A NEW comedy festival in Southampton – set to feature some of the industry’s biggest stars – has had ticket prices slashed by as much as £70 a day.

Comedy Central Live is set to start on Friday at Hoglands Park, with the likes of Jimmy Carr, Katherine Ryan and Russell Howard taking the stage during the three-day event.

But ahead of the festival, which starts at 1pm, organisers have announced a huge drop in ticket prices.

As previously reported in the Echo, the event's ticketing structure included a £90 one-day, all-access ticket

Cheaper £22 tickets, which limited access to up-and-coming comedians, were also available.

But festival bosses say they have now “streamlined” the ticket system.

They’ve also cut prices to £20 a day for an all-access ticket and £40 for a VIP ticket – previously £140.

A Comedy Central Live spokesperson said: “We’ve streamlined our Comedy Festival Live ticket pricing structure, offering the same exciting comedy line-up at a great new price point.”

The statement did not give a reason for the decision.

However, on customers who had already purchased full-priced tickets, a spokesperson said: "Customers have been issued with refunds in line with current ticket pricing.”

Comedy Central announced plans for the new festival earlier this year.

Alongside the likes of Jimmy Carr and Katherine Ryan, the event will will feature the likes of Rob Beckett, Suzi Ruffell and Britain’s Got Talent winner, Lost Voice Guy.

Cult game show Takeshi’s Castle will also feature at the park with its ‘ultimate inflatable course’.

There will be an ‘experiential area’ with attractions including South Park and Joel and Nish V The World while comedians will belt out classic musical hits in a live stage show, and drag group Denim will host an “alternative all day” party at the site.

Managing director Jill Offman previously told the Echo: “We are always looking for new ways to connect with our loyal audiences, so it only made sense for Comedy Central to launch one of the biggest comedy festivals the UK has ever seen.”

A spokesperson for Southampton’s Business Improvement District previously said: “It is the direct result of work by the team at GO! Southampton Business Improvement District (BID) and seeks both to raise the profile of the city as an events destination, and to bring new business to city centre shops, bars, restaurants and other attractions.”