GICF celebrates record breaking year with over 50,000 tickets issued and 100 sold out shows
Glasgow International Comedy Festival has revealed 2024's edition was a record-breaking year, with the highest number of shows in the festival's history!
Article Source: Glasgow International Comedy Festival
Last Updated: 4 April 2024 13:34
Hosting over 560 shows across 19 days, GICF issued over 50,000 tickets to comedy fans in more than 50 venues across the city, from the East End to West End and more.
The Festival’s final shows took place on Easter Sunday, including homegrown talent Some Laugh Live at the Pavillion Theatre with special guests Greg Hemphill and Raymond Mearns, a sold out show at The Stand for Susan Riddell and more. The closing weekend also saw the announcement of Susie McCabe as 2024’s Sir Billy Connolly Spirit of Glasgow Award winner, with the Glasgow comedian receiving a personal video message from Sir Billy himself at the GICF Comedy Gala following performances from Janey Godley, Raymond Mearns, Jin-Hao Li, Kiri Pritchard-McLean and more. Presented by Festival Director Krista MacDonald, Elaine C Smith and 2023’s winner Janey Godley, Susie McCabe accepted the award to a standing ovation followed by an emotional speech on the stage of the King’s Theatre.
The event issued over 50,000 tickets to comedy shows across the city, with over 100 events selling out to capacity audiences. The Festival showcases the very best of comedy, encompassing traditional stand-up alongside kids shows, drag performances, live podcasts, musical comedy, clowning and more. 2024’s highlights included sold out headline slots from Frankie Boyle, Susie McCabe, Frank Skinner and Elaine C Smith, plus rising stars including American stand-up Leslie Liao, West End Mum Zara Gladman, Kim Blythe and countless more.
Festival Director Krista MacDonald said: “As a record-breaking Glasgow International Comedy Festival comes to a close, I’d like to extend a huge thanks to everybody who makes Scotland’s largest dedicated comedy event happen; from staff at our incredible venues, audiences who make trips all over the city to see shows, partners, stakeholders, our small in-house team and of course the acts who give so much of themselves on stage - it’s a combined effort to ensure Glasgow can claim its title as the funniest city in the world.
“With over 560 shows and over 50,000 tickets issued, GICF is well on its way to achieving our three year growth plan within its second year, put in place to ensure Glasgow’s comedy festival can go from strength to strength and continue to support homegrown talent whilst welcoming huge international touring names to the city.
“At a time when acts and audiences are facing tighter budgets and less disposable income, we saw more people than ever come out to support shows across the Festival, proving that with everything going on in the world, there’s always a demand for laughter.
“With Susie McCabe’s Sir Billy Connolly Spirit of Glasgow Award win this year, we saw Susie’s innate comedic talent celebrated, something which she has widely accredited to the city of Glasgow itself. The city’s inherent ability to laugh, and provide laughter, is something we should all be incredibly proud of. A huge congratulations to all of this year’s acts and we’re looking forward to building on the success of 2024 for next year.”
Glasgow Life Chair, Bailie Annette Christie, said: “Glasgow International Comedy Festival is one of the city’s most renowned and most popular cultural events, and this year’s 21st edition has been a real triumph. The success of the biggest-ever festival in the history of the event is testament to the dedication and enthusiasm of the GICF team. They pulled out all the stops to deliver a packed programme offering a wonderfully diverse range of comedy from stand-up to sketches, improv to music, and family fun. And the superb line-up of established and emerging comedy talent – from Scotland, the UK and overseas – attracted and delighted audiences from near and far.
“GICF24 has, I have no doubt, boosted the festival’s international billing on the worldwide comedy stage, and further enhanced the city’s reputation as a superb destination for first-class entertainment and show-stopping events.”
