Southport Comedy Festival paid partnership
The Southport New Comedian of the Year competition returns with the Grand Final taking place on Saturday 3rd October 2026 as part of the 15th annual Southport Comedy Festival in association with Halliwell Jones Kia Southport.
This year’s event is sponsored for a fifth year by Dragon Soop*, a caffeinated alcoholic beverage that comes in a range of flavours.
“Dragon Soop is delighted to continue its support of the Southport New Comedian of the Year competition. We wish every act a Sooper Festival experience!”- Isabelle Kent, Sales & Marketing Director
During a nationwide search, aspiring comedians from all over the UK were invited to apply for one of 8 places in the final. Over 100 comedians applied, we can now reveal which 8 will be going forward to the Grand Final.
Peter Jones
An Inclusion support workerfrom Kirby, Peter Jones has been going for just 9 months having started comedy in January 2026. Since then, he has had the opportunity to perform at gigs across the North West, as well as running and hosting his own comedy nights. His background in theatre influences his style, which blends general observations with engaging storytelling elements.
Kie Carson
Originally from Wallasey and now based in Toxteth, Kie Carson is a TA in a SEND School. He has been doing stand-up since 2003 and is close to 1000 gigs. Winner of the Laffin Stock Comedian of the Year in 2025, Kie Carson has made a name for himself with sell-out shows at the Edinburgh Fringe and progressing far in prestigious competitions like So You Think You’re Funny, Beat the Frog Word Series and Leicester Square New Comedian of the Year.
Annabelle Devey
Originally from the Midlands but now living in Manchester. Annabelle Devey is a TV runner by day. An observational comedian, Annabelle has been performing stand-up comedy for 4 years. She has been described as ‘one to watch’ by The Mancunion.
Adam Anwar
Bolton-born and raised Adam Awar is an office administrator by day. With 500+ gigs under his belt, Adam was the Bolton Star For a Night winner in 2023 and has been a tour support for Phoenix Nights Clinton Baptiste.
Jack Wood
Manchester comedian Jack Wood has been performing stand up for a few years. Hehasbeen described as “Weirdly Funny” by Notts Comedy Review. Jack was a semi-finalist in Beat The Frog World Series, and has been shortlisted in the prestigious BBC new comedy Awards. His style is high energy, observational silly comedy.
Jen Sharples
Originally from Darlington and now living in Leeds, Jen is a Psychological Therapist for the NHS. She has been doing stand-up since March 2025 with 20 gigs under her belt.
Dave Robinson
Originally from Warrington but now living in Liverpool. Dave has been performing stand up for 3 years in some of the biggest clubs across the country including The Frog and Bucket, Hot Water and Angel Comedy. His dry, observational comedic style has earned him a nomination in the BBC New Comedy Awards and millions of views on social media. His Mum’s very proud.
Mark Williamson
After completing a comedy course in the summer of 2025, Wirral born Mortgage Adviser Mark got the comedy bug and officially started doing stand-up in January 2026, on the open mic scene in Liverpool. Since then, he has started to receive regular bookings across Merseyside and West Yorkshire, appearing at Hot Water comedy and The Frog and Bucket open mic nights.
Last year’s winner, Southport-born alternative musical comedian Richard McCulloch, knows first-hand what winning the competition can do for an emerging performer.
Reflecting on his experience, Richard McCulloch said:
“Almost one year ago, the good people of Southport entrusted me with the highest office in local new comedy. Since that day, I have tried to carry out my duties with dignity, humility, and as many props as I can realistically cram into an IKEA storage box.
“The time will soon come for me to step aside, and for another comedian to take my place. To them I say this: cherish it. Honour the office. And make the most of the really good video you’ll get of yourself performing in front of 200 people, because I’ve got loads of gigs off the back of mine.”
Southport Comedy Festival Director Brendan Riley said:
“We are thrilled to have Dragon Soop onboard as our sponsor of the competition for a fifth year which promotes and encourages new comedians who are starting off in their career.”
The New Comedian of the Year Grand Final is always one of the most exciting and supportive nights of the festival, with the standard of comedy consistently making the judges’ job incredibly difficult.
So, if you’re looking for the next big thing in comedy, come along, support new talent and perhaps witness the stars of tomorrow taking their first big steps towards a professional career.
Tickets for the Grand Final are just £8, with the festival keeping prices low to make the event as accessible as possible.
The Southport New Comedian of the Year Grand Final is just one of the highlights of the 17-day Southport Comedy Festival, presented in association with Halliwell Jones Kia Southport, which celebrates its 15th anniversary in 2026.
This year’s festival line-up features some of the biggest names in comedy, including Jason Manford, Jason Byrne, Paul Sinha, Jimeoin, Clinton Baptiste, Henning Wehn, Gary Delaney, Paul Merton & Suki Webster, Adam Kay, Mike Wozniak, Seann Walsh, Scott Bennett and the return of comedy legend Mick Miller.
Courtesy of Elite Events, the festival will once again take place under canvas in a giant luxury heated and seated marquee in Victoria Park, Southport, home of the world-famous Southport Flower Show.
Tickets for the Grand Final and all other festival shows are available from southportcomedyfestival.com
*Dragon Soop should only be consumed by adults aged 18+. Please enjoy responsibly
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