BIG Comedy UK has put together a fantastic night of comedy for the opening night of this year’s 12th annual Southport Comedy Festival in association with Halliwell Jones BMW
 

The festival kicks off on Friday, 29 September 2023 with a triple headline bill featuring stars from TV and the cream of the comedy circuit.
 

Multi award winning comedian and viral sensation Mark Nelson is 1 of the UK’s biggest-hitting comedy powerhouses with a mix of dark humour, cutting observations and superb one-liners. He has been tour support for Jason Manford, Russell Kane and Jim Jeffries.
 

Mark was crowned Scottish Comedian of the Year in 2006, barely a year after his 1st-ever open spot and has gone on to collect countless more awards to include a Scottish Comedy Awards radio prize and UK Comedian of the Year voted by his comedy peers. 
 

Mark currently hosts BBC Scotland's No 1 show, The Good, the Bad and the Unexpected. He is the creator and Star of BBC Scotland’s biggest ever viral hit, News At 3 which boasts 250 million+ views.
 

Nina Gilligan is sometimes outrageous, always hilarious with a charming, loveable persona which belies an acerbic wit.
 

A huge star on the rise Nina is now a multi award winning comedian having recently scooped up the award for Best Act at the Northwest Comedy Awards 2023 as voted by her comedy peers and Best Club Act 2023 at the prestigious Chortle Awards.
 

2021 saw her crowned as the winner of the prestigious Leicester Mercury Award after also winning Liverpool Hot Water comedian of the year and being a finalist in English Comedian of the Year in previous year’s.
 

Recent tour support includes Jason Manford, Clinton Baptiste and Rachel Fairburn.
 

Described as ‘A Gem of the Circuit’ and with an ability to ‘Transcend age barriers effortlessly’ she continues to rise through the comedy ranks.
 

London based Emmanuel Sonubi's career in Comedy started only a few years ago and quickly grew from strength to strength earning himself a reputation as "one to watch out for". A regular favourite on the live comedy circuit, he has become one of the most sought-after acts working today. As seen on the recent series of ‘Live at the Apollo' 'Comedy Central’s Stand-Up UK' and the 'ITV2’s Stand-up Sketch Show', Emmanuel’s credits continue to grow as does his popularity with audiences around the world. 
 

He has received glowing accolades from fellow comedy celebrities with Jason Manford calling him “One of my favourite discoveries of the year”, Russell Kane said of him "A new talent at the door of Stand-Up, his name's down and he's definitely coming in" Joel Dommett called him “incredibly funny”, and Romesh Ranganathan said “The bloke has got funny bones”.
 

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

The opening night will be followed by a star studded event over 17 days to include Irish funny men and festival favourites Jason Byrne and Jimeoin, world-famous prankster and Lee Nelson creator Simon Brodkin, star of I’m a Celebrity Seann Walsh, Phoenix Nights’ Clinton Baptiste, king of the one liner and star of Mock the Week Gary Delaney, comedian, podcaster and movie star Tom Davis, award winning comedian and writer Mark Steel, Star of Live at the Apollo Jen Brister and comedy legend Rich Hall who closes this year’s festival.

As well as the headline touring shows the Southport New Comedian of the Year returns for another year sponsored by Dragon Soop. 
 

There will also be Comedy Bingo and a back to the 80’s Disco Bingo night raising funds for local charities Community Link Foundation and Southport Flower Show.
 

It all takes place under canvas in a heated and seated luxury marquee courtesy of Elite Marquees in the beautiful grounds of the Victoria Park, home of the world-renowned Southport Flower Show.