WITH 17 shows over four days, Winchester Comedy Festival this year welcomes acts such as funnymen Gary Delaney and Paul Sinha, as well as the food critic and author Jay Rayner.

Mock The Week regular Gary Delaney get the event under way at The Discovery Centre on Thursday October 5. The Double Sony Award winner will delight audiences with his infectious charm. Jay Rayner is over at Theatre Royal Winchester on opening night with The ten (food) commandments. Join the Masterchef judge for an audio-visual romp as he attempts to lead us to the edible promised land.

The Railway Inn plays host to Anna Morris: It’s Got To Be Perfect the following night.. The critically acclaimed character comedian, star of ITV’s Bad Bridesmaid, BBC’s Outnumbered and Comic Relief, brings her award-winning, international sell-out wedding themed show to Hampshire.

Robin Ince’s first new stand up show in three years is a clash of the two cultures, a joyous romp through his favourite artists and strangest scientific ideas, while Winchester’s own Paul McCaffrey appears as part of the Comedy Gala, both on Friday night.

Mark Watson’s MW is a Saturday night sell out at Theatre Royal Winchester and one of the most talked about comics of the moment Sofie Hagen, the Best Newcomer at Edinburgh Festival 2015, brings her Dead Baby Frog show to The Railway Inn.

Paul Sinha returns to Winchester with his latest solo show Shout Out To My Ex, direct from this year’s Edinburgh Festival.

Three up and coming comedians, Nick Helm, Harriet Kemsley and Bobby Mair perform on the final Sunday October 8.

Festival Director Paul Baker said:“This year sees an even greater variety in the kind of shows we have on. As well as the excellent stand up shows, we also have shows for those with an interest in science, food and music.

“We’ve programmed a diverse range of shows and are thrilled with the acts we are welcoming to Winchester.”

Visit winchestercomedyfestival.co.uk for tickets and more details.