The Southport Comedy Festival has unveiled its line-up for 2026, promising a stellar mix of household names and emerging talent. The event will take place from October 2 to 18 in a luxury heated and seated marquee at Victoria Park in Southport.
Headliners and Highlights
Stars including Jason Manford, Paul Merton, Laura Smyth, and Jason Byrne are set to perform. Three of the 18 shows have already sold out. Festival director Brendan Riley expressed his excitement: 'We have a superb line-up this year! We’re delighted to confirm our full programme.'
Riley added: 'Every year, we try our best to secure the best acts and put together the very best festival we can. We love to present a mixture of big household names along with exciting new acts. We’re delighted to welcome Paul Merton and Suki Webster, Laura Smyth, Adam Kay, Mike Wozniak, and Scott Bennett.'
Returning Favorites and New Events
Returning favorites include Jason Byrne, Jimeoin, Paul Sinha, and Gary Delaney. The festival also provides a platform for new talent through the Southport New Comedian Of The Year competition sponsored by Dragon Soop. The popular Comedy Bingo event returns with a 'Back To The 90s' theme, encouraging attendees to wear double denim.
This year’s chosen charity is Bebe’s Hive, which will hold a prize raffle at the Comedy Bingo event. All proceeds will support the charity's work and raise awareness.
Matinee Shows and Evolution
Following the success of last year’s matinee show with Chris McCausland, the festival will host three matinee shows this year. Riley noted: 'It gives people the option to watch shows during the day or evening. For real comedy fans, you could even watch two shows in one day.'
The festival has evolved since moving to Victoria Park five years ago, a change Riley described as one of the most positive.
Full Line-Up
- Friday, October 2: Jason Byrne: 30 Years Byrning
- Saturday, October 3: Paul Sinha: 2 Sinha Lifetime – Matinee Show
- Saturday, October 3: Southport New Comedian of the Year 2026 Grand Final
- Sunday, October 4: An Afternoon with Jason Manford (SOLD OUT)
- Sunday, October 4: An Evening with Jason Manford (SOLD OUT)
- Tuesday, October 6: Jimeoin – Ballyhoo!
- Wednesday, October 7: An Evening with Clinton Baptiste
- Thursday, October 8: Henning Wehn: Acid Wehn
- Friday, October 9: Gary Delaney: Gary On Laughing (SOLD OUT)
- Saturday, October 10: Paul Merton and Suki Webster's Improv Show
- Sunday, October 11: Adam Kay: This Is Going To Hurt
- Tuesday, October 13: Mike Wozniak: The Bench
- Wednesday, October 14: Scott Bennett: Blood Sugar Baby
- Thursday, October 15: Laura Smyth: Born Aggy
- Friday, October 16: Best of the Fest featuring Steve Gribbin, Clayton Jones, Brennan Reece, and host Brendan Riley
- Saturday, October 17: Comedy Bingo Back To The 90s
- Sunday, October 18: Mick Miller: An Afternoon with Mick Miller
- Sunday, October 18: Seann Walsh: This is Torture
For tickets and more information, visit the Southport Comedy Festival website.