As Scotland’s biggest dedicated comedy festival, GICF shows took place in over 50 venues, from the 25-seat capacity Whistler on the Green to 1700 comedy fans in the King’s Theatre, the Pavillion Theatre, Drygate, The Stand, Blackfriars and everywhere in between. The event brings comedy to every corner of the city, from Byres Road to Newton Mearns, Barlanark to Drumchapel, with this year seeing a special series of community events take place with a GICF headliner for the first time with Elaine C Smith. The comic performed her ‘65’ show in community centres throughout Glasgow including Pollok, Castlemilk and more, bringing a GICF headline quality show to communities that experience multiple deprivation and disproportionate socio-economic challenges. Tickets were reduced in price, with proceeds donated to local charities including food banks and women’s charities.
Another first for 2024’s event was the creation of an Introduction to Comedy Course for women and marginalised genders. The free six-week course culminated in a live mixed-bill performance during GICF, headlined by Marjolein Robertson and hosted by course leader Viv Gee. An overwhelming success, the course aims to diversify the stand-up scene and ensure comedy is open and accessible to all with stellar performances from participants ensuring the future of women in comedy looks bright.
With no shortage of homegrown talent and international comedians performing throughout the event, GICF shines a light on the importance of comedy to Glasgow as fans, comedians and venues came together to celebrate being the funniest city in the world once more.
Glasgow International Comedy Festival 2025 will take place from 12th - 30th March - sign up to www.glasgowcomedyfestival.com to stay up to date.
Sponsored Links
Latest Glasgow News
Topgolf launches exclusive experience inspired by The Fantastic Four: First Steps
The limited-time experience is the first-of-its-kind at Topgolf Glasgow in collaboration with Marvel Studios!
READ MORE
SAY Award opens submissions for eligible albums
Scotland’s national music prize – the Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award – has opened submissions for 2025’s £20,000 prize.
READ MORE
Zander Murray to host Pride events in Glasgow
Scotland's first openly gay professional footballer is set to headline Pride events at The Social Hub Glasgow.
READ MORE
Glasgow Fort unveils 20th anniversary artwork created by local school pupils
Artwork to celebrate the centre's 20th anniversary was officially unveiled at Glasgow Fort last week.
READ MORE
Glaschu announces two further exclusive dinners with chef Brian Maule
Glaschu, one of Glasgow's most established fine dining restaurants, will join forces once again with acclaimed chef, Brian Maule for two nights in August.
READ MORE
Cineworld announces 1 pound Family Films all summer long
Cineworld has today announced £1 Family Films, running every week from July 25, so that families can be more childish together all summer long.
READ MORE
Great value summer holiday activities at Dobbies Garden Centres
This summer, gather the whole family and head to Dobbies Garden Centres for a day of fun-filled activities that will keep costs down.
READ MORE
The Big Sunday on Kelvin Way: A Brand New Street Festival for 2025
This Sunday sees the arrival of a brand-new community event for 2025: The Big Sunday on Kelvin Way!
READ MORE
Take Me Somewhere Festival unveils 3 powerful performances ahead of full festival announcement
Three powerful performances by internationally acclaimed artists Dan Daw, Cherish Menzo and collective MEXA are revealed, in anticipation of full festival announcement on Tuesday 29th July.
READ MORE
Free travel for Armed Forces Day
First Bus offers free travel to all current serving members, veterans and cadets for Armed Forces Day celebrations across its network.
READ MORE
FREE family festival at Loch Lomond Shores returns on 5th and 6th July
Summerfest, the FREE family festival at Loch Lomond Shores, is back on the 5th and 6th of July with lots of things to see and do!
READ MORE
Play more, spend less at Topgolf Glasgow this Summer
Topgolf Glasgow is dialling up the fun with a fresh range of value offers launching throughout the summer, helping players maximise their experience by giving them more for less!
READ MORE
11 year old Rachel Ronnie to take centre stage with the launch of a Busk Stop at Buchanan Galleries
Aspiring young buskers are invited to step into the spotlight and perform to hundreds of shoppers this summer in a safe and welcoming indoor space.
