1 of the UK’s most celebrated stand-up comedians, Jason Manford, has been announced as the latest star to join this year’s Southport Comedy Festival in association with Halliwell Jones Kia Southport.

Comedy fans will have 2 chances to see Jason live as he performs both a matinee and evening show on:- Sunday, 4 October 2026.

Fresh from a sell-out national tour, Jason returns to the Southport Comedy Festival with his trademark energy, quick wit, brilliant storytelling and crowd-pleasing charm that has made him 1 of the country’s best-loved entertainers.

A familiar face across British television, Jason has appeared on numerous hit shows including Big Night of Musicals, Royal Variety Performance, Starstruck, Live at the Apollo, Have I Got News For You, QI, The Masked Singer, 8 Out of 10 Cats and many more.

While hugely successful on screen, it’s on stage where Jason truly shines. Audiences can expect a fantastic afternoon or evening of laugh-out-loud stand-up as he brings his acclaimed live comedy back to Southport.

Tickets for both performances go on sale at:- 10am this Friday, 20 March 2026, and organisers are expecting strong demand.

Jason Manford is the 8th show to be revealed for the 2026 programme, joining an already stellar line-up including festival favourite Jason Byrne, German comedy ambassador Henning Wehn, king of the 1-liners Gary Delaney, legendary improv duo Paul Merton and Suki Webster, Taskmaster star Mike Wozniak, multi award-winning comedian Scott Bennett, and rapidly rising comedy and TV star Laura Smyth , with many more shows still to be announced.

The 15th annual Southport Comedy Festival runs from:- 2 October to 18 October 2026, returning for the 6th consecutive year to its luxury, fully seated and heated Elite Events marquee in the beautiful surroundings of Victoria Park, home of the world-famous Southport Flower Show.


Event Details

Sunday, 4 October 2026

Matinee Performance
Doors:- 2pm
Show:- 3pm

Evening Performance
Doors:- 6pm
Show:- 7pm

Tickets:- £25
Age Guidance:- 14+ (PG)

Tickets go on sale at:- 10am, Friday 20 March 2026.

Venue:- Southport Comedy Festival Under Canvas, Victoria Park, Esplanade, Southport, PR8 1RX

Visit this link for more information.