2003 line-up unveiled

Harry Hill, Ed Byrne, Daniel Kitson and Richard Herring are among the 140 shows planned for next year's Leicester Comedy Festival.

Initial details of the event - Britain's biggest comedy-only festival - have been unveiled today, and other highlights include Carl Davis conducting The Philarmonia Orchestra in front of Buster Keaton's classic film The General and Channel 4 star Mark Thomas.

Festival organiser Geoff Rowe said: "We're extremely proud to be able to present our tenth festival. Little did we know in 1994 that we would still be going in 2003 and how many thousands of people would have been entertained along the way."

"The 2003 Festival looks like it will be our best yet, proving that Leicestershire is the European capital of laughter."

Others lined up to appear are Asian comedy group The Funjabis, and American comedian Doug Stanhope, whose sold-out performances at the Edinburgh Fringe attracted much media attention.

The festival runs in 40 venues across Leicestershire from February 7 to 16.

It also provides a platform for local performers including theatre groups, storytellers and comedians.

Published: 22 Oct 2002