This year's Glasgow International Comedy Festival (GICF) has closed on a high after a record-breaking 19 days of laughter.
The festival attracted more than 62,300 fans across 636 events, emphasising Glasgow’s reputation as "the funniest city in the world."
Venues big and small took part, including The OVO Hydro, SEC Armadillo, King’s Theatre, Oran Mor, Citizens Theatre, The Old Fruitmarket and comedy clubs like The Stand and Blackfriars, plus Gael and Grain, The Old Hairdresser’s, Van Winkle and many more.
GICF’s final day saw Glaswegian Amanda Dwyer crowned this year's winner of the Sir Billy Connolly Spirit of Glasgow.
Announced via a personal video message sent in from Sir Billy Connolly himself at GICF’s Comedy Gala, Amanda was presented with the trophy, etched with a self-portrait of the Big Yin, following the Gala, which included performances from Almost Angelic, Susie McCabe, Karen Dunbar, Des Clarke, Jack Brookmyre and more.
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Krista MacDonald, festival director, said: "It’s been another record-breaking year for GICF as we recognise what has been an immense effort from everyone involved with the event from local and travelling comedians, venue promoters and hard-working staff, to welcome more than 62,000 attendees.
"With more than 630 shows taking place in just 19 days, we have seen the very best of comedy and of Glasgow, on full display.
"The industry is not without its challenges, but to see the city’s incredible local scene welcome comics from around the world, support each other's shows and be able to celebrate comedy as an artform for almost three weeks, is a real joy.
"It’s been fantastic to see so many Scottish rising stars take a step to the next level at this year’s Festival - with newcomers Ifrah Qureshi and Jack Brookmyre’s outstanding first sets at the King’s Theatre as part of this year’s Gala, a new crop of comics in our "Introduction to Comedy" course and not least, Amanda Dwyer’s Sir Billy Connolly Spirit of Glasgow win this past weekend.
"Scottish comedy is world-renowned and as the home of some of the industry’s very best, Glasgow’s comedy scene is central to maintaining that reputation.
"We hope the past few weeks have welcomed some new comedy fans, platformed Scottish comedy as something to be celebrated and supported and showcased Glasgow’s commitment to finding humour around every corner."
The 23rd edition of the festival featured performers from more than 30 countries, including Australia, Canada, Ireland, the Netherlands, Spain and the USA and included 109 sold-out events.
Standout performances included a five-night run at King’s Theatre for Connor Burns and three successive nights at Tramway with Tim Key, as well as Ruby Wax at the Citizens Theatre.
Homegrown talent saw sold-out shows from Alana Jackson, Craig Hill, Ifrah Qureshi, Karen Dunbar, Kim Blythe, Rosco McClelland, Rowan Hackett, Stuart Mitchell and Zara Gladman.
The festival also continued its "Introduction to Comedy" course for women and marginalised genders, led by award-winning comic Viv Gee.
Additionally, this year GICF partnered with Age Scotland and its community venue partner The Social Hub to introduce a comedy course for older participants.
The four-week course, also taught by Viv Gee, culminates in a showcase performance on Wednesday, April, 1 at The Social Hub. Tickets available here with all proceeds donated to Age Scotland.
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Julie Pearson, head of events at Glasgow Life, said: "GICF remains one of the city’s most anticipated cultural events, and this year’s programme has once again delivered something special.
"With a record number of sold-out shows, the festival continues to grow in scale and ambition, bringing together a diverse line-up of comedy for audiences of all ages.
"From established names to emerging talent, performers from across Scotland, the UK and beyond have delighted with a funny, vibrant and memorable festival.
"It’s fantastic to see Glasgow buzzing with people enjoying live comedy across Glasgow, reinforcing its reputation as a leading destination for culture, creativity and world-class events."
The GICF will return next year from March 10 to March 28.
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