A SERIES of comedy events will be held across Darlington as part of its festival fortnight.

The line-up will see renowned stars, local favourites and up-and-coming comedians take to the stage in six performances across four venues.

To kick off the comedy, the first event will be an evening with well-known comedian Matt Reed, supported by Lauren Pattison, Kelsey de Almeida and hosted by Ray Bradshaw, at Bannatyne’s Hotel on Monday, May 21.

This event is one of three hosted by Hilarity Bites Comedy Club, alongside Lee Kyle’s ‘Folly’ at the Old English Gentleman on Thursday, May 24 and the club’s monthly comedy show on Saturday, June 2 at The Forum Music Centre.

The comedy fortnight is part of Darlington Arts Festival, organised by Darlington for Culture, which celebrates art, comedy, theatre, music, dance and literature across different venues in Darlington from May 19 to June 2.

Other comedy acts in the festival will include a performance by Edinburgh Fringe favourite Barbara Nice at The Hullabaloo on May 30 followed by actress Ruby Wax performing her show ‘Frazzled’ on June 3, and a children’s comedy workshop, Belly Giggles, held at The Forum on May 29.

Hilarity Bites’ founder, Neil Jollie, said: “Hilarity Bites are delighted to be involved with Darlington Arts Festival again, and this year our involvement is bigger than ever as we present three shows at different venues in Darlington.

"These shows will ensure that comedy is well represented in this year’s festival with some fantastic acts.”

More information about the festival and comedy shows can be found at darlingtonforculture.org/festival-fortnight-2018/