A week of fun and laughter begins ...

The second Halifax Comedy Festival starts this evening in a blaze of glory as top comic Jimmy Carr walks out onto the Victoria Theatre stage.

Then over the space of the next eight days no fewer than 30 plus events will take place at eight diverse venues across Halifax.

Other stand-out stand-up shows include ‘Sinha at the Minster’ which will see international comedian Paul Sinha – best known as a ‘chaser’ on BBC 1’s ‘The Chase’ – perform in the majestic setting of Halifax Minster, along with Channel 4’s Friday Night Project host Rob Rouse, and actor, writer and comedian Steve Royle.

The Festival features a host of special one-off workshops and comedy nights including The Nutty Roast at Square Chapel which brings together a diverse range of comedians including Lynne Ruth Miller, who, at 82, is the oldest performing stand-up female comedian and the poster girl for growing old disgracefully.

Other unmissable events include unstoppable comedy juggernaut The Noise Next Door, the UK’s premier improvisation troupe.

Headliners include Al Murray, Romesh Ranganathan (this gig is now full), Russell Kane at the Victoria Theatre and Andrew Lawrence and James Acaster at Square Chapel plus lots and lots more.

All ticketing and programme detail at www.halifaxcomedyfestival.com