Record numbers are expected to flock to the 10th Machynlleth Comedy Festival on the May Day Bank Holiday weekend.

In the region of 8,000 people are set to enjoy over 250 shows over the three days and it all kicks off at 7pm on Friday, May 3.

The festival regularly attracts the biggest names in comedy alongside the cream of emerging talent taken predominantly from UK’s alternative comedy scene. This year is no exception with shows from Milton Jones, Josh Widdicombe, Bridget Christie, Stewart Lee and Nish Kumar. And whilst many of the events sell out in advance there are still tickets available to many shows.

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Festival director Henry Widdicombe said: "Due to the way the festival is curated if interesting and alternative comedy is your thing then you’ll definitely be able to find something to suit your tastes.”

Machynlleth Comedy Festival has also developed thriving programmes in theatre, and children and family shows over the past five years which attracted new audiences to the event.

“It was always really important to us to showcase what comedy could be in every artform and to be showcasing some of the best artists from Wales and beyond in multiple artforms is something we’re incredibly proud of,” said Henry. “And the reason we’re able to create a festival that focusses on the artform and encourages creativity and experimentation is largely down to our supporters."

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The festival has a partnership with BBC Radio Wales, and receives support from Visit Wales and the Arts Council of Wales which Henry insists allows it to be so much more than a straightforward stand-up comedy festival.

Tickets to all shows are available through the festival website machcomedyfest.co.uk and the box office opens on the afternoon of Friday, May 3, in the Senedd building of the Owain Glyndŵr Centre.