15th Annual FestivalVictoria Park Marquee · 2–18 October 2026

SouthportComedy Festival

17 nights of live comedy in a luxury heated marquee at Victoria Park. Over 6,000 tickets sold in 2025. Confirmed 2026 acts include Henning Wehn, Gary Delaney, and more to be announced.

Get Tickets →2026 Lineup So Far

2–18 Oct

When

17 nights

PR8 1RX

Where

Victoria Park Marquee

6,000+

Attend each year

9 sell-outs in 2025

15th Year

Anniversary

Est. 2012

Terry's Take

Southport Does Comedy Better Than You'd Expect

The Comedy Festival has been running since 2012 and has got considerably better each year. The marquee setup works well — heated, seated properly, decent acoustics for a temporary venue. It feels like a proper theatre, not a converted tent.

The acts they get are genuinely good. Henning Wehn is excellent live — better than on TV. Gary Delaney is one of the best one-liner comics in the country and Southport gets him on a proper stage in a venue that's the right size for that kind of comedy. Nine sell-out shows in 2025. This is not a struggling fringe event.

One practical point: the more popular shows sell out well in advance. When they announce the line-up for individual dates, book the shows you want immediately. Don't wait. The full programme builds up through 2026 — sign up to their mailing list at southportcomedyfestival.com to get notified when new shows go on sale.

Confirmed So Far

2026 Lineup

First acts confirmed. More to be announced throughout 2026 — check southportcomedyfestival.com for the full programme as it builds.

Henning Wehn

German Comedy Ambassador to the UK. Regular Mock the Week, Would I Lie to You, QI. Consistently one of the strongest live acts on the circuit.

Gary Delaney

BAFTA-nominated. The UK's best one-liner comedian. Every sentence is a punchline. Not for people who like build-up jokes.

Scott Bennett

Northern comic. Clean, sharp, family-friendly — but funny. Won Best Show at multiple festivals. One of the most consistent live performers around.

Laura Smyth

Stand-up comedian and writer. Fresh, sharp material. One of the breakout acts of the past few years on the UK circuit.

More acts being announced throughout 2026

The Venue

What to Expect

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The Marquee

A luxury heated and seated marquee in Victoria Park, courtesy of Elite Events. Tiered seating, proper acoustics, a real stage. Comfortable even on a cold October night. Entrance via the Esplanade, PR8 1RX.

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How to Book

Tickets via southportcomedyfestival.com, Skiddle, or Ticketmaster. Shows vary in price depending on the act. Book early — popular shows sell out. The full programme builds over the year as new acts are confirmed.

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Bar & Atmosphere

Bar available at the venue. The atmosphere is that of a proper comedy club night — not a theatre with rules about drinks. The audience is there to enjoy themselves. Shows typically run 60–90 minutes.

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Family Shows

Some shows are family-friendly, some are adult content. Check individual show listings before booking. Scott Bennett and similar acts are suitable for older children. Gary Delaney is firmly adult.

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Getting There

Victoria Park Esplanade entrance, PR8 1RX. Town centre car parks 10–15 min walk. Southport train station 20 min walk — or short taxi. Bus services run to the town centre from across the region.

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17 Nights

The festival runs 2 October to 18 October — 17 days. Most nights have one show. Some nights have two shows (early and late). Not all nights are the same act — browse by show rather than by date.

Before You Go

Practical Information

Venue & Getting Here

Victoria Park Marquee, entrance via Esplanade, PR8 1RX

Town centre car parks: 10–15 min walk

Southport railway station: approximately 20 min walk

Taxi from town centre: 5 min and inexpensive

Booking Tips

Book early — 9 shows sold out in 2025

More acts announced throughout 2026 — sign up to the mailing list

Check show-specific content guidance before booking for children

Tickets via southportcomedyfestival.com, Skiddle, or Ticketmaster

Common Questions

Southport Comedy Festival — FAQs

When is the Southport Comedy Festival 2026?

The Southport Comedy Festival 2026 runs from Friday 2 October to Sunday 18 October 2026 — 17 days. It's the 15th annual festival.

Where is the Southport Comedy Festival?

The festival takes place in a luxury heated and seated marquee in the grounds of Victoria Park, Southport. The entrance is via the Esplanade, postcode PR8 1RX.

How do I buy tickets for the Southport Comedy Festival?

Tickets are available through southportcomedyfestival.com, Skiddle, and Ticketmaster. Shows vary in price depending on the act — book early for popular shows as several sell out each year. More acts will be announced through 2026.

Who is performing at the Southport Comedy Festival 2026?

Confirmed acts so far include Henning Wehn, Gary Delaney, Scott Bennett, and Laura Smyth. More acts will be announced over the coming months. Check southportcomedyfestival.com for the full programme as it builds.

How many people attend the Southport Comedy Festival?

The 2025 festival attracted over 6,000 attendees with nine sell-out shows. The festival has grown significantly year on year since it began in 2012. It's now a substantial event in the Southport calendar.

Is the marquee warm?

Yes — the venue is a luxury heated and seated marquee specifically designed for the event. Courtesy of Elite Events. It's comfortable even in a cold October evening. You won't need to wear your coat inside.

Is there parking at Victoria Park for the comedy festival?

Victoria Park has limited on-site parking. Town centre car parks are the most practical option — 10–15 minutes' walk from the Esplanade entrance. By train: Southport station is approximately 20 minutes' walk. Bus services also run to the town centre.

Can I go to the comedy festival with children?

Some shows are suitable for families and some are not — it depends entirely on the act. Check the individual show listings at southportcomedyfestival.com for content guidance before booking. Scott Bennett's shows, for example, are generally family-friendly. Others are adult content.

Southport Comedy Festival 2026