10,000 expected at week-long event

York is to stage its first comedy festival this June, featuring acts such as Omid Djalili, Lee Mack, Tommy Tiernan (pictured), and Boothby Graffoe.

More than 10,000 people are expected to attend the week-long event, starting on June 23.

Festival spokesperson Tom Sharp said: "York is the perfect city for such an event. There's a burgeoning comedy scene, loads of ideal venues and some very pretty bits of history.

"The interest in the festival has been huge and we're looking forward to it becoming a big part of the national comedy calendar."

Festival's official home page

Published: 15 Apr 2003