A week-long programme of events celebrates the town’s rich tapestry of entertainment this July.
The Blackpool Comedy Festival, a partnership between The Winter Gardens and several resort organisations including Showtown and the Comedy Station, returns for 2024. Running from the 8th-14th July, the festival promises fun, comedy, culture and extensive entertainment with a packed programme featuring some of the funniest faces on the circuit.
The festival is a celebration of the rich cultural history of Blackpool’s legacy of entertaining the masses – from the golden age of variety through to providing a platform for today’s best stand-ups.
There is something for all the family at this year’s festival including afternoon and evening comedy shows, talks about some of the legendary stars of yesteryear, Q&A sessions, photographic exhibitions, storytelling and family workshops curated to inspire joy and play.
Throughout the week, Blackpool will become a stage for the most innovative, hilarious, and engaging comedy events. Variety legends such as Freddie Davies, whose career has spanned 50 years in show business, are already confirmed alongside a host of award-winning comedians, including Gavin Webster, for a programme of short shows at the Old Electric theatre.
As well as headline acts Jason Manford, Dara O’Briain, Kiri Pritchard McClean and Paul Sinah, the programme features over 33 events taking place across Blackpool town centre, from intimate bars to the grandeur of the Winter Gardens. At House of Secrets you can join top magician Russ Brown for 60 minutes of laughs and tricks as he teaches you step by step how to make things transport, vanish and even float on a card’s edge.
If you prefer your humour a little less sunny side up, why not pay a visit to the Dakota Guest House, the most glamorous B&B this side of Blackpool! The Dakota is the true spirit of Variety; comedy, music and mystery are resident guests here and every room has its tale to tell. Join acclaimed theatre makers Black Liver as they present Devilled Eggs, their latest two-hander play which comes to the Grand Theatre on the 8th of July.
“We are dedicated to making the Blackpool Comedy Festival a landmark event that not only showcases world-class talent but also supports and nurtures new and emerging comedians,” says Anthony Williams, head of marketing at the Winter Gardens.
“Blackpool is built on having a laugh, and professional comedy lies at the heart of the town’s unique culture. It makes sense that Blackpool celebrates this and introduces a new generation to comedy and the power of laughing,” says Kerry Vasiliou, learning and engagement manager at Showtown.
Visit the Blackpool Comedy Festival website for full listings.
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