THE Southport Comedy Festival Best of The Fest Show sponsored by Acorn Insurance is back for another year.

Festival organisers have put together a fantastic night of comedy for this year’s 15th annual Southport Comedy Festival in association with Halliwell Jones Kia Southport with a triple headline bill featuring stars from TV and the cream of the comedy circuit taking place on:- Friday, 16 October 2026.

Steve Gribbin

Liverpool’s legendary guitar-wielding satirist is renowned for his razor-sharp comedy songs, political humour and explosive energy. A veteran of The Cutting Edge at London’s Comedy Store and winner of the UK Comics’ Comic Award for Outstanding Achievement.

“A highly refreshing and original comic” The Scotsman


Clayton Jones

A hugely popular observational comedian known for his hilarious take on everyday life. Winner of Last-Minute Comedian of the Year and finalist in English Comedian of the Year.

“This dude has funny bones” Romesh Ranganathan


Brennan Reece

Multi award-winning comedian as seen on Live at the Apollo and Roast Battle. Winner of English Comedian of the Year, with over 100 million online views and 5 sold-out UK tours.

“A powerfully entertaining, unstoppable force” Chortle

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

Tickets for the show are £15+BF, with the festival organisers keeping prices low to make the event as accessible as possible.

The event takes place on the final weekend of the 17 day event running from:- Friday, 2 October to  Sunday, 18 October 2026 featuring Jason Byrne, Paul Sinha, Jason Manford, Clinton Baptiste, Jimeoin, Henning When, Gary Delaney, Paul Merton and Suki Webster, Adam Kay, Mike Wozniak, Scott Bennett, Laura Smyth, Mick Miller and Seann Walsh.

As well as the headline touring shows The Southport New Comedian of the year Grand Final returns sponsored by Dragon Soop. Festival-goers can also rewind the clock and dance the night away as Comedy Bingo Goes Back to the 90s returns for another nostalgic night of fun.

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.

The Southport Comedy Festival organisers would like to thank all the businesses who keep Southport Smiling year after year, check out their logos on the festival website.

Visit the official website for full line-up, information and direct links to book tickets.

Follow them on:- Facebook, Twitter and Instagram


Best of the Fest

Date of show:- Friday, 16 October 2026
Tickets:- £15 +BF
Doors:- 7pm
Show:- 8pm
Age suitability:- 16+ PG
Venue:- Southport Comedy Festival Under Canvas at Victoria Park in Southport, Esplanade, Southport, PR8 1RX
Book:- here.