THE first ever New Forest Comedy Festival is set for this summer.
With a huge bill of prolific and local talent, it will run from May 27 to June 17 across several venues and star the likes of Richard Herring, Jen Brister, Tony Law and Ivo Graham.
Paul Foot, Alison Spittle,Tom Houghton and Jack Skipper will also appear.
Beyond the line-up of comedians, the festival brings a range of interactive workshops and events for all ages.
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For budding comedians, there's also a New Forest Comedian of the Year competition with cash prizes for the winner and runner up. It's being run in conjunction with the Museum of Comedy and Leicester Square Comedy Club and could lead to some big bookings.
New Forest Comedy Festival was born from one man's mission to get the New Forest laughing.
Chris Grayston, owner of The Attic at River Studios in Totton said: "The Attic venue was primarily music, but as a huge fan of comedy nights myself, I really wanted to bring more laughter to the area.
"It started slow, but as we managed to book more prolific comedians, our little comedy club has grown to be regularly sold out. We also book local talent alongside headliners, which really boosts their confidence and audiences too.
"There is definitely a need for more comedy in the area, my venue is only so big! Together, as a group of local venues, we can really make an impact and get the New Forest laughing!"
Once support and funding from Culture in Common was secured, more and more venues got involved. They include Forest Forge Theatre in Ringwood, Hanger Farm Theatre in Totton, Forest Arts Centre in New Milton, Vibrant Brewery in Hardley and Fawley Royal British Legion.
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Serina Mall, assistant event manger at Hanger Farm added: "As part of local charity Minstead Trust, every week Hanger Farm offers crucial training and work experience to people with learning disabilities.
"So every ticket you buy, event you book or drink you purchase helps improve the lives of the people we support. We are so excited to be partnering with the New Forest Comedy Festival to bring laughter to the Forest."
For more details, visit newforestcomedyfestival.com
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