Southport Comedy Festival 2026 enters final weekend after ELEVEN sold-out shows

Andrew Brown
9 Min Read
Seann Walsh

Southport Comedy Festival paid partnership 

The 2026 Southport Comedy Festival with Halliwell Jones Kia Southport is approaching its final weekend of shows after an incredible eleven sold-out performances so far.

Festival-goers have been enjoying laughing along with some of the top names in comedy, with the likes of: Jason Manford, Paul Merton and Suki Webster, Jason Byrne, Adam Kay, Henning Wehn and more.

The good news is there’s more to come at Victoria Park with Best Of The Fest this Friday, Comedy Bingo Back To The 90s this Saturday, and then a double bill of Mick Miller and Seann Walsh this Sunday!

Southport Festival Comedy Festival Director Brendan Riley said:

“This year’s Southport Comedy Festival has been incredible!

“We’re overjoyed to have seen 11 full houses already, with an amazing atmosphere at gigs!

“The good news is that we still have four more fabulous shows to come this Friday, Saturday and Sunday!

“This has been an amazing festival so far. It’s the biggest attendance we have ever seen, it could not have been going better.

Paul Merton and Suki Webster at Southport Comedy Festival 2026
Paul Merton and Suki Webster at Southport Comedy Festival 2026

“It’s been fantastic to see so many regular faces at our events – some people have come to enjoy a few different shows!

“We’d like to thank everyone for coming, and as well to Halliwell Jones Kia Southport and all the local businesses which have once again supported us this year. We couldn’t run this festival without them.

“One thing we’ve done differently this year has been to stage three matinee shows, with Jason Manford, Paul Sinha and Mick Miller, which have bene extremely popular. It’s definitely something we’ll look at doing again next year.

“If you’ve not come to enjoy a show at Southport Comedy Festival yet this year – this weekend is your last chance!

“Up The Port!”

The 15th Annual Southport Comedy Festival in association with Halliwell Jones Kia Southport once again takes place under canvas in a luxury heated and seated marquee, courtesy of Elite Events.

The festival will be followed in the same venue by Southport Oktoberfest on 23rd and 24th October 2026.

Read More: Elite Events team back with a bang with fab festival experience at Southport Comedy Festival 2026 

The Southport Comedy Festival is proud to support charitable causes. This year’s nominated charity is Bebe’s Hive, which will be holding a prize raffle during the Back To The 90s Comedy Bingo event. All proceeds raised from the raffle will go directly towards supporting the incredible work of this wonderful local charity. Donation buckets will also be available at festival events throughout the 17-day programme.

Tik Taco is the catering partner and a sponsor at Southport Comedy Festival. Festival Director Brendan Riley with Tik Taco owner Anyhony Greenland. Photo by Andrew Brown Stand Up For Southport
Tik Taco is the catering partner and a sponsor at Southport Comedy Festival. Festival Director Brendan Riley with Tik Taco owner Anyhony Greenland. Photo by Andrew Brown Stand Up For Southport

Food and Drink will be provided by Award Winning local businesses Tik Taco and Elite Bars.

Tik Taco will be serving up their delicious authentic Mexican street food throughout the event with freshly made tacos, nachos and dirty fries.

Elite Bars will be running a fully licensed bar, with snacks and hot drinks also available.

Tickets and full line-up at:

southportcomedyfestival.com

Friday 16th October
Best of the Fest

Featuring Steve Gribbin, Clayton Jones, Brennan Reece and host Brendan Riley

Sponsored by Acorn Insurance

Steve Gribbin (c) Andy Hollingworth
Steve Gribbin (c) Andy Hollingworth

Join us for a fantastic night of live comedy with a triple headline show featuring the very best in stand-up from the UK comedy circuit.

Steve Gribbin

Liverpool’s legendary guitar-wielding satirist is renowned for his razor-sharp comedy songs, political humour and explosive energy. A veteran of The Cutting Edge at London’s Comedy Store and winner of the UK Comics’ Comic Award for Outstanding Achievement.

