Organisers of the latest festival to hit Brighouse could be forgiven for feeling a little Smug.
More than 200,000 people will have visited the town by the end of the year, attracted by a series of street festivals, events and shows.
Next week the latest venture, Brighouse Comedy Festival, is launched with star of the show stand-up comedian and actor Smug Roberts, who has appeared in top TV shows including Phoenix Nights and Mrs Brown’s Boys.
Manchester-born Roberts, whose talent was first spotted by Mrs Merton and Royle Family star Caroline Aherne, tops the bill at the week-long festival which kicks off on Monday, September 28.
Brighouse will also welcome one of the UK’s rising stars Brennan Reece, crowned English Comedian of the Year 2015, a year after being a finalist in the BBC Radio New Comedy Awards.
Also tickling the funny bone will be Alun Cochrane, who returns to his home patch.
Cochrane was born in Glasgow but grew up in Mirfield and is a familiar face on TV comedy shows including Mock the Week, Have I got News for You and Just a Minute.
A regular at the Edinburgh festival he describes himself as a “no-nonsense comedian who specialises in funny nonsense.”
Brighouse festival director Shane Gough said preparations were well underway and urged comedy fans to get involved.
“We are very proud to bring you some of the finest comedy talent in Britain,” he said.
“Laughter, so we are told, is the best therapy around so turn off the telly, leave the news and scandal and let’s have a laugh for a week with friends.”
An open mic event could also unearth some of Brighouse’s very own comedy talent.
The festival kicks off with two open mic events at Millers Bar on Monday (8pm) and Lane Head Hotel on Tuesday (8pm).
Brennan Reece and Fern Brady will star in A Taste of Edinburgh at Rastrick Bowling Club on Wednesday (7pm) and the Discount Comedy Checkout opens at the Brighouse Sports Club on Thursday October 1 (8pm). It promises a fast-paced night of comedy improvisation.
On Friday Smug Roberts appears with Anthony J Brown, Rivka Uttley and Tom King at the Holiday Inn (8pm) and on Saturday Alun Cochrane takes the stage at the same venue (8pm).
Children haven’t been forgotten either. Central Methodist Church plays host on Saturday (2pm) to Gareth Richards and Steve Bugeja for a family show and on Sunday (1pm) there’s a children’s game show Gunge! Gunge! Gunge! at the Waterfront Hotel.
Tickets can be booked online at www.brighousecomedyfestival.co.uk or ring 01484 711835 for more information.
