SOME OF THE UK’s top comedians are warming up for this year’s Edinburgh Fringe festival with performances at the inaugural Northampton Comedy Festival.
More than 40 have been booked to appear at venues across the town centre as part of a month-long series of gigs, including top names such as Jo Caulfield, Paul Foot and Paul Sinha.
The festival takes place over four weeks from June 28 and has been organised by locally based promoters The Comedy Crate with support from Northampton Town Centre Business Improvement District.
Mark Mullen pictured left, operations manager of Northampton Town Centre BID, said: “We are always looking for ways to give people more reasons to visit our town centre and the Northampton Comedy Festival does just that,” said the Bid’s operations manager Mark Mullin. “This is an opportunity to see big names in intimate venues as they prepare their material for shows on the nation’s biggest stage.”
Venues hosting performances include Saints Coffee, Cheyne Walk Club, the Park Inn and V&B.
“It is going to be a month of good times with good company as the town comes together to have a laugh in some of the town’s brilliant venues, from coffee shops and hotels to pubs and clubs,”Mr Mukllin added.
The focal point of the festival will be a ‘weekender’ on July 8-9, when 25 acts will appear across three stages in the Charles Bradlaugh, The Black Prince and The Lamplighter.
Mike Chase, director of The Comedy Crate, said: “We are delighted to partner up with Northampton Town Centre BID to bring over 40 acts that are warming up either for Edinburgh or for their tour shows. All of the shows are at bargain prices, giving you the chance to watch TV acts, circuit headliners and stars of the future.
“Please get behind your local independent comedy club and make this a festival to remember.”
For tickets and more information, visit www.thecomedycrate.com
