The 2023 Southport Comedy Festival was the biggest event yet, with over 5,000 visitors laughing out loud with some of the best comedians in the country.
The fast-growing festival, organised by Big Comedy in association with Halliwell Jones BMW, took place at Victoria Park in Southport over 17 nights from 29th September to 15th October with stars including Seann Walsh, Simon Brodkin, Jason Byrne, Jen Brister, Rich Hall, Jimeoin, Paul Sinha and more.
Seven events were completely sold out with others close to full capacity.
Southport Comedy Festival 2023. Jason Byrne
Mark Steel was due to perform at the event but sadly had to postpone his tour following his throat cancer diagnosis. Organisers have sent him their best wishes and hope to see him back on stage in Southport soon.
Thousands of pounds were raised for local charities the Community Link Foundation and the Southport Flower Show through special comedy bingo and disco bingo events.
A platform was provided to some of the most talented up-and-coming new comedians in the UK through the Southport New Comedian of the Year competition, sponsored by Dragon Soop, which received over 100 entries. It was won by The Halls of Ridiculous, a brilliant comedy / improv duo.
Southport Comedy Festival 2023. Halls of the Ridiculous, winners of Southport New Comedian of the Year sponsored by Dragon Soop
Southport Comedy Festival directors Brendan Riley and Val Brady said:
“We had more people coming to see shows at Southport Comedy Festival than ever before, even with the cancellation of Mark Steel’s gig.
“This was our 12th Southport Comedy Festival and it was the best yet.
“It has been the biggest event we have ever had in terms of audience numbers and we are absolutely delighted.
Southport Comedy Festival 2023. Guests at the Comedy Bingo night raising money for the Community Link Foundation
“Over 5,000 people came to watch the shows from all over the country, which hopefully gave a good boost to local hotels, guest houses, restaurants, bars, shops and other local businesses.
“We sold out a total of seven shows this year and were very nearly sold out on some of the others as well.
“We had some fantastic acts this year! We always try to host acts who people always want to see, with festival favourites such as Jason Byrne, Paul Sinha and Rich Hall, while also bringing in exciting new faces such as Jen Brister, Simon Brodkin, Seann Walsh, Tom Davis and others, who have never played the festival before.
Southport Comedy Festival 2023. Simon Brodkin
“We would like to thank Halliwell Jones BMW and all of our fantastic sponsors for supporting us once again this year and helping to bring the smiles to Southport.”
“We are very grateful to Mark Dilley of Elite Marquees and Bars and to Alan Adams and his team from Southport Flower Show and Victoria Park Events for staging the event.
“We would also like to thank our amazing festival volunteers and of course all of you who came to watch the shows over 17 nights.
Southport Comedy Festival 2023. Festival volunteers
“As well as hosting some of the biggest names on the comedy circuit, we also did our bit to support our local community through sell-out fundraising events.
“Our Comedy Bingo night for the Community Link Foundation charity raised over £2,200, while our 80s Disco Bingo night for the Southport Flower Show charity raised over £1,600.
“We also once again hosted our Southport New Comedian of the Year competition, giving a platform to some of the most talented new comedians in the country and the stars of tomorrow.
Southport Comedy Festival 2023. Festival directors Brendan Riley (left) and Val Brady (right) with Tom Davis
“As organisers, Big Comedy UK never stops!
“Big Comedy is already selling tickets to see Ed Byrne with his award-winning Tragedy Plus Time show at Southport Little Theatre on Thursday 7th March 2024, while Chris McCausland is our first act booked for Southport Comedy Festival 2024 with his Yonks! Tour on Monday 30th September 2024.
“We also have our Winter Socials starting at Southport Market this November, supported by Halliwell Jones Mini and our Friday Big Comedy nights at The Bold Hotel returns at the end of November.
Southport Comedy Festival 2023. Clinton Baptiste (centre) with festival directors Brendan Riley and Val Brady
“Southport Comedy Festival 2023 may have finished, but great entertainment and live comedy in Southport is still happening!”
Southport Comedy Festival 2023 was staged for a third year in a giant luxury heated and seated marquee courtesy of Elite Marquees and Elite Bars at Victoria Park, home of the world-renowned Southport Flower Show.
- Visit southportcomedyfestival.com for information and direct links to book tickets.
- Follow Southport Comedy Festival on Facebook Twitter and Instagram
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