Winchester Comedy Festival is back with comedians performing at various venues across the city from 27 September until 6 October.  

This year’s acts include Ed Byrne, star of BBC2’s Mock the Week, who appears at the Guildhall on 3rd or 4th October. In his most recent show, he takes a long hard look at himself and tries to decide if he has ANY traits that are worth passing on to his children.

An iconic black and white photograph by ace photographer Andy Hollingworth did the rounds a few years ago. It featured Katherine Ryan, Sara Pascoe, Aisling Bea and Tiff Stevenson backstage at a festival, sharing drinks and smiles. Four strong, empowered funny women. Since then Bea, Pascoe and Ryan have all gone on to big things. Maybe 2017 will be outspoken stand-up Stevenson’s year.