Glasgow International Comedy Festival announces judging panel for Sir Billy Connolly award and first Gala line up

Glasgow International Comedy Festival have revealed 2025's judging panel for the Sir Billy Connolly Spirit of Glasgow Award, plus announced the first names for this year's Comedy Gala!

Article Source: Glasgow International Comedy Festival
Last Updated: 12 February 2025 9:28

With only one month to go until Scotland’s largest comedy festival, Glasgow International Comedy Festival (GICF) have today revealed 2025’s judging panel for the Sir Billy Connolly Spirit of Glasgow Award, plus announced the first names for this year’s Comedy Gala, where the award winner will be announced live on stage. This year’s judges include Alan Cumming, Greg Hemphill, Cassi Gillespie, Sanjeev Kohli and more, whilst the Gala line-up will feature Susie McCabe, Kim Blythe, Ayo Adenekan and more.

Tickets for GICF Comedy Gala on Sunday 30th March available now via www.glasgowcomedyfestival.com

GICF’s Comedy Gala will see Scotland’s top comedians gather at the King’s Theatre on the final day of the festival at 2pm on Sunday 30th March, with a mixed bill line-up showcasing rising stars alongside legends of the scene, before unveiling the winner of the Sir Billy Connolly Spirit of Glasgow Award. The Gala will spotlight the very best of the fest, with a special set from last year’s winner of the award, Susie McCabe.

2025’s judging panel will review this year’s applications and curate a shortlist for the Sir Billy Connolly Spirit of Glasgow Award, making a recommendation to Sir Billy Connolly himself, who will ultimately choose the final winner.

Applications were submitted from GICF acts, venues and promoters, now set to be whittled down to a shortlist of only six by the judges, with the shortlist set to be announced in the opening days of the festival.

The judging panel includes a range of personalities from across Scotland’s creative industries including: Emmy award winning actor, author and Artistic Director of Pitlochry Festival Theatre Alan Cumming; Clyde 1 radio presenter and DJ Cassi Gilespie; co-creator of one of Scotland’s most successful sitcoms, Still Game, Greg Hemphill; entertainment journalist Laura Boyd; actor and comedian Sanjeev Kohli and 2024’s Sir Billy Connolly Spirit of Glasgow Award winner Susie McCabe.

Glasgow’s Lord Provost Jacqueline McLaren also joins the judging panel alongside: Aarti Joshi (Go Radio), Gregor Kyle (The Herald), Laura Marks (Channel 4) and Norry Wilson (Lost Glasgow).

Alan Cumming said: “I'm thrilled to be part of the judging panel for the Sir Billy Connolly Spirit of Glasgow Award this year. Comedy is such an integral part of Scotland's cultural identity, and the Big Yin made sure we always punched above our weight in that respect - one of many ways he continues to influence us all to this very day. Good luck to this year's applicants!”

Greg Hemphill said: “I cannot wait to help judge this year’s Sir Billy Connolly Spirit of Glasgow Award. Glasgow is an ever changing city and amazing new and unique comic voices are forever popping up like dandelions with their own takes on life. I am excited to see what’s out there!”

The award recognises a person, not a show, meaning any GICF performers, venue staff, promoters or anyone otherwise involved in this year’s festival can apply. Applicants do not have to be from Glasgow or live in Glasgow, but instead must embody the Spirit of Glasgow as defined by the award criteria.

On the festival’s final day, this year’s Spirit of Glasgow Shortlist will be celebrated alongside the very best of the fest, with the King’s Theatre audience treated to an afternoon of the finest stand-up. Rising star Kim Blythe is set to perform at GICF’s Comedy Gala for the first time, following her two sold out shows in the festival and a growing following on social media with viral videos aplenty. Plus, 2024 So You Think You’re Funny alumni including winner Alana Jackson and runner up Ayo Adenekan, as well as hip-hop comedian MC Hammersmith who will entertain the crowd with his freestyle rap comedy. 2024’s Spirit of Glasgow winner Susie McCabe will close out proceedings with a special stand-up set, before presenting the award to 2025’s winner.

With just 4 weeks to go until GICF takes over the city with over 550 shows, there’s something for everyone from 12th - 30th March, with headline performances from the likes of Larry Dean, Fern Brady, Jenny Eclair, Russell Kane, Paul Black and some of comedy’s brightest rising stars including Gearóid Farrelly, Alana Jackson, Dee Allum, Connor Burns and more.

Festival Director Krista MacDonald said: “We are honoured to once again be working with Sir Billy Connolly for the third year in a row to present GICF’s only award - the Sir Billy Connolly Spirit of Glasgow Award. Our city is renowned for its unique sense of humour and each year, the calibre of award applications shows us why Glasgow’s comedy scene consistently produces some of the world’s very best comedians. It’s going to be a difficult job for this year’s judges, but we’re looking forward to revealing 2025’s winner live on stage at the GICF Comedy Gala in front of a packed King’s Theatre.”

The 2025 festival will feature shows across every genre of comedy from traditional stand-up, live podcasts, clowning, improv, theatre, kids shows, musicals and more, with shows for all age ranges hosted in venues across the city.

2025 festival tickets are on sale via www.glasgowcomedyfestival.com

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

Latest Glasgow News

Winter Wonderland at St Enoch Square set to open this Thursday

Glasgow's Winter Wonderland gets underway this week with the opening of St Enoch Square on Thursday 6th November from 12 noon until 9pm.

The Christmas tradition of the year is back...

Scotland's biggest Christmas drive-in returns: 11 days of Elf, Home Alone & more at Loch Lomond Shores!

