Leeds cracks the top 10 list of cities in the UK with the best sense of humour
A new study has revealed a stark North-South divide when it comes to wit, with Northern powerhouses dominating the rankings for light relief during the gloomy winter months.
While Liverpool was crowned the overall comedy capital, Leeds secured a respectable spot in the top 10, beating out the likes of Brighton and proving that Yorkshire’s dry sense of humour is alive and well.
The research, commissioned by snack brand Cheez-It, found that many Brits are currently ’craving joy,’ with one in ten admitting they can't even remember the last time they had a proper belly laugh.
Research of 2,000 adults found 20 per cent haven’t really laughed in more than a fortnight, while 63% admit they’re craving more moments of joy during the winter months.
London was pinpointed as the city most in need of a laugh, topping the list of places crying out for light relief.
Participants were surveyed on their current mood, the frequency of their laughter, and their perceptions of humour across different regions.
By weighting responses by city population and regional location, the study identified the specific comedy styles and happiness levels that define the ‘North-South’ divide in British wit.
Comedian Jason Manford, who teamed up with the brand to spread some joy, said: “February can feel like the longest and gloomiest month of the year. I’m not surprised to see so many northern cities in the top 10 funniest places.
When the weather’s that bad, you either laugh or cry, and we’ve clearly chosen laughter.”
The findings revealed that the most common humour style people identified with was dry or sarcastic (37%) - a trait many in West Yorkshire would argue has been perfected in our local pubs and markets for generations.
While Londoners were found to be the most desperate for a mood boost, the survey suggests that those in Leeds are already well-equipped with the sharp banter and cheesy dad jokes needed to survive the February slump.
The UK’s Top 10 Funniest Cities
- Liverpool
- Glasgow
- London
- Newcastle-upon-Tyne
- Birmingham
- Manchester
- Belfast
- Edinburgh
- Leeds
- Brighton & Hove
What do you think is the secret to the Leeds sense of humour? Is it the famous Yorkshire grit or just a talent for not taking life too seriously? Let us know in the comments or by dropping an email to the writer of this article.