Organisers of this year’s Southport Comedy Festival have been showing their support for the GABA Foundation.
GABA was created by two determined Southport sisters who have created a stylish new clothing range and a determination to tackle knife crime as well as mental health support.
It was founded by the girls, aged 14 and 10, who were involved in the tragic Southport attack last summer.
The eldest girl, who was stabbed three times by the killer, was heroic in getting some of the younger girls in the Taylor Swift themed dance class out of the room and towards safety.
They have now teamed up to start GABA Clothing, a cool new brand which stands for ‘Go Anywhere – Be Anything’.
It features a series of t-shirts, polo shirts, hoodies and caps for both adults and children: Home – GABA Clothing
Southport Comedy Festival Director Brendan Riley met the sisters as they gave a presentation about their campaign at a recent business networking meeting in Southport.
He has since bought a dozen GABA hats of all colours, which have become a familiar sight being worn by organisers and volunteers at the festival.
There is a BAGA banner that festival goers have been able to see inside the marquee, while family members have been invited to some of the shows.
Southport Comedy Festival Director Brendan Riley said: “It’s been a pleasure to be able to show our support for the GABA Foundation throughout Southport Comedy Festival. It’s an amazing local charity to be able to support.
“Ever since we started organising Southport Comedy Festival we have been determined to support a range of good causes in Southport, such as the Community Link Foundation, the Southport Flower Show charity, Queenscourt Hospice, Southport Lifeboat and others.
“I first came across the GABA Foundation when the girls behind it were speaking and doing a presentation at the recent Southport Business Group networking meeting run by Chris Norris in Birkdale Village.
“They were so impressive with the way they spoke. It was very moving. What they have been through and what they want to do deserves all the support they can get.
“I met their parents too and we had a chat about what GABA is all about and what they want to achieve, which is incredible.
“Their clothing range which they have designed is brilliant, along with what GABA stands for – ‘Go Anywhere, Be Anything’. It’s inspiring.
“I bought GABA hats for all our team to wear at Southport Comedy Festival and we have put up a GABA banner so visitors can learn a little bit more about it.
“I have also invited the parents to enjoy some of our gigs – it’s the least we can do.
“I’m very happy to get right behind them and help them out.
“It’s not just about raising money for them, the most important thing is more about raising awareness. They want to make a change at a national level.
“Some of our comedians have been really kind in showing their support for the GABA Foundation too.
“I wish the girls and their family every success in what they’re aiming to do and the changes they’re determined to make in society.”
The official launch of the new GABA Foundation took place at Silcock’s Pier Family Restaurant in August.
Money raised through sales will fund peer-led knife crime awareness in schools and colleges, and a drive to bring in compulsory first aid training for all pupils.
The GABA logo is ‘The Cheeky Monkey’.
‘Sarah’, the older girl behind GABA Clothing, said: “This cheeky monkey was chosen to symbolise my sister’s playful and spirited nature! Like most little sisters, she is very cheeky!
“It serves as a reminder that even in adversity, you can always find joy and mischief.
“The monkey has a scar to represent the scars that I have from the attack in Southport.
“It highlights the idea that scars, whether mental or physical, don’t take away from anyone’s ability to experience happiness and playfulness.”
“Through the GABA Foundation, what we want to achieve is knife crime awareness; to provide first aid training in high schools and colleges; and we want to get it onto the curriculum for all schools across the country.”
GABA was born out of a desire to transform personal tragedy into a catalyst for hope and healing.
- For more details about GABA Clothing please visit: Home – GABA Clothing
More acts still to come at Southport Comedy Festival sponsored by Halliwell Jones Kia include American comedy legend Rich Hall (Friday 17th October 2025), high-energy festival favourite Jason Byrne, (Saturday 18th October 2025) and Irish Comedy Queen Deirdre O’Kane (Sunday 19th October 2025).
The entire festival is being staged in a giant luxury heated and seated marquee courtesy of Elite Events in Victoria Park, home of Southport Flower Show.
- Visit southportcomedyfestival.com for full line-up, information and direct links to book tickets.
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