“A highly refreshing and original comic” The Scotsman

Clayton Jones

A hugely popular observational comedian known for his hilarious take on everyday life. Winner of Last-Minute Comedian of the Year and finalist in English Comedian of the Year.

“This dude has funny bones” Romesh Ranganathan

Brennan Reece

Multi award-winning comedian as seen on Live at the Apollo and Roast Battle. Winner of English Comedian of the Year, with over 100 million online views and five sold-out UK tours.

“A powerfully entertaining, unstoppable force” Chortle

Hosted by Brendan Riley

Door: 7:00pm
Show: 8:00pm
Price: £15.00
Age: 16+ PG

Saturday 17th October

Comedy Bingo Back To The 90’s

Sponsored by Bro Design

Comedy Bingo Back To The 90s is coming to Southport Comedy Festival in association with Halliwell Jones Kia this October with a prize raffle on the night raising funds for Bebe's Hive
Comedy Bingo Back To The 90s is coming to Southport Comedy Festival in association with Halliwell Jones Kia this October with a prize raffle on the night raising funds for Bebe’s Hive

Get ready to rewind time and dab the night away at The Southport Comedy Festival for our Comedy Bingo back to the 90’s show.

Expect all the chaos and laughs of Comedy Bingo, smashed together with the biggest bangers of the greatest decade ever.

Hosted by the one and only comedian Brendan Riley, this is not your average bingo night, it’s a full on 90’s disco party where you’ll laugh, dance, sing and dab your way to brilliant prizes.

Fancy dress isn’t mandatory… but let’s be honest, it’s highly encouraged.

So grab your mates, dig out the double denim, and remember
EVERYBODY’S FREE TO FEEL GOOD… AND PLAY BINGO! 

We have invited the wonderful team from this year’s festival’s chosen charity, Bebe’s Hive, to hold a prize raffle during the evening. The raffle will be drawn on the night, with all proceeds raised going directly to support the incredible work of this wonderful local charity.

Door: 7:00pm
Show: 8:00pm
Price: £10.00
Age: 16+ PG

Sunday 18th October

An Afternoon with Mick Miller

Sponsored by Halliwell Jones Kia Southport

Mick Miller. Picture by Andy Hollingworth Archive
Mick Miller. Picture by Andy Hollingworth Archive

Join us for a very special afternoon with comedy legend Mick Miller, one of our most treasured entertainers who has been at the top of his game for over 40 years. Often referred to as “The bald guy with the long hair,” Mick first came to prominence in the 70’s on the iconic ITV show ‘The Comedians’ but remains as relevant and funny today, he is one of the few comedians of his generation who has made the transition onto the alternative circuit, creating a younger fan base along the way.

This will be a masterclass in stand-up comedy not to be missed.

Plus support from Oliver Bowler

Door: 2.00pm

Show: 3.00pm

Price: £20

Age Restriction: 16+PG

Sunday 18th October

Seann Walsh: This is Torture

Seann Walsh is performing at Southport Comedy Festival.
Seann Walsh is performing at Southport Comedy Festival.

After his sell-out 2023 tour, the UK’s dishevelled king of stand-up, award-winning Seann Walsh returns with a brand-new show. Don’t miss his trademark high-energy exasperation and razor-sharp observations that leave audiences in stitches and on their feet all around the country. This year, he’s decided to name the show after the thing he says the most in life – THIS IS TORTURE.

As seen on Live at the Apollo, 8 Out of 10 Cats, The Last Leg and I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!

 “Unquestionably the best observational comic of his generation” The Guardian

Door: 7:00pm
Show: 8:00pm
Price: £18.00
Age: 14+ PG

 Do you have a story for Stand Up For Southport? Do you need advertising, PR or media support? Please message Andrew Brown or email: [email protected] 

Share This Article
Leave a Comment

Leave a Reply