Magners is launching a search to find the UK's best new comedian. Experts from the world of comedy have nominated 10 of the most promising acts from across the UK to compete to be crowned Magners New Act of the Year.  The chosen comedians, from cities including Cardiff, Manchester and London, are set to go mic to mic in an exclusive show at this year's Magners Bristol Comedy Garden on July 12.

The ten finalists are Jake Lambert, Sophie Willan, Chris Washington, George Ridgen, Ingrid Dahle, Elliot Steel, Lolly Adefope, Luke Smith, Benji Waterstones and Becky Brunning.

The judges who nominated acts were the following club-runners/promoters. Jill Edwards (Comic Boom), Pollyanna McGirr (Up The Creek), Henry Widdicombe (Machynlleth Comedy Festival), Amy Annette (Festival Republic), Lee Martin (Gag Reflex), Ryan Taylor (Pleasance Theatre), Darrell Martin (Just The Tonic), Mark Rothman (Top Secret Comedy Club).

Each act will have six minutes to get as many laughs as possible from the live audience and, more importantly, the panel of comedy notables who'll decide which three acts go through to the next round.

An online public vote will also allow comedy fans at home the chance to watch each performance and vote for their favourite act from round one. And the three most popular will go through to perform as a final six at the Magners Comedy Festival in Greenwich in September.

Festival producer Cass Briggs says: “It’s a privilege to be able to provide a platform for new comedy acts and we’re excited to see the hopefuls take to the stage. We hope this will be the start of a professional comedy career for some of the performers.”

The winner will take away a £1000 prize, a review by a comedy critic and recognition from the industry.

Read Biogs of the Finalists here.