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- Poll reveals sense of humour is key to attraction and Glasgow has best banter -

 

Glaswegians are most attracted to a good sense of humour after admitting they would choose laughs over looks in a poll revealed today.*

 

The results of the survey commissioned by the Magners Glasgow International Comedy Festival have been welcomed by local funnyman Des Clarke who’s hoping to prove that theory as the festival gets underway today (Thursday 11 March) .

 

With more than 370 performances taking place over the next 18 days, Glasgow will be transformed into a hotbed of laughter as the festival, now in its eighth year, brings together the best of Scottish comedy with an impressive bill of international acts.

 

The poll also found that more than two thirds of people believed Glaswegians had the best banter – and

gallus Des – who plays the Citizens Theatre on Tuesday 16 March – admits you can’t beat a bit of home-grown humour.

 

He said: “The Magners Glasgow International Comedy Festival has become a massive event and more acts are now travelling across the Atlantic to be here, so for me to literally be right in the middle of it is great.”

 

As well as his own stand up show at The Citizens, Des will be co-hosting a lunchtime chat show with Scott Agnew at Sloans every Thursday to Sunday, where you can combine your lunch break with some tasty comedy including guests from across the festival. Thursday 11^th sees Fred MacAulay join the duo for some lunchtime laughs ahead of his own show at the Old Fruitmarket later the same evening.

 

Tommy Sheppard, director of the Scottish Comedy Agency, the company behind the festival, said: “As well as the big TV and international names, the festival has a really strong local identity.

 

“I doubt any other UK comedy festival can boast such a powerful local influence as well as a huge influx of international acts which include the top American stand up Bill Burr. At this year’s festival we have 13 Americans, seven Irish, six Canadians, two Australians, a New Zealander and a German – the strongest international line-up at the festival to date.”

 

Fiona Hyslop MSP, Minister for Culture and External Affairs, who will be speaking at the opening night of the festival on Thursday evening added: “The humour of the ‘Glasgow patter’ is a well-loved feature of city life so it’s great that Glasgow hosts this growing international comedy festival. The festival provides an economic boost to the city, attracting home-grown talent as well as top class comedy acts from around the globe. This gives Scottish-based comedians the opportunity to showcase their talent on an international stage.”

 

The festival is sponsored by Magners Irish Cider and supported by Glasgow City Marketing Bureau and Event Scotland, covering 42 venues across the city .

 

Festival sponsors Magners are looking forward to another successful year in Glasgow – speaking on behalf of the cider company, Rob Calder, Marketing Manager said: “Each year the event attracts some of the top comedy performers, there’s definitely something for everyone. Festivals like this also help to provide a platform for up and coming comedians to showcase their talent to new audiences - which is vital to the future success of these events.”

Bailie Liz Cameron, Vice Chair of Glasgow City Marketing Bureau, said: “Glasgow City Marketing Bureau is delighted to continue its support of Magners Glasgow International Comedy Festival this year. It is the ultimate feel-good festival. Any event which serves up laughter by the minute to locals and visitors alike deserves our resounding applause!”

 

Paul Bush OBE, Chief Operating Officer at EventScotland, the national events agency, said:  “The Glasgow International Comedy Festival is a real highlight in Scotland’s events calendar and this year’s line up is truly exceptional.  From home grown talent to international comedy superstars, the Festival will be showcasing the very best of comedy to an audience of thousands over the coming 18 days.  Aside from the fantastic programme, the Festival also brings massive benefits to the city of Glasgow and to Scotland in terms of bed nights, tourism revenue and economic impact and we look forward to another record year across all of those areas.”

 

Tickets available from individual venues or from 0844 395 4005 or www.glasgowcomedyfestival.com

 

Ends

 

Note to editors:

 

Magners Glasgow International Comedy Festival

-          The Magners Glasgow International Comedy Festival was established in 2003 and is now in its eighth year.

-          Magners Irish Cider has been the title sponsor since 2007.

-          The Magners Glasgow International Comedy Festival is also supported by Glasgow City Marketing Bureau, Glasgow City Council, EventScotland and VisitScotland.

-          The festival is organised by the Scottish Comedy Agency, a sister company of Salt’n’Sauce Promotions Ltd, which owns and operates the highly successful Stand Comedy Clubs in Edinburgh and Glasgow.

-          Tickets for all shows are available via the respective venue’s own box offices or direct from the festival ticket hotline on 0844 395 4005

 

Glasgow City Marketing Bureau is the official destination marketing organisation (DMO) for metropolitan Glasgow.  It is engaged in national and international activity comprising: development and implementation               of the city branding campaign Glasgow: Scotland with style; event creation, attraction, management            and marketing; conventions, incentives, meetings and exhibition sales; accommodation bookings, public                relations and optimisation of the website: www.seeglasgow.com

 

-          EventScotland is the national events agency.

-          EventScotland is working to make Scotland one of the world’s leading event destinations. By developing an exciting portfolio of sporting and cultural events EventScotland is helping to raise Scotland’s international profile and boost the economy by attracting more visitors.

-          For further information about EventScotland, its funding programmes and latest event news visit EventScotland.org

* Source  www.surveymonkey.com