Consett Comedy Festival reveals a jam-packed festival line up with hopes that festival goers may get the opportunity to camp at the festival this year to encourage visitors from the wider region this May.

Festival Director Lee Woodhead has arranged an impressive line up for the weekend of laughs in County Durham, including comedy legend Joe Pasquale, Chrissy Rock and a mystery headliner.

Unfortunately, Consett Comedy Festival hasn’t seen the ticket intake it has in previous years, but due to the cost-of-living crisis organisers expected decline in ticket purchases.

However, Lee is still hopeful that after three successful years, interest will increase as visitors from the region and wider will come to Consett for a weekend of top-class comedy.

He said: “We are really trying to build something for the people of Durham, to attract people who wouldn’t normally give comedy a go.”

The Northern Echo: Consett Comedy Festival reveals a jam-packed festival line up

The Weekend Line Up

Thursday

A special night for smaller comedians, the Thursday line up entails an evening of fun for festival goers while allowing local and lesser known comedians to take to the stage.

With only a £5 entry fee this evening show supports comedians making their first steps, Lee also mentions that many of the acts are often enter their first year of comedy.

Last year the festival supported many local Consett acts, Lee said: “We want to support comedians that might not necessarily get onto the main line up, but they can still get the recognition the deserve and perform in a room full of people.”

Friday

The headliners for the Friday showing include legendary Liverpudlian comic and Benidorm star Chrissy Rock alongside comedy award winner Kelly Rickard who is now living in the North East and hopes to bring some brutally honest and relatable laughs.

The Northern Echo: Chrissy Rock is best known for her performance in hit series Benidorm

Jack Skipper, popular on social media and known for observational comedy is predominantly seen further south of the country - he heads to County Durham to grace the North East with his new age takes on everyday life.

Steve Harris from Manchester also heads to Consett in the Friday line up after performing all over the UK, he is guaranteed to be a popular comedian at the show with his relatable jokes and loveable personality.

Saturday

The Saturday afternoon line up for Consett Comedy Festival focuses on family-friendly fun.

In the line up is Tiny Tim, best known for his comedic videos on social media where he prank calls businesses and schools using a squeaky child’s voice –audiences can also look forward to a live phone call!

“The Saturday afternoon show is a great way to dip your toe into comedy, audiences won’t be getting picked on – it’s just pure family fun.”

The evening show becomes a variety act night with Britain’s Got Talent juggler Tommy J who will support the show with some classic slapstick entertainment.

The Northern Echo: Consett Comedy Festival is Joe Pasquale's only show in the North East this year

Needing no introduction comedy legend Joe Pasquale headlines the Saturday evening performance, which is currently his only show in the North East this year!

Traitors’ winner and stand-up comedian Hannah Byczkowski will be opening the show joined by North East based artist Psychic Stew is set to have audiences in fits of laughter with his failing psychic abilities. 

Sunday

A mystery headliner known for featuring on BBC, comedy central, and who has had sell out theatre tours around the UK and including 2 nights at Newcastle in the last year will be heading to County Durham!

Their identity will be revealed on the night of the show.

The Northern Echo: We wonder who the Mystery Headliner will be?

Stephen Bailey known for stand up shows such as Live At The Apollo and presenting hit tv shows such as Celebs On The Farm and Takeshi’s Castle will join the impressive line-up alongside the outrageous and charming award winning Nina Gilligan.

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Fans of the festival have enjoyed the entertainment so much over the last three years that they have signed up to volunteer over the weekend.

The event is ran by Lee, his brother and 3 of his best friends, so it is a real family run affair and community event.

Inspired by his time living in the area, Lee chose Consett to host the festival to try and attract new visitors to Consett, somewhere festival goers may not visit otherwise.

“I want people not from the area to think that this festival is worth a trip out of their way to Consett, County Durham.”

Consett Comedy Festival runs from Thursday May 2 until Sunday May 5, 2024. 

For more information visit https://consettcomedy.co.uk/