DESCRIBED by The Independent as “one of the premier comic gatherings”, the Newbury Comedy Festival is regarded as one of the country’s best celebrations of comedy.

Staged over one week in the heart of West Berkshire, the festival attracts award-winning international comics and also has a healthy tradition of unearthing new talent.

This year is no different and from Saturday, July 7 to Saturday, July 14, the market town will be transformed for a cosmopolitan celebration of global comedy.

Here is a selection of just some of the talented performers who will feature in the line up:

Multi-award-winning comedian and star of the hit series Father Ted, Ardal O’Hanlon will take to the stage on the opening night of the festival. Back on the road fusing his off beat stories and polished stand-up, the hilarious journey of life enhancing observations and unexpected twists should ensure an evening of original, smart talking comedy.
Newbury Corn Exchange – Saturday, July 7 at 10pm. Tickets £12.

School children across the South of England confident enough to get up on stage and squeeze a laugh out of the audience, will perform at the final of Wise Crackers 2007.

The event is the first and only competition that has paired youngsters with professional comedians in an attempt to teach them the subtle art of making people laugh.

The future of comedy might just lie among the group of young hopefuls.
Newbury Corn Exchange – Monday, July 9 at 7pm. Tickets £5.

Harry Potter fans may laugh or cry as all six JK Rowling books are parodied by a comic storytelling duo. Dan and Jeff will take to the stage to chronicle the tales from all six books, in just sixty minutes!

The performance follows sell-out shows in London and at the Edinburgh Festival and the family fun, featuring all the books’ favourite characters, will be a must-see for Potter addicts and provide a great introduction for anyone who has ever wondered what all the fuss is about.
Newbury Corn Exchange – Wednesday, July 11 at 7.30pm. Tickets £10

Trevor Lock of the Russell Brand Show fame has taken to the road performing his comedy cocktail of brake neck speed absurdist routines. Be warned, it may contain up to five jokes, seven lies, two anecdotes, a leg dance and a song, plus as many as six improvisational flights of fantasy that may leave you breathless with laughter.

Nothing is routine, anything can happen and no two shows are the same.
New Greenham Arts, New Greenham Park – Wednesday, July 11 at 9pm. Tickets £8.

Fans will have the last laugh at the week-long comedy festival as the Corn Exchange signs off the week by opening its doors for for a free barbecue. Promotions and drinks will be enjoyed in the relaxed but upbeat atmosphere of Keep Off the Grass DJs.
Newbury Corn Exchange Courtyard, Saturday, July 14 at 10.15pm

There will be free entry for anyone who attends an event during the week.

For more information and booking details visit www.newburycomedyfestival.com.

To book call 01635 522733.