30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Powys County Times
Machynlleth Comedy Festival returns as shows sell out
Preparations are underway for the 2025 Machynlleth Comedy festival as the annual event is set to return to the Powys town this weekend.
Hundreds of comedians are set to descend on Machynlleth for a weekend of performances between Friday, May 2, and Sunday, May 4, performing in 'every conceivable venue across the town' according to the festival's co-founder.
The lineup includes big names like Stewart Lee, Josh Widdicombe, Ed Byrne, Zoe Lyons, Mike Wozniak, Ivo Graham, Desiree Burch and Jamali Maddix, as well as dozens of underground and emerging performers on the comedy circuit.
The 2024 festival saw up to 8,000 people visiting Machynlleth for the event, with similar figures expected this weekend for the fourteenth instalment of the festival as several shows have been completely sold out.
Festival co-founder Henry Widdicombe said: 'When I look back at the initial vision for the Festival, what I'm most proud of is how the event is talked about by the artists who play it, the crew who work it, and the audience who attend it.
'Knowing the Festival could never grow beyond its current size we've always tried to keep it a special secret for those who love comedy.
'We don't take for granted that visitors have chosen to spend their May Day Bank Holiday weekend with us.
'Our talented crew will be working tirelessly to make the weekend the best of the year. Alongside this we continue to work on improving our access at the festival to ensure that as many people as possible have the opportunity to attend, and we are continuing to reduce our environmental impacts as an event and ask for your help in achieving that.
'In a time that is increasingly challenging for small to medium sized festivals we want to thank our supporters more than ever. Powys County Council's increased level of support for this year's event is a welcome boost, and with Keep It Light Media and Barti Rum continuing their support we're able to bring you the event for another year.
'I believe in the power of small events to bring people together, celebrate life, and provide a valuable reminder to us all to have fun. So let's have a banger.'