Have a merry little Christmas at Glasgow Science Centre

Make this winter one to remember at Glasgow Science Centre! Discover a line-up of unmissable seasonal events packed with science, wonder and festive fun!

Four top chefs in Glasgow team up to raise money for Hospitality Health

Four of Glasgow's top chefs are teaming up on Thursday 13th November to host a charity dinner for Glasgow based charity, Hospitality Health.

Go to Christmas market for locally made gifts returns to Glasgow city centre

Mary's Meals' much-loved market – where your Christmas shopping can help feed hungry children – returns at The Social Hub this November!

Peter Kay announces triumphant return to the OVO Hydro next year

Extra tickets released including premium seats to celebrate his record-breaking stand-up tour.

Unfolded brings sustainable pop up shop and sample sale back to Glasgow for one weekend only at the iconic Buchanan Galleries

Groundbreaking Scottish sustainable ladies fashion brand Unfolded is returning to the heart of Glasgow and the homeland of ladies fashion for one weekend only.

Martin Compston to bring star power to Hoolie in the Hydro as co host

Celebrated Scottish actor Martin Compston has been announced as the co-host for this year's highly anticipated Hoolie in the Hydro: The Big Yin.

Buchanan Galleries marks Purple Tuesday with Charity Partnerships

Buchanan Galleries is marking Purple Tuesday, on 4th November, with a series of initiatives designed to champion accessibility and inclusion within the centre.

Pizza Punks is coming to town with an all new door to door delivery service

Pizza Punks Glasgow have revealed a revolutionary new service, door to door delivery, and to celebrate, the pizza scene disrupters are offering 50% off your first order!

Reward offered for return of Elvis artwork stolen from The Clutha Bar in Glasgow

The Clutha Bar and local artist Moe Rocksmoore are appealing for the safe return of Elvis, a much-loved artwork created by children and young people from Glasgow and Renfrewshire schools.

Book Tales: Storytelling through the lives of readers past and present

This November, the University of Glasgow and The Mitchell Library invite you to explore the rich and historical life of books in a series of engaging Being Human Festival.

First Bus gives Remembrance free travel for all Armed Forces, veterans and cadets

First Bus is offering free travel for all veterans and UK Armed Forces personnel travelling to Remembrance Day activities of Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day.

Scotland Meats Germany

Scotland's favourite beer, Tennent's Lager, has unveiled the world's first ever Square Wurst - a Scottish classic with a German twist - to mark the launch of Tennent's Bavarian Pilsner.

Cineworld Glasgow Silverburn unveils luxury recliners and immersive 4DX experience

Cineworld Glasgow Silverburn has just completed a major transformation, introducing luxury recliner seating and an immersive 4DX auditorium!

Scottish Ensemble brings warmth to wintry nights with Concerts by Candlelight tour

Concert by Candlelight, Scottish Ensemble's celebrated long-running winter tour, returns for eight awe-inspiring performances in intimate settings around Scotland this December.

Crossbasket Castle unveils festive events for 2025

As the festive season approaches, five-star Scottish castle, Crossbasket Castle, has unveiled its calendar of seasonal events and experiences.

Feel the festive cheer at Dobbies Charity Christmas Shopping Night

Dobbies is encouraging customers to come along to their nearest store and to be the first to shop exclusive Black Friday offers at its late-night shopping event, in aid of Alzheimer's Research UK.

Autumn Offers at Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection

Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection have launched new offerings designed to inspire cosy autumn getaways and early festive escapes across Scotland.

Mowgli Street Food unveils its Christmas feasting menus

Mowgli Street Food restaurants have launched their special Christmas menus - a vibrant celebration of Indian home-style cooking, made for sharing.

The Superlative Collection to host charity fashion show in collaboration with Smart Works Scotland in Princes Square

The Superlative Collection are taking over Glasgow's iconic Princes Square, on Friday 21st November, to host a charity fashion show in collaboration with Smart Works Scotland.

KENJI to open first Scottish store at Silverburn

Silverburn, Scotland's leading retail and leisure destination, will welcome Scotland’s first KENJI store this December.

Aldi calls on schools in Glasgow to sign up for healthy eating programme

Aldi is inviting schools, parents and guardians in Glasgow to sign up to its Get Set to Eat Fresh programme, which teaches children about the importance of healthy eating.

The Scottish Excellence Awards are open for entries

Nominations are open for the highly anticipated Scottish Excellence Awards 2026, a celebration of Scotland's hospitality, foodservice and tourism sectors.

Sterling Home brings festive cheer with heartfelt Christmas donation

Leading furniture retailer Sterling Home is lighting up the festive season with a generous donation of Christmas decorations and furniture to children’s hospices and hospitals across Scotland.

Dobbies Garden Centres hosts free to attend winter gardening workshop for kids

Dobbies is hosting a free-to-attend monthly gardening workshop on Sunday 2 November, for children across the country to discover how they can encourage winter birds into the garden.

Double win for Rickshaw & Co. and Raja Rani Restaurant in Glasgow at the Asian Restaurant Awards

Two of Glasgow's most loved dining spots, Rickshaw & Co. and Raja Rani Restaurant, have achieved a remarkable double victory at the Asian Restaurant Awards 2025.

Omniplex Cinema Group acquires iconic Renfrew Street cinema

Omniplex Cinemas has announced the acquisition of Glasgow's iconic Renfrew Street cinema, the tallest cinema in the world, marking an exciting new chapter for the venue.

Design your own FORTY t shirt at two stores in Glasgow tomorrow

Glasgow's homegrown streetwear brand, FORTY Clothing, is marking a major milestone in style with a series of creative design events for its customers across its stores tomorrow.