Cider firm to sponsor Glasgow fest

The company takes over next year from lager brand Miller, which has backed the event for the past three years.

Magners already sponsors a successful comedy festival held in Dublin every September, and will be headline sponsor of the Glasgow event, when it returns for the fifth time next year.

Russell Brand, pictured, was announced as the first headliner for the festival, with two dates at the Glasgow Academy on March 10 and 11. And tickets will go on sale today for shows by Jimmy Carr and local lad Frankie Boyle.

The full programme will be launched on January 18, and the event runs from March 8 to 24.

Festival director Tommy Sheppard said: 'We're delighted to have Magners on board. This is an exciting new deal.

‘The Magners Glasgow International Comedy Festival is the biggest event of its kind in the UK and we know it can be bigger still.'

Published: 13 Nov 2006