The 2015 Cheltenham Comedy Festival
One of the premier comedy festivals in the UK has to be the Cheltenham Comedy Festival. Returning in 2015 for a whole week from 20 to 26 September, the festival looks to cement its reputation for showcasing the best in established and upcoming UK comedy talent.
So for the uninitiated, what can you expect from the Cheltenham Comedy Festival?
Cheltenham Spa
The festival is held in the historic spa town of Cheltenham that is located in the West Midlands of the UK, just on the edge of the picturesque Cotswolds.
Cheltenham has enjoyed a healthy reputation for supporting a wide range of annual festivals including the Cheltenham Food Festival and the highly glamorous Cheltenham Fashion Week.
If you need a break from the comedy, then the famous Cheltenham racecourse is also located nearby which has a great range of horse racing meetings throughout the year. Not only does it offer the very best in steeplechase action, but it also holds some excellent events such as the hilarious Radio 4 game show I’m Sorry I Haven’t A Clue.
As for the comedy festival itself, it looks to be held over a variety of venues ranging from arts centres to pubs and bookshops with no space left unoccupied by a budding comedian.
Last year saw a spectacular end of festival finale at the Town Hall that included an all-star cast of comics such as Ardal O’Hanlon and Jarred Christmas.
Big Names
In the past the festival has experienced some legendary performances. In 2013 Sean Hughes and Richard Herring added some seriously heavyweight laughter to the festival line-up. Whereas last year Al Murray the Pub Landlord performed a hilarious set to a sold out crowd.
Whilst this year’s billing has yet to be announced, there look to be some familiar names highly likely to return. For example, Tweedy the legendary circus clown is a regular fixture at the Cheltenham Comedy Festival with his Magic and Mayhem show.
There is also a diverse range of activities away from the headline acts. Traditionally, Saturday features a Family Fun Day with a Comedy Club 4 Kids event that includes many ways to keep the young ones occupied with face paintings and a variety of craft activities.
Local Talent
Cheltenham’s Howlers Comedy Club has steadily been making a name for itself as a regular stop on the touring circuit of many an upcoming comic. And the club often hosts an extra special evening during the festival that features the very best of rising UK talent.
And as for the amateur comedian, there’s always a good shot to be had with the Late and Local Comedy Night that last year took place on the Thursday night. This offered the chance for aspiring comics to tread the boards and face the discerning crowds – not for the faint of heart!
Last year saw a spectacular end of festival finale at the Town Hall that included an all-star cast of comics such as Ardal O’Hanlon and Jarred Christmas.
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