A POPULAR Comedy Festival is returning to Darlington for the fifth year this summer, boasting a packed lineup.

The Darlington Comedy Festival will feature a diverse range of comedy acts throughout July, from critically acclaimed TV comics through to the best in local up-and-coming talent.

Programmed and sponsored by Hilarity Bites, the festival has boasted top comedy names including Sarah Millican, Chris Ramsey, Jason Cook and Jimmy Cricket over the past five years.

The 2016 edition is set to continue its impressive programming history with performances from comedy stars such as TV’s favourite surrealist Tony Law, the circuit’s popular character comic Tom Binns, Teesside’s own Patrick Monahan and Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee Seymour Mace.

The lineup also features an innovative comedy chat show, a child-friendly club and a new acts competition.

Festival organiser Neil Jollie is excited about the 2016 event.

He said: “This is the fifth year we’ve run the festival and we’ve always gotten a great response from comedy fans across Teesside and County Durham; we’re sure this year they’re going to love what we’ve got lined up for them.

“We have a few returning comics on the bill this year; everyone who plays the festival is always keen to come back, as we’ve always had really warm, really enthusiastic audiences.

“From kids’ shows and audience-favourites like Patrick Monahan, to the more offbeat comics like Tony Law and Seymour Mace, there really is something for everyone at the festival this year.

“There are also some outstanding newer comics on the bill, so you may just find your new favourite comedian!”

The festival, which runs from July 2 to 27 takes place at venues across Darlington including the library, the Forum Music Centre, Seen and Inside Out, Red Lion, Old English Gentleman, The Keys and Hole In The Wall.

It kicks off on Saturday, July 2 with the Hilarity Bites Comedy Club, featuring performances from Scottish Comedian of the Year winner Mark Nelson, Vince Atta and host Freddy Quinne at The Forum.

This is followed by the critically-acclaimed The Not So Late Show at Seen on July 4.

Organisers want events to be accessible to all so many shows cost just £3.

Tickets are available on the door or from darlingtoncomedyfestival.co.uk where full listings can be found.