The city will be in fits of giggles for a week when it plays host to the very first Nottingham Comedy Festival.
Dozens of comedians, including award-winning Welshman Rhod Gilbert (pictured, below) will be firing off their best gags at nine venues from October 30 to November 7.
They include Nottingham Playhouse, Jongleurs, The Maze and Bunkers Hill Inn.
The event will also include family friendly comedy performances, stand-up workshops, poetry and improvisation.
"We are really passionate about comedy and felt that Nottingham should have its own festival," said organiser Helen Stead, 22, from Ravenshead, a member of improvisation comedy group, MissImp.
"On a whole everyone has been very supportive. Sponsorship has been difficult to find due to the recession but we have been able to secure sponsorship from Castle Rock Brewery and Writing East Midlands, among others."
"We've also had a lot of support from the city council and our family and friends," added fellow organiser Rachel Greensmith, 22, from Clifton, a Human Geography graduate from The Nottingham Trent University.
They have been planning it since February and have just finalised the line-up.
It includes the likes of Rhod Gilbert, Rob Rouse, Shazia Mirza and Addy Van Der Borgh, all stand-up circuit regulars.
"It's great news for Nottingham," said local comic Nick Tyler, who will be performing at the festival.
"Not only will it raise the city's profile but it'll give local comedy talent a chance to participate alongside national names.
"It's going to be a fun week."
Funhouse Comedy Club promoter Spiky Mike, who has been running comedy nights across Nottinghamshire and beyond for the past three years, believes the festival represents a growing interest in the genre.
"TV shows such as Michael McIntryre's Comedy Roadshow and Mock The Week have hugely widened the popularity of stand-up," he said.
Funhouse Comedy will be running 25 shows at the festival including nights at Bunkers Hill Inn and The Grove in Lenton.
For the full line-up go to www.nottscomedyfestival.co.uk
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