The first ever Comedy Weekender lands in Liverpool & there are some big names to look out for

Some of the UK’s best-known comedians are on the bill for a brand new comedy festival this May. 

The first ever Comedy Weekender will take place at the new Salt and Tar event space in Bootle over the Spring Bank Holiday weekend from Friday 26th to Sunday 28th May 2023.

Top TV names to look out for inside a heated and seated marquee include Jason Byrne, Jo Caulfield, Chris McCausland and more. 

Tickets for the events start from £5 and are available from See Tickets.

The festival is being brought to Bootle by Big Comedy, which organises the spectacular Southport Comedy Festival every October.  

Director Brendan Riley said:

“Big Comedy is delighted to be working with Sefton Council to bring this exciting new comedy festival, with a superb line-up of top comedians, to Bootle this Spring Bank Holiday weekend. 

“Salt and Tar is a fantastic new venue and we have had great feedback from people since this event was announced.

“We are keeping costs deliberately low and affordable to encourage people across the Liverpool City Region to turn off their tellies and come out to enjoy some of the best and most recognised comedians on the circuit. 

“There are lots of big names coming, who you will recognise from shows such as Live At The Apollo, Mock The Week, Never Mind The Buzzcocks and many more. 

“Salt and Tar is right next to The Strand Shopping Centre, which everyone knows, so it’s really easy to get to via train for anyone travelling in from Liverpool, Crosby, Southport or elsewhere in the region. 

“This is going to be an amazing event, we are looking forward to seeing everyone there. 

“It has massive potential to build into a real fixture for the region.” 

Blind Liverpool comedian Chris McCausland, whose hilarious double act with Lee Lack presenting the BAFTAS last year went viral, will feature alongside Patrick Monahan and Nina Gilligan in the curtain-raising Comedy Night on Friday 26th May.

Bingo Nights UK will bring their Disco Bingo show on Saturday 27th May, which will have the entire room up and dancing, hosted by comedian and presenter Brendan Riley, while raising money for charity.

Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th May sees family-friendly fun come to Salt and Tar, with comedy bingo featuring Britain’s Got Talent star Steve Royle, and Martin “Bigpig” Mor presenting Funny Stuff For Happy People.

Jason Byrne, Jo Caulfield and Scott Bennett will appear on Sunday 28th May to round off the weekend.

Salt and Tar’s emerging 2023 events programme also includes a Music Festival, to be held over two weekends in July. Red Rum Club will be among bands appearing at the festival, which has already sold out online.

A full programme for the coming year includes a Food and Drink Festival, outdoor cinema screenings, community events and live music, markets and beer festivals.

Cllr Marion Atkinson, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Skills said:

“I’m pleased to see this important step forward in developing this impressive new brand for the area and the beginnings of an exciting programme for 2023.”

The new Salt and Tar brand refers to Bootle’s rich industrial heritage, with the Brotherton’s Tar Distillery on Hawthorne Road and the area’s historic link to the salt trade.

The growing Salt and Tar events programme is part of Sefton Council’s work to revitalise The Strand and wider Bootle town centre economy.

Tickets for the Comedy Weekender festival are available here.