Manchester Comedy Festival 18th to 29th October

Jonny Vegas is practicing shouting, Ross Noble is sharpening up his tangents and somewhere Jimmy Carr is standing in front of a mirror, perfecting his deadpan look - the Comedy Festival is on its way!

The Manchester Comedy Festival has become a staple of the British comedy calendar. We already have a thriving comedy scene in the city, with big venues such as the Comedy Store and the Frog and Bucket rubbing shoulders with weekly comedy clubs like the celebrated XS Malarkey. Open mic slots around the city have seen a score of famous comedians step into the spotlight for the first time.

In celebration of this, the Manchester Comedy Festival brings together big names from around the country and local legends in an 11-day celebration of everything funny. Highlights this year will include:

Ross Noble, the standup famed for his tangents and love of woodland animals, doing three preview shows at the Opera House, 3-6 October

Jimmy Carr, best known for hosting panel show 8 out of 10 Cats, for three nights at the Apollo 26th - 28th October

Dave Spikey, co-writer of Phoenix Nights and Double British Comedy Award winner, at the Comedy Store 28th October

Jonny Vegas, the gravel-voiced, multi-award-winning TV comedian, hosts a charity event at The Sheridan Suite 25th October

We'll keep you posted...