THE NORTH EAST’S largest music festival will be a barrel of laughs this year, with some side-splitting comedy added to the programme.
Organisers of Hardwick Live Festival have revealed the top comics heading to the event, which takes place from 17 to 18 August at Hardwick Hall Hotel, Sedgefield, County Durham.
Kicking off the jokes in The Dome at 2:30pm on Saturday is Duncan Oakley, whose combination of musical comedy and stand up has earned him high praise over a career spanning nearly a decade.
He is followed by Patrick Monahan at 3pm, coupling a high energy style with observational and topical material which has cemented him as a favourite on the festival circuit, corporate entertainment and even the panto scene.
Then, on Sunday, festival-goers can enjoy entertainment throughout the afternoon from compere Alex Boardman, whose work has been applauded by the likes of John Bishop, Sarah Millican and Jason Manford.
Opening the show with the first set at 2:40pm is award-winning comic Chris Stoakes, known for playing on social misconceptions and dismantling them through a series of hilarious first-hand anecdotes.
Scott Bennett will take to the stage at 3:10pm with a sharply written routine that has earned him regular appearances at many of the UK’s most established and independent clubs, along with support slots for comedy greats including Rob Brydon and Michael McIntyre.
And closing the day’s comic entertainment at 3:35pm is El Baldiniho, a magician and prop comedian who many will remember from his successful audition on Britain’s Got Talent, where he received four yeses from the panel.
John Adamson, who owns Hardwick Hall Hotel, said: “We pride ourselves on the fact that the festival has such a versatile offering and our comedy line-up this year is one of the best yet.
“We have a fantastic range of musicians and performers heading to the event and we hope festival-goers make an effort to see as much of the site as possible over the weekend.”
Little ones will also be catered for at The Dome over the two days, with children’s entertainment taking place between 1:30pm and 2:30pm, hosted by Mr DJ Man of Hilights Entertainment.
Over on the main stage, fans can enjoy performances from headline acts Manic Street Preachers on Saturday and James on Sunday, along with The Zutons, Stiff Little Fingers, Sister Sledge featuring Kathy Sledge, The Sherlocks, Lisa Stansfield, Ziggy Marley and Billy Bragg.
And there are three other stages of music, with acts on the Discovery Stage and BBC Tees Introducing Stage, while the Coachhouse Courtyard will be home to a dance arena, hosting top club brands Glitterbox and Retro over the weekend.
Tickets for this year’s Hardwick Live Festival are currently on sale at £55 for one day or £99 for both days. Concession tickets are available for children and 13-17-year-olds.
Camping and glamping options are available for those who want to immerse themselves in the festival experience.
For more information or to book tickets, visit www.hardwicklive.co.uk