Stand-up stars from shows including Mock The Week, Live at the Apollo and Taskmaster will be coming to Northampton for a dedicated comedy festival this summer, with many acts using it as a warm-up on route to the Edinburgh Fringe.
More than 50 comedians have been booked to appear at multiple venues across the town centre as part of a two-month-long series of gigs, including top names such as Lucy Porter, Paul Foot, Mark Thomas, Paul Sinha and Rhys James.
The festival, which takes place between Sunday, 24 May and Thursday, 30 July, has been organised by locally based promoters The Comedy Crate with support from Northampton Town Centre Business Improvement District (BID).
Venues hosting performances include the Albion Brewery, Cheyne Walk Club and V&B.
Mark Mullen, operations manager of Northampton Town Centre BID, said: “We can’t wait to bring back the Northampton Comedy Festival for a fourth successive year, building on the success of the last three festivals.
“This is an opportunity to see big names in intimate venues as they prepare their material for shows on the nation’s biggest stage. We’ve seen big crowds pack out across the town centre and we’re looking forward to Northampton coming together once more to have a laugh and a cracking night out.”
The festival will feature two ‘all-dayer’ events on Saturday, 6 June and Saturday, 18 July, when 15 acts will appear across three stages at The Charles Bradlaugh, The Lamplighter and The Black Prince.
For the first time, the festival will also head to Sixfields Stadium for a large mixed bill event.
Mike Chase from The Comedy Crate said: “Northampton is getting a really positive reputation on the comedy circuit and events like this are showcasing what we are capable of when we all work together to produce something very special.
“This year we’ve secured some fantastic acts who will be coming to town to warm up either for Edinburgh or for their tour shows.
“We’ve kept ticket prices as low as we can so people have the chance to watch TV acts, circuit headliners and stars of the future without having to fork out too much cash at a time when we know people are watching the pennies.
“We’d encourage everyone to get behind your local independent comedy club and make this a festival to remember.”
For tickets and more information, visit The Comedy Crate website.
