At the heart of the comedy year is the annual Harrogate Comedy Festival held in Harrogate’s late-Victorian theatre. The festival attracts big names both from television and from the Radio 4 comedy slots. Previous attendees have included Sarah Millican, Marcus Brigstocke, Ross Noble, Andy Hamilton and the simply unique Boy with Tape on his Face.

It is not just Harrogate that hosts some of the country’s finest comedy acts; Masham Town Hall hosts an eclectic events calendar including some of the best comedians on tour, recently including the likes of Jenny Eclair and Susan Calman.

Knaresborough’s Frazer Theatre is fast establishing itself as a comedy venue with its monthly comedy club that complements the Sitting Room Comedy Club in Harrogate.

Harrogate also boasts comedy legend Sir Ken Dodd’s favourite venue, the Royal Hall which he describes as having “a marvellous pedigree. It’s a very special place. It’s a privilege and an honour to play there.”.

Over the years the Royal Hall has seen sell out shows from Sir Ken to more recent arrivals such as Jimmy Carr and Jon Richardson.

Comedy does not have to be an indoors experience. Harrogate hosts regular outdoor performances giving an irreverent take on well-known classics. Take a picnic, a blanket and an open mind to enjoy Shakespeare or Austin as you have not seen them before.