The 2026 Southport Comedy Festival, in association with Halliwell Jones Kia, will open in spectacular style as festival favourite and ‘Outright King of Live Comedy’ Jason Byrne returns for his 12th appearance on Friday 2nd October 2026.
Kicking off the festival with his brand-new show 30 Years Byrning, Byrne celebrates three decades of stand-up with a riotous look back at the wild, unpredictable comedy that has made him one of the most beloved live performers on the circuit.
Tickets are now on sale: What’s On – Southport Comedy Festival.
With Jason Byrne’s shows selling out at the festival year after year, fans are encouraged to book early to avoid disappointment.
Jason is the sixth show to be revealed for the 2026 programme, joining an already stellar line-up including German Comedy Ambassador Henning Wehn, King of the One-Liners Gary Delaney, legendary husband-and-wife improv duo Paul Merton and Suki Webster, multi award-winning comedian and star of Live at the Apollo and the Royal Variety Performance Scott Bennett, and rapidly rising comedy and TV star Laura Smyth, as seen on Live at the Apollo, QI, Would I Lie To You? and 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown.
The 15th annual Southport Comedy Festival runs from 2nd–18th October 2026, returning for the sixth consecutive year to its luxury, fully seated and heated Elite Events marquee in the beautiful surroundings of Victoria Park, home of the world-famous Southport Flower Show.
There are more exciting names to be announced over the next few months so keep an eye on the festival website or join the mailing list https://southportcomedyfestival.com/mailing-list to find out first who will be making Southport Smile in 2026.
About the Show
Jason Byrne is back and “Byrning” brighter than ever, celebrating 30 glorious years of stand-up with his brand-new show, 30 Years Byrning.
Byrne delivers a riotous night of high-energy storytelling, surreal tangents and unstoppable laughter. From razor-sharp observations to gloriously unhinged audience interaction, brave improvisation, that has made Jason a festival favourite for three decades.
This anniversary special is a hilarious return to props and stunts of the past decades, a fearless leap forward and a masterclass in pure comic mayhem.
Do not blow it by missing this show, get tickets early, it makes sense
Event Details
Jason Byrne: 30 Years Byrning
Friday 2nd October 2026
Doors: 7pm | Show: 0pm
Tickets: £30 + booking fee
Age guidance: 16+
Venue: Southport Comedy Festival Under Canvas, Victoria Park, Esplanade, Southport, PR8 1RX
Tickets: What’s On – Southport Comedy Festival
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