Joanna Lumley, Rich Hall, James Acaster and more to perform at Birmingham Comedy Festival

The annual event, which beings on October 5, is one of the longest running comedy festivals in the UK, and features stand-up, theatre, improv, music and more.

A variety of West Midlands comedians will also be out in force at the 10-day festival, including the likes of Barbara Nice, Man Like Mobeen star Guz Khan, internet sensation Gary Powndland, and the multi-award nominated The Elvis Dead creator Rob Kemp with a brand new show.

Other top acts that will appear at the event include Jimeoin, The Scummy Mummies, Bobby Mair, Dana Alexander, Robin Ince, Tom Binns, The Thinking Drinkers, Private Parts, and Josh Pugh and Phil Pagett’s Knowledge Club.

A spokesperson for the festival said: “We’ve got another packed line-up this year with over 70 performances featuring not only stand-up comedy, but also sketch shows, improv, spoken word, theatre, music, game shows, podcasters, fine art, and loads more – with more than 20 shows that are free or pay-what-you-want.”

The festival officially launches on October 5 with the Edinburgh Gin Birmingham Comedy Festival Breaking Talent Award 2018, which recognises the very best new talent from the region.

For more information and to buy tickets, click here.