Southport Comedy Festival announces lineup for opening night show

Festival organisers have put together a fantastic night of comedy for the opening night of this year’s 14^th annual Southport Comedy Festival in association with Halliwell Jones Kia Southport.

The festival kicks off on Friday 3^rd October 2025 with a triple headline bill featuring stars from TV and the cream of the comedy circuit.

Dan Nightingale
Host of the smash-hit podcast Have A Word and one of the most exciting voices in British comedy today. Award winning Dan’s TV credits include John Bishop’s Only Joking, Dan’s comedy is original, playful, intelligent, poignant and exciting; sometimes ridiculous..but always hilarious. Multi-award-winning and widely acclaimed — don’t miss this powerhouse of comedy live on stage.

Jenny Collier
Smart, fearless, and absolutely hilarious — Jenny is a comedy circuit favourite with international acclaim. From The Rhod Gilbert Show to The Lateish Show with Mo Gilligan, Jenny’s wit and charm have lit up stages from the UK to Australia. Expect clever punchlines and sharp insights from a true comedy pro.

Jonny Awsum
As seen on Britain’s Got Talent (and with over 50 million YouTube views to prove it), Jonny’s infectious energy and feel-good musical comedy have won him fans nationwide. He’s bold, brilliant, and guaranteed to leave you grinning from ear to ear.

The night will be hosted by comedian Brendan Riley and is sponsored by Acorn Insurance.

The opening night will be followed by a star studded event over 17 days running until Sunday 19^th October  featuring literary phenomenon and ‘Godfather of Punk Poetry’ Dr John Cooper Clarke, high-energy festival favourite Jason Byrne, universally acclaimed observational joke-master Jimeoin, American comedy legend Rich Hall, multi-award-winning comedian and broadcaster Mark Steel, internationally acclaimed Irish star Ardal O’Hanlon of Father Ted fame, Persian powerhouse and star of the silver screen Omid Djalili, comedian and Strictly Come Dancing star Chris McCausland, Irish Comedy Queen Deirdre O’Kane, hilariously outrageous clairvoyant from Phoenix Nights Clinton Baptiste  and UK comedy icon Mick Miller, the beloved “bald man with the long hair” and a cherished entertainer for over 40 years

As well as the headline touring shows The Southport New Comedian of the year Grand Final returns sponsored by Dragon Soop. And if you fancy something a little different, don’t miss the return of our special charity events Comedy Bingo sponsored by Anthony James Estate Agents, raising funds for Community Link Foundation while raising a smile and the feel-good nostalgia of the Back to the 80s Disco Bingo, sponsored by Halliwell Jones Kia Southport, supporting the Southport Flower Show. Both shows sell out every year so grab your tickets early

It all takes place under canvas in a heated and seated luxury marquee courtesy of Elite Events in the beautiful grounds of the Victoria Park, home of the world-renowned Southport Flower Show

Find out more about the Southport Comedy Festival here.

Find all more things to do across Southport this summer here.

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