There was a time when if you wanted to venture outside the comedy of your local standup circuit (and you weren't based in London), then the only genuine comedy festival you could indulge in was at the Edinburgh Fringe.  Oh how times are changing.  No longer is it essential to travel north of the border, or to endure deep fried mars bars for the sake of being at a comedy festival.

Sure, there's nothing else is the country on the scale of the Fringe, and we don't claim there is, but if you want to see a concentrated programme of comedy, chances are that there's a comedy festival in a town or city near you at some point throughout the year.  In recent year's Funny.co.uk has seen a plethora of first-time events springing up.

The latest town to benefit from such an event is Newbury.  The Corn Exchange and New Greenham Arts have put together a thoroughly impressive event, with enough comic talent on show to sink a battleship. (Ed- Don't worry, I shall be withholding his paycheck until he cares to explain that analogy).

The week long event runs from 11th July to 17th July 2004, and boasts an impressive 51 events across 16 venues.  Highlights include Linda Smith, Comedy Store Players David Benson's Think No Evil of Us, Al Murray, Mel and Sue, Peepolykus and lots more.  There's even "a Day of Carry On movies" (as voted for online and through HMV), complete with Carry On party afterwards.

For more information and for bookings please visit the official website at http://www.newburycomedyfestival.com/ , or view the programme for the festival on Funny.co.uk at Newbury Comedy Festival Programme .