Company, owes more than £215,000 to more than 100 people.

The figures are detailed in an initial creditors report after the charity went into liquidation that has been revealed by the Live Comedy Association (LCA).

The comedy organisation says it has been contacted by its members who are owned money and warns that many are not listed on the creditors list “meaning the totals owed could be underestimated”.

It adds that it is owed £103 from an event it produced for the festival, which is also not listed by creditors.

“One of the questions we asked the trustees was confirmation of the total amount owed, and also the number of people owed money,” said LCA chair Jessica Toomey.

She added: “We haven’t received any answers or response from the trustees yet. It seems the information the liquidators have been given by the trustees isn’t accurate and we are appealing for anyone who is owed money to contact us as soon as possible.

“We will be assisting the liquidators in their task of trying to piece together the jigsaw and getting a more accurate figure. Our thoughts continue to be with everyone owed money, including the staff team.”

So far this year the LCA has handed grants totalling £5,000 to people who have been affected by the collapse of the Big Difference Company.

A crowd funding campaign has also started with the aim of raising at least £30,000 to support those who have not been paid. As of this week the total raised is just under £4,000.

The Leicester Comedy Festival will return next year under a new model following the liquidation of Big Difference Company, according to Leicester City Council.

---