THE wait is finally over! The 15th Annual Southport Comedy Festival, in association with Halliwell Jones Kia Southport, kicks off tonight:- Friday, 2 October 2026, for 17 days of fantastic live comedy under canvas at Victoria Park, Southport.

Their luxury, fully seated and heated Elite Events marquee is ready to welcome thousands of comedy fans for another unforgettable festival.

With 7 shows already sold out and several more close to capacity, tickets are selling fast.

But there are still opportunities to join them and experience some of the fantastic shows taking place over the next 17 days starting with 2 shows taking place this Saturday on the opening weekend of the festival:- 

SATURDAY, 3 OCTOBER 2026

PAUL SINHA – 2 SINHA LIFETIME

Doors 2pm | Show 3pm | £20 + booking fee

Star of ITV’s The Chase, Paul Sinha The Sinnerman  returns to the Southport Comedy Festival with his acclaimed show 2 Sinha Lifetime.

Following widespread critical praise at last year’s Edinburgh Fringe, the show received 5-star reviews and was named by Rolling Stone as 1 of the festival’s must-see comedy events.

And there’s even more reason to celebrate – this year marks Paul’s 30th year in stand-up comedy!


SOUTHPORT NEW COMEDIAN OF THE YEAR GRAND FINAL

Sponsored by Dragon Soop

Doors 7pm | Show 8pm | £8 + booking fee

Who will be crowned the Southport New Comedian of the Year 2026?

Following a nationwide search, more than 100 aspiring comedians from across the UK entered the competition, all hoping to secure 1 of just 8 places in the Grand Final.

Now the finalists take to the stage at the Southport Comedy Festival to battle it out for the coveted title.

The New Comedian of the Year Competition is always a festival highlight – and it’s your chance to see the stars of tomorrow before they become household names.

And at just £8 a ticket what have you got to lose?

Make a night of it! The Southport Comedy Festival food and drink is being provided by 2 fantastic local businesses.

Tik Taco, the festival’s award-winning catering partner, will be serving up delicious authentic Mexican street food, including tacos, loaded nachos, dirty fries and hand-made sides.

Meanwhile, Elite Bars will be running the fully-licensed festival bar, with snacks and hot drinks also available.

So whether you're coming for a big-name comedian, discovering the next comedy star or simply looking for a great night out, Southport Comedy Festival will have everything you need for a fantastic evening under canvas.

Don´t miss out!

Southport Comedy Festival Director Brendan Riley said:- “With 7 shows already sold out and more selling fast, don't leave it too late to get your tickets. Come and join us at Victoria Park in Southport  for 17 days of live comedy, great food, drinks and plenty of laughter. 1 final thing to mention, we are extremely grateful to our fantastic local and national sponsors. Without their support we just couldn't bring you such great comedy year after year. Take a look at our website and click the links to see who has helped keep Southport Smiling. Up The Port!”

For more details about Southport Comedy Festival visit their website.