Southport Comedy Festival enjoys most successful year as over 6,000 people attend

Southport Comedy Festival 2024 has enjoyed its best ever year with around 6,000 festival-goers including watching some of the biggest names in comedy.

People came from all around the UK to watch comics from all around the world at the sparkling 17-day showcase, sponsored by Halliwell Jones MINI.

There were six sold-out shows for big names Ben Elton, Jason Manford, Henning Wehn, Jason Byrne, Mick Miller and Jimeoin.

Thousands came out to see other top acts including Rich Hall, Mark Thomas, Paul Sinha, Jo Caulfield, Hal Cruttenden, Ria Lina, Patrick Monahan, The Raymond and Mr Timpkins Review, Katie Tracey and Dan Nightingale.

Eight of the best up-and-coming performers battled it out to win the Southport New Comedian Of The Year competition, which was won by NHS hospital doctor Henry Michael.

There were two busy Comedy Bingo and 80s Disco Bingo evenings too which saw thousands of pounds raised for local charities.

Dates have been set for next year’s Southport Comedy Festival with a big announcement on the first headline act to be made due soon.

Southport Comedy Festival Director Brendan Riley said:

“This has been the biggest Southport Comedy Festival we have ever done!

“Over the 17 nights of the event we have welcomed around 6,000 festival-goers, who enjoyed a real variety of shows.

“Six of our shows were complete sell-outs while a number of others came very close.

“We would love to thank everyone who came and enjoyed the festival this year.

“In addition to our big name events we are always proud to do what we can do to support our local community. We were really pleased to be able to once again host a Comedy Bingo night to raise funds for the Community Link Foundation charity and an 80s themed Disco Bingo night to raise funds for the Southport Flower Show charity.

“Our Southport New Comedian final, sponsored by Dragon Soop, was a superb platform which will encourage some very talented up-and-coming new comedians to develop their careers in stand up comedy. Congratulations to Henry Michael for winning this year’s final.

“After the horrors of the past few months in Southport, it was great to be able to welcome people from around the country to come and enjoy what Southport has to offer for positive reasons.

“At this time of year we hope it’s given a real boost to some of Southport’s hotels, guest houses, restaurants, bars and other local businesses.

“This has been the best venue we have ever had. Elite Marquees and Elite Bars really wowed everyone with the stunning venue they created this year, complete with their twinkling ‘night sky’ effect inside the marquee.

“We have great feedback about it from both audiences and performers. It supported the great atmosphere that we had throughout the event.

“We would like to say a huge thank you as well to our headline sponsors, Halliwell Jones BMW, and to all our other sponsors, whose support makes the festival possible each year.

“We’re very grateful to our support from Alan Adams and his team at Southport Flower Show and Victoria Park; to Scott Mackin from Moonlight Events; Mark Catherall and the Sefton Council Tourism team; T-Bone North American Comfort Food; Michael from MAF Photography; all our volunteers and everyone else who has contributed.

“This festival is run by local people and backed so well by local businesses. It is a real community team effort.

“We have already started planning for next year’s Southport Comedy Festival, which will be held from Friday, 3rd November to Sunday, 19th October 2025.

“We have been busy talking with potential acts for next year and have a very exciting name that we are looking forward to announcing soon.”