Organisers of the Aberdeen Comedy Festival have hailed the response from north-east residents who have turned out in their droves to support shows in the heart of the city.
Delivered by Aberdeen Inspired in partnership Breakneck Comedy, the 23-day festival has given comedy fans the choice of more than 65 shows in city centre venues until the final evening on Saturday, November 5.
Since the opening night at the Tivoli Theatre on Friday, October 14 the Granite City’s inaugural festival has seen healthy ticket sales with more than 2,750 sold so far.
Sponsored by local bar/pub McGinty’s Meal An’ Ale, the festival has also held two free stand-up shows which attracted more than 120 people to McGinty’s and Revolution.
A number of comedy shows are still to run before the festival concludes on Saturday, November 5 with a festival closing party at McGinty’s which will start at 10pm.
Highlights over the next couple of days include shows across the city centre at venues such as The Albyn, Exodus, and the Blue Lamp which will feature comedians Shazia Mirza, Neil McFarlane, Chris Rutter and John Scott.
Adrian Watson, chief executive of Aberdeen Inspired, said: “The Aberdeen Comedy Festival has been an overwhelming success so far and we’re delighted with the fantastic response we’ve had from north-east residents who have supported all of the shows over the last two weeks. In its inaugural year, it is already Scotland’s third biggest event of its kind and we want to build upon this.
“We’ve also heard from people who have travelled from across the country, and even from countries like Norway, to come to the festival which shows how attractive events like this can be for potential visitors to the city.
“In what is still a challenging economic climate for the city we are pleased to be delivering a successful comedy festival which is helping local businesses. There’s still plenty of comedy to go and I’d encourage people to get behind the remaining shows and enjoy this fantastic festival.”
Information about each of the shows which will run during the final week of the Aberdeen Comedy Festival can be found online at: www.aberdeencomedyfestival.com
Aberdeen Inspired is the banner under which the Aberdeen BID (Business Improvement District) operates. It is a business-led initiative within the city centre in which levy payers within the BID zone contribute.
Proceeds are used to fund projects designed to improve the business district. More information on the work of Aberdeen Inspired is available at www.aberdeeninspired.com