Comedy festival for city

Manchester is to get its own ten-day comedy festival.

The Comedy Store, which last year opened in the city, is spearheading the event, which will also include events at the Frog and Bucket, the Buzz and Dance House venues.

The event will kick off on September 27 with the Comedy Store Players, including Paul Merton. Merton will also introduce a short film which he directed.

No other names have yet been confirmed, but organisers say they hope to attract the cream of US and other international talent.

Comedy Store founder Don Ward told The Stage newspaper: "Manchester used to have a festival until a few years ago, and it slipped into the background.

"I said Manchester should have a worldwide festival and the city council agreed."

Published: 13 Aug 2001