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
Sponsored Links
Latest Glasgow News
Marti Pellow stars as Scrooge in a major new musical production coming to Glasgow in 2026
The pop prince and former frontman of Wet Wet Wet realises his life-long dream of bringing the iconic Christmas Carol character to life on a major stage!
READ MORE
Behind the Beans: Cast of Pavilion Panto, Jock and the Beanstalk, visit the oldest sweet shop in Glasgow
The cast of much-anticipated Pavilion panto Jock & the Beanstalk were spotted out and about at the Barras this afternoon, with a visit to Glickman's to sample their famous jelly beans!
READ MORE
Step into the magic at Dobbies Garden Centres
Dobbies Garden Centres has a fantastic line up of Santa’s Grotto and Quiet Grotto experiences, with an exciting North Pole adventure inspired theme, running from 23rd November - 24th December.
READ MORE
Tesla Cybertruck lands at Silverburn... come and see the future
Glasgow EV enthusiasts are in for a treat this week as the famous Tesla Cybertruck has arrived at Silverburn, Scotland’s leading retail and leisure destination.
READ MORE
Scottish Ensemble announce projects for Spring and Summer 2026
Scottish Ensemble, a pioneering collective of musicians championing music for strings, announces its series of events for Spring/Summer 2026.
READ MORE
Glasgow Film Festival reveals first titles for 2026
Scotland's biggest film festival has confirmed its highly anticipated Retrospective Programme, which gives audiences the chance to catch classic films back on the big screen for free.
READ MORE
Sir Billy Connolly award applications open for Glasgow International Comedy Festival 2026
Glasgow International Comedy Festival has opened applications for its prestigious Sir Billy Connolly Spirit of Glasgow Award with acts, venues and staff in 2026's festival encouraged to apply now.
READ MORE
Flight Club Launches BRAND NEW Game Inspired by a Party Classic
This week, Flight Club, the lively cocktail and Social Darts bar, is launching a brand-new game, available to play in all venues for the first time on Friday, 14th November.
READ MORE
SEC Glasgow at 40: Four decades of creating incredible
For four decades the Scottish Event Campus (SEC) has stood at the centre of Scotland’s cultural life, attracting world-class shows, artists, major events and conferences to Glasgow.
READ MORE
Aldi Scotland is turning up the Christmas cheer with its first ever festive Supermarket Sweep
Aldi Scotland is giving one lucky customer the chance to take part in a seasonal edition of its popular shopping challenge, all while raising vital funds for Children's Hospices Across Scotland.
READ MORE
Glasgow Taxis Cup returns for its 21st year in 2026
Now in its twenty-first year, Glasgow Taxis Cup, will see more than 700 student athletes from Glasgow Caledonian, Strathclyde, and Glasgow universities competing across 17+ sports in 21+ events!
READ MORE
Hidden treasures of Murrayfield
Murrayfield heritage lead Laura Tinch reveals hidden collection of 5,000 artefacts charting a century of Scottish rugby history.
READ MORE
Christmas Songbook to take festive cheer to Glasgow
Scotland's iconic Christmas Songbook is back for 2025, promising to sprinkle even more festive magic in Glasgow this December!
READ MORE
Breaking the Silence Gig: Last Minute Tickets available for Oran Mor
Last-minute tickets are still available for JJ “Jinky” Gilmour’s Breaking the Silence show at Oran Mor on Thursday 27th November.
READ MORE
Santa clocks in early: Scotland shift heroes among 30,000 invited to claim free festive meal
Greene King pubs is raising the spirits of Scotland's hardest workers this festive season, hosting 'The Big Christmas Shift' across 700 pubs nationwide, giving away 30,000 meals on Monday 1st December
READ MORE
Festive days out to make the most of the season
From wreath-making workshops through to New Year’s Eve street parties, here's a rounded up some of the best events to help make the most of the season with loved ones in a fun and creative way.
READ MORE
SAY Award winner announced as Kai Reesu
Kai Reesu’s ‘KOMPROMAT vol.i’ was tonight announced as winner of The Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award, as the country’s national music prize Ceremony took place in Dundee’s Caird Hall.
READ MORE
Flight Club Glasgow launches limited edition Winter Menu and Festive Brunch
Flight Club Glasgow kicks off Christmas party season with the unveiling of its specially curated limited-edition menu and festive celebration-worthy bottomless brunch.
READ MORE
Citizens Theatre announces Associate Companies and Artists programme plus new shows for 2026
The Citizens Theatre has announced a new initiative to support and collaborate with artists and theatre companies, alongside more productions in its reopening year.
READ MORE
Glasgow Kelvin College hosts Big Scottish Breakfast and beauty event for STV Childrens Appeal
Glasgow Kelvin College students dished up community spirit in style earlier this month, raising £700 for the STV Children's Appeal through a Big Scottish Breakfast and beauty event.
READ MORE
Aldi opens applications for Christmas food donations programme in Glasgow
Aldi is calling on charities, community groups and food banks in Glasgow to sign up for surplus food donations from its stores this Christmas.
READ MORE
Public vote opens for Scottish Jazz Awards 2025 as scene flourishes
A stellar lineup of nominees has been announced for the Scottish Jazz Awards 2025, showcasing the exceptional talent flourishing across Scotland's vibrant jazz scene.
READ MORE
From Pop to Print: Bobby Bluebell Unveils Forevermore at Glasgow Print Studio
Glasgow Print Studio is delighted to announce the launch of Forevermore, a new limited-edition print by Bobby Bluebell.
READ MORE
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.
READ MORE
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!
READ MORE
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!
READ MORE
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.
READ MORE
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!
READ MORE
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.
READ MORE
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.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links