READ MORE
Cast announced for landmark Citizens Theatre homecoming production Small Acts of Love
The Citizens Theatre has revealed the full cast for Small Acts of Love, the first production to be performed on the theatre's home stage in more than seven years when it reopens later this year.
READ MORE
Sunday mornings just got a lot more interesting...
El Perro Negro is bringing back its cult-favourite Breakfast Club menu. And this time, it's popping up once a month at the award-winning Woodlands Road restaurant - starting 29th June!
READ MORE
Talent shines at 39th edition of Glasgow Jazz Festival
The curtain has closed on the 39th edition of Glasgow Jazz Festival, reaffirming its place as one of the UK's premier and much-loved jazz events.
READ MORE
ParalympicsGB athlete Stephen Clegg visits Cadder Primary School for special workshop
ParalympicsGB athlete Stephen Clegg made a special appearance at Cadder Primary School to help deliver an exciting workshop on the importance of energy saving in partnership with British Gas.
READ MORE
Earlybird tickets drive buzz for 2026 Scottish Caravan, Motorhome & Holiday Home Show
The biggest show of its kind in Scotland returns with Earlybird tickets and a give-away with headline sponsor Border Caravans!
READ MORE
July events at Dobbies Garden Centres
Check out July at Dobbies with it's Little Seedlings Club on rainforests and Grow How on pest control and healthy gardens!
READ MORE
Guts UK, the national digestive charity, brings interactive awareness event to Glasgow
Guts UK and Colin the Colon, a giant, walk-through inflatable replica of a colon will be in Glasgow to raise vital awareness of digestive health conditions.
READ MORE
Historic Environment Scotland calls for public stories for national wellbeing exhibition
Historic Environment Scotland is calling for people across the country to connect with heritage to boost their wellbeing as a part of a national campaign, Historic Places, Breathing Spaces.
READ MORE
Chef Modou Diagne to open new restaurant TRUST in Glasgow
Critically acclaimed chef Modou Diagne, known for his innovative approach and celebrated success at 111 by Nico, is set to open his second Glasgow restaurant this summer.
READ MORE
Poets line up for special Refugee Festival Scotland event
An inspiring event celebrating togetherness, diversity and human connection is set to be staged in Glasgow this week as part of Refugee Festival Scotland 2025.
READ MORE
Soulful start for Glasgow Jazz Festival
The 39th edition of Glasgow Jazz Festival gets off to a soulful start today as it opens at venues across the city, officially kicking off five extraordinary days of music.
READ MORE
Aldi Supermarket Sweep is coming to Glasgow
Aldi Scotland’s Supermarket Sweep challenge is back again for another year, giving customers in Glasgow the chance to raise funds for Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS).
READ MORE
Casting Announced for FRIENDS! The Musical Parody coming to Edinburgh and Glasgow
Today, the producers of the 2025/26 UK and Ireland tour of FRIENDS! The Musical Parody are delighted to announce casting for the side-splitting musical comedy.
READ MORE
First Scottish Shopera experience comes to Glasgow
Buchanan Galleries is opening its doors to the world of opera, hosting Scotland's first-ever 'shopera' – a student-created bold and original production staged in a shopping centre.
READ MORE
Scottish Bar and Pub Awards 2025 adds two new categories and voting deadline extended!
Scotland's hospitality industry and customers have spoken, and the Scottish Bar and Pub Awards 2025 has listened!
READ MORE
Over 1,000 yogis set to downward dog at Emirates Arena for largest event of its kind
Over 1,000 yoga enthusiasts will be namaste-ing at the Emirates Arena in Glasgow this Saturday as part of a World Yoga Day event with renowned PYPT practitioner, Sadhvi Devaditi.
READ MORE
Global fashion retail brand Hollister now open at Silverburn
Leading retail and leisure destination Silverburn has announced that global fashion retailer Hollister has opened its doors today, joining its line-up of leading fashion brands this summer.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links