Big names and new talent lining up for Nottingham Comedy Festival

Taking place between Friday, October 30 and Sunday, November 18, this year will be the 18th edition of the festival and organisers are proud to bring together brand new, local, international and top established acts.

Ten days of comedy will unfold across 14 venues, with more than 130 performers bringing their shows to town for some light-hearted fun.

This year’s programme is more diverse than ever, featuring stand-up, improvisation, sketches, plays, poetry, drag shows, musical comedy, and plenty more.

A festival spokesperson said: “This year we are very proud to announce that we are being funded by the Arts Council to bring four very special showcases to the festival – The Spotlight showcases.

"These showcases are designed to celebrated some of the underrepresented groups in comedy, including LGBTQIA+, disabled/neurodiverse, women and Nottinghamshire acts.

"Each show will be featuring a mixture of professional and up-and-coming acts.

"Each year, we’re proud to welcome back many familiar faces, as well as introduce new performers making their festival debut.

"With more than 130 shows, there is a lot taking place.

"Go and see your old favourites and try something new, you never know what gems are out there, but most importantly, come and have a laugh.”

Once again, the festival is also working alongside Takeover Radio 106.9FM for the ‘Joke of the Festival Award’.

Last year this was won by Alex Mitchell with: “I did my driving test in Luton, my driving instructor asked me to pull over whenever it was safe to do so, so I drove to Cambridge."

Alex will be back again this year with his brand-new show at the new festival venue, Blend at the Nottingham Contemporary.

The festival is once again supported by Nottingham’s Castle Rock Brewery, who have been backing the event since the beginning in 2009.

For full line-up information and tickets visit nottinghamcomedyfestival.co.uk