Southport Comedy Festival paid partnership
There is just one month to go until the 2026 Southport Comedy Festival sponsored by Halliwell Jones Kia Southport with SIX shows sold out already and others getting close to a full house.
The festival will bring some of the biggest names of comedy to a luxury marquee at Victoria Park in Southport between Friday 2nd October and Sunday 18th October 2026.
Stars this year include Paul Merton and Suki Webster; Jason Manford; Jason Byrne; Henning Wehn; Sean Walsh and more.
The Southport New Comedian of the Year Grand Final sponsored by Dragon Soop returns to give a platform to comedy stars of the future, with a Comedy Bingo Back To The 90s event helping to raise funds for Bebe’s Hive, and four comedians on the bill at Best Of The Fest sponsored by Acorn Group.
Southport Comedy Festival Director Brendan Riley said:
“We have one month to go until the opening of our 2026 Southport Comedy Festival!
“Ticket sales are going extremely well. They’re even higher than they were at this stage last year, which shows how the festival is growing in popularity each year.
“We have six shows sold out already, and at least one more getting very close to selling out.
“If there is anyone you’d love to see at the festival this October, get your tickets now before they’re gone.
“This is our 15th year of running the Southport Comedy Festival; it’s very established now.
“We used to hold events at theatres, restaurants, bars and other venues throughout Southport.
“Five years ago we moved to Victoria Park, and it’s been a brilliant move for us.
“This is our fifth year of running the festival at the park and people know what to expect now!
“At first, we had a lot of questions from people who were unsure what to expect from a comedy festival in a marquee.
“It’s a superb venue in a luxury marquee provided by Elite Events, which gets better every year.
“It’s fully heated, carpeted and seated; there is a large, well-stocked bar; and a comfortable bar seating area.
“We are delighted to have local food experts Tik Taco on board with us this year providing some of their award-winning Mexican street food, after appearing at events such as the Southport Flower Show and the Southport Food and Drink Festival.
“This festival couldn’t happen without the ongoing support of our many local businesses, including our headline sponsor Halliwell Jones Kia Southport, and Dragon Soop, which is once again backing our Southport New Comedy Of The Year competition.
“Their sponsorship means we are able to keep ticket prices affordable for people. Tickets this year start from just £8 which is superb value for a great night out.
“We are also grateful for our excellent ongoing relationship with the likes of Alan Adams and his team at Victoria Park, Mark Catherall and Sefton Tourism, Scott Mackin and Moonlight Events, our amazing volunteers, and others.
“There is enormous goodwill from everyone towards making this event so successful.
“There is such a variety of shows for people to enjoy from the biggest names in comedy such as Jason Manford and Paul Merton with Suki Webster; to the opportunity to discover some comedians you may not have seen live before; to our brilliant Southport New Comedian Of The Year night, which provides a platform to comedy stars of the future, which we’re holding on a Saturday night this year.
“There is all kinds of stand up comedy on show from alternative to mainstream with lots for people to discover and to enjoy.
“You can also come and join us for a special Comedy Bingo Back To The 90’s night where we’ll also be helping to raise funds for Bebe’s Hive.”
Southport Comedy Festival continues to respond to customer feedback and continues to innovate.
Brendan Riley said:
“One trend we’re noticing is the desire for more people to go out earlier.
“Last year we programmed Chris McCausland for a matinee show which sold out very quickly and went well.
“This year we have three matinee shows with Paul Sinha, Jason Manford and Mick Miller.
“It means that people have the opportunity to come and see two shows in one day, staying to have something to eat and drink in between shows.
“Or they can come and see a show before heading out to enjoy some of the excellent restaurants, bars and attractions in Southport.
“This is a really positive event for Southport.
“Holding Southport Comedy Festival in October helps to extend the season, adding to other big events such as Southport Flower Show and Southport Air Show, bringing thousands of people into town during autumn and having a positive impact on lots of local businesses.
“The luxury marquee from Elite Events has become such a brilliant venue that following the comedy festival it will then be used to host the Southport Oktoberfest on Friday 23rd October and Saturday 24th October and then two sessions of Halloween Comedy Bingo on Saturday 31st October 2026.
“Victoria Park is such a special venue, and we can’t wait to welcome people to the Southport Comedy Festival this October. Don’t leave it too late to book the shows you want to see!”
The 17-day Southport Comedy Festival, presented in association with Halliwell Jones Kia Southport 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, Laura Smyth, 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.
The 15th annual Southport Comedy Festival runs from Friday 2nd to Sunday 18th October 2026.
Tickets are available from southportcomedyfestival.com
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