Southport Comedy Festival 2026 returns to Victoria Park from Friday 2 to Sunday 18 October 2026, bringing 17 days of stand-up, improv, comedy bingo and emerging talent to a luxury heated and seated marquee.
The festival celebrates its 15th year with 18 performances featuring Jason Byrne, Paul Sinha, Jason Manford, Jimeoin, Clinton Baptiste, Henning Wehn, Gary Delaney, Paul Merton and Suki Webster, Adam Kay, Mike Wozniak, Scott Bennett, Laura Smyth, Seann Walsh and more.
If you are turning your show into a Southport comedy break, Market Quarter Apartment, Kings Central and Birkdale Links Lodge give couples, families and groups three convenient self-catering options.
Southport Comedy Festival 2026 at a glance
- Dates: Friday 2–Sunday 18 October 2026
- Venue: Festival Marquee, Victoria Park, Southport
- Entrance: Esplanade entrance, PR8 1RX
- Programme: 18 performances across 17 days
- Setting: luxury heated marquee with fully seated, unreserved general seating
- Tickets: sold separately for each performance; booking fees apply
- Parking: free on-site parking for ticket holders, with entry closing at 8pm
- Food and drink: available from Tik Taco and Elite Events
Ticket status changes quickly and several performances are already using waiting lists. Check the official Southport Comedy Festival programme before making travel or accommodation plans.
Southport Comedy Festival 2026 line-up
The 2026 programme mixes household names, acclaimed touring shows, improvisation, new talent and festival favourites. This is the announced schedule:
- Friday 2 October: Jason Byrne — 30 Years Byrning
- Saturday 3 October: Paul Sinha — 2 Sinha Lifetime (matinee)
- Saturday 3 October: Southport New Comedian of the Year 2026 Grand Final
- Sunday 4 October: An Afternoon with Jason Manford
- Sunday 4 October: An Evening with Jason Manford
- Tuesday 6 October: Jimeoin — Ballyhoo!
- Wednesday 7 October: An Evening with Clinton Baptiste
- Thursday 8 October: Henning Wehn — Acid Wehn
- Friday 9 October: Gary Delaney — Gary On Laughing
- Saturday 10 October: Paul Merton and Suki Webster’s Improv Show
- Sunday 11 October: Adam Kay — This Is Going To Hurt
- Tuesday 13 October: Mike Wozniak — The Bench
- Wednesday 14 October: Scott Bennett — Blood Sugar Baby
- Thursday 15 October: Laura Smyth — Born Aggy
- Friday 16 October: Best of the Fest with Steve Gribbin, Clayton Jones, Brennan Reece and host Brendan Riley
- Saturday 17 October: Comedy Bingo Back to the 90s
- Sunday 18 October: An Afternoon with Mick Miller
- Sunday 18 October: Seann Walsh — This Is Torture
Some productions have matinee or earlier evening start times, and age guidance varies by performance. Use the official listing for the doors time, show time, content guidance and latest ticket availability for your chosen act.
What is the festival venue like?
The Festival Marquee is a purpose-built luxury venue in Victoria Park. It is heated, fully seated and protected from the October weather, so visitors get the atmosphere of a festival with the comfort of an indoor theatre.
General seating is unreserved, making an early arrival worthwhile if you have a preferred position. Food and drink are available from local providers Tik Taco and Elite Events, with a bar and seating area forming part of the festival experience.
The marquee is built on a grassed part of Victoria Park, but access uses paved paths and the venue has level hard flooring. All seating is at ground-floor level. Visitors requiring wheelchair space, a carer arrangement or other assistance should contact the festival before purchasing tickets so the organisers can confirm what is available.
Getting to Victoria Park and parking
Festival entry is through the Esplanade entrance to Victoria Park, postcode PR8 1RX. The pedestrian entrance is close to the Splash World roundabout, where Victoria Way meets the Esplanade.
On-site parking is free for festival ticket holders, but the car park closes for entry after 8pm. Anyone arriving later must use alternative parking and enter on foot. A limited number of Blue Badge spaces are available closer to the marquee on a first-come, first-served basis.
Read the festival’s official venue, parking and accessibility information before travelling, particularly if your performance has an earlier start or you have specific access requirements.
Where to stay for Southport Comedy Festival
Staying locally turns a comedy ticket into a relaxed Southport break. You can enjoy dinner in the town centre, travel to Victoria Park without a long drive, and return to your own living space and kitchen after the show.
Market Quarter Apartment — sleeps up to 4
A one-bedroom apartment in central Southport, close to Southport Market, restaurants, shops and evening venues. It has a fully equipped kitchen, Wi-Fi and free off-street parking, making it a practical choice for couples, friends or a small family.
Kings Central — sleeps up to 6
This central three-bedroom apartment suits families or groups attending together. It includes a full kitchen, fast Wi-Fi, free off-street parking and a private outdoor terrace, with Southport Market, Lord Street and the railway station within easy reach.
Birkdale Links Lodge — sleeps up to 8
A spacious three-bedroom, two-bathroom holiday home near Birkdale Village. Two king-size bedrooms, a twin room and an additional lounge with a sofa bed give larger groups room to spread out. The house also has a kitchen, garden, Wi-Fi and off-road parking.
Check your comedy-festival dates
Choose the performance you want to attend, then search the exact arrival date, departure date and number of guests. Availability and prices change throughout the 17-day festival and are not secured until a booking is completed.
Make a comedy weekend of it
Most evening performances leave the daytime free for exploring Southport. Walk along Lord Street, visit The Atkinson, stop for lunch at Southport Market or enjoy the Promenade and Marine Lake before heading to Victoria Park. Birkdale Village is another easy option for cafés, restaurants and independent shops.
Frequently asked questions
When is Southport Comedy Festival 2026?
The festival runs from Friday 2 to Sunday 18 October 2026, with 18 announced performances across 17 days.
Where is Southport Comedy Festival held?
Performances take place in the Festival Marquee at Victoria Park, Southport. The festival entrance is on the Esplanade, postcode PR8 1RX.
Is the comedy festival marquee heated?
Yes. The festival uses a luxury heated and fully seated marquee with level hard flooring.
Are seats reserved?
General seating is unreserved. Arrive in good time if you have a preferred position, and contact the festival before booking if you require wheelchair space or another adjustment.
Is parking available?
On-site parking is free for festival ticket holders, but entry to the car park closes after 8pm. Limited Blue Badge spaces are offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
Are all shows suitable for children?
No. Age guidance varies between performances, commonly from 14+ to 18+. Check the individual event listing before purchasing tickets for younger guests.
Where can groups stay for Southport Comedy Festival?
Kings Central sleeps up to six and Birkdale Links Lodge sleeps up to eight. Market Quarter Apartment sleeps up to four and suits couples or smaller groups. Search your exact dates for live availability.
Festival details were checked against the official Southport Comedy Festival website and Visit Southport on 25 August 2026. Line-up, ticket status, timings and arrangements may be changed by the organiser. Property availability and prices are confirmed only during booking. This independent guide is not affiliated with Southport Comedy Festival. Article by Steve — Southport Airbnb Editorial Team.