Applications have opened for the Billy Connolly Spirit of Glasgow Award.
The accolade, which is the only official award given by the Glasgow International Comedy Festival (GICF), is now looking for a worthy winner for 2024.
First introduced at last year's festival, the award aims to celebrate the city and the famous warmth, resilience and humour of Glasgow.
Comedian Janey Godley was chosen by Sir Billy Connolly to be last year's winner, having been selected from a shortlist of people who personify this 'spirit' of the city.
Any person connected to the GICF - performers, venue staff and promoters included - can be eligible, and they do not have to come from Glasgow or live in the city.
Sir Billy Connolly said: “Glasgow deserves to have an international comedy festival - it’s the funniest town in the world, bar none.
"The standard is colossal and I’m always amazed when I see TV or live comedy from Glasgow. Janey Godley is a great comedian with an extraordinary life story to dwell on.
"I’m very proud to be part of the international festival and I’m very proud that my drawing has been part of the trophy. It’s lovely - let’s get on with it!”
The specific criteria for the winner of the Spirit of Glasgow award entails someone who embodies resilience and openness; is unapologetic, gallus and - above all else - funny.
The judging panel will make a recommendation to the Big Yin who will ultimately decide the winner, who will receive a physical trophy with one of his famous drawings engraved on it.
GICF Festival Director Krista MacDonald said: “Comedy is a significant part of Glasgow’s rich cultural identity. From everyday conversations to the comedy superstars the city produces and embraces, comedy lets us celebrate, connect, and find joy even at the bleakest of times.
"In many ways, the characteristics of the best comedy are also the characteristics of the spirit of the city.
"Being funny, of course, but also to be self-starting, mould-breaking, bold and brave, curious and challenging, warm but tough, proud but unpretentious and open to all.
“Sir Billy Connolly - the best of comedy and the best of Glasgow - has all of these in spades. With the presentation of the Sir Billy Connolly Award Spirit of Glasgow Award, GICF celebrates those participating in the Festival who most display these characteristics.
"This could be a performer, promoter or venue staff; a life-long Glaswegian or a flying visitor; a festival first-timer or an old hand involved for the last two decades.”
Karen Koren, of GICF corporate director GB Festivals Ltd, added: “We are honoured to be working with Sir Billy again to celebrate that which makes both comedy and Glasgow so special and can’t wait to present the winner as part of GICF’s Comedy Gala at the King’s Theatre in March.”
Applications close at 5pm on January 15, 2024 and the winner will be announced at the Comedy Gala on Saturday, March 30, 2024, at Glasgow’s King’s Theatre.
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