Glasgow International Comedy Festival announces record breaking statistics as festival draws to a close
Glasgow International Comedy Festival welcomed over 61,000 comedy fans to 605 shows this year, marking its biggest ever event!
Article Source: Glasgow International Comedy Festival
Last Updated: 1 April 2025 12:45
Scotland’s largest dedicated comedy festival, GICF hosted 605 shows and events over 19 days of wall-to-wall comedy this spring with headline shows from the likes of Susie McCabe, Jenny Eclair, Connor Burns, The Horne Section and Paul Black.
The Festival saw record attendance figures of over 61,000 with shows in new venues including The OVO Hydro, Barrowland Ballroom, The Social Hub, Berlinky’s and more.
A record-breaking 103 events taking part in the Festival sold out this year, including shows from local comedians Raymond Mearns, Tattoo Dave, Rowan Hackett and Ifrah Qureshi, Stephen Buchanan, Marc Jennings and Amanda Dwyer as well as Catherine Bohart, Jamali Maddix and Connor Burns.
GICF also hosted charity shows as part of 2025’s programme, with ‘An Afternoon for Janey’ at the King’s Theatre raising more than £12,000 split equally between Beatson Cancer Charity and The Prince & Princess of Wales Hospice to celebrate the life of Janey Godley. Audiences gathered to watch performances from Janey’s friends Scott Agnew, Rosco McClelland and Tom Urie, followed by a screening of her documentary ‘Janey’.
Now in its 22nd year, GICF took place in all corners of the city, with 47 venues from the King’s Theatre to The Stand, Oran Mor, Glasgow Film Theatre, The Griffin, Van Winkle West End and Barras Art and Design, to name a few.
For the second year, GICF ran its ‘Introduction to Comedy Course’ for women and marginalised genders, with legendary comic skills teacher Viv Gee teaching stand-up and performance skills to boost confidence and encourage more women and marginalised genders to enter the comedy industry. Viv Gee was also honoured with a special award to mark Glasgow’s 850th anniversary, taking home a bespoke trophy from the Lord Provost on GICF’s final day to commemorate her contribution to comedy.
The Festival’s closing day included the highly anticipated announcement of 2025’s Sir Billy Connolly Spirit of Glasgow Award which saw Glasgow comedian Rosco McClelland take home the coveted prize. Announced by the Big Yin himself via a video message, Rosco was presented with the award onstage by 2024 winner Susie McCabe, Festival Director Krista MacDonald and Elaine C Smith. The Comedy Gala saw the very best of the fest perform at the King’s Theatre, with sets from Zoe Lyons, Connor Burns, Susie McCabe, Ayo Adenekan, MC Hammersmith and more.
Festival Director Krista MacDonald said: “As this year’s Glasgow International Comedy Festival winds down, we’re celebrating what has been another record breaking year for the event with more shows than ever before, and a colossal attendance figure of over 61,000. We couldn’t host 605 shows in this city without the help and support of so many; from comics who come from around the world to perform their shows, venue staff and promoters, our sponsors and partners, audiences who head out to shows all over the city, our small in-house team, and of course the local comedians who are the backbone of Glasgow’s comedy industry, not just for these 19 days, but year round.
“With Rosco McClelland’s Sir Billy Connolly Spirit of Glasgow Award win this year, we got the chance to celebrate an outstanding homegrown talent who has spent over a decade honing his craft and building a career that is so intertwined with this city. It is an honour for the Festival to be able to work with the Big Yin to recognise exceptional comics like Rosco in this way.
“As we look back on what has been another stellar year for the Festival, we’re proud to say GICF has surpassed the three year growth plan that was established post-pandemic to ensure the event can continue to support local comics whilst welcoming international acts and major comedy tours to the city.
“At a time when both audiences and acts are faced with less and less relative disposable income, it has been a real joy to still see so many people come out to support shows, and so many new comics begin to rise through the ranks. Glasgow’s unfailing desire to laugh, and make others laugh, is what drives the Festival and we’re looking forward to building on this success and ensuring Scottish comedy is supported and celebrated.”
Chair of Glasgow Life Bailie Annette Christie said: “Glasgow International Comedy Festival continues to be one of the city’s most celebrated cultural events, and the 2025 edition has been another outstanding success. With over 100 sold-out shows, this year’s festival builds on past achievements, delivering an even bigger and bolder programme that showcased the very best in comedy – from stand-up and improv to musical acts and family-friendly performances.
“The incredible mix of seasoned performers and fresh new voices from Scotland, the UK, and beyond has once again drawn record audiences from near and far, cementing the festival’s reputation as a highlight on the UK comedy calendar. GICF25 has further strengthened Glasgow’s standing as a world-class destination for entertainment, culture, and unmissable live events.”
In its biggest ever year, GICF spotlighted rising stars of the UK’s comedy industry, from homegrown heroes like Alana Jackson and Kathleen Hughes to mainstays like Fern Brady, Russell Kane and Susie McCabe. The Festival encompasses comedy of all genres with family friendly performances including Bring Your Own Baby and interactive shows like Kidocracy, as well as mixed bill shows, musical comedy, improv, game shows and traditional stand-up.
With an array of Scottish and international comedians performing throughout the city over the past three weeks, GICF once again showcased the importance of Glasgow’s comedy heritage as some of the industry’s greatest comedians performed in world renowned venues.
Glasgow International Comedy Festival has now revealed the dates for 2026’s event as 11th March - 29th March 2026. Sign up via www.glasgowcomedyfestival.com
Sponsored Links
Latest Glasgow News
BTS fans take the spotlight in latest K Pop documentary heading to Vue
BTS Army: Forever We Are Young, a brand-new documentary celebrating the fans that helped catapult 21st century pop icons BTS into global stardom comes to Vue.
READ MORE
Plenty of summer family fun at Vue venues across Scotland
Family favourites and animated adventures are heading to the big screen this summer holiday at Vue venues across Scotland.
READ MORE
CUPP launches brand new Boba Cafe Kiosk at Silverburn
CUPP, the cult-favourite boba tea brand known for its viral drinks and dedicated following, is opening an all-new Boba Café Kiosk in Silverburn.
READ MORE
Tenement Trail Festival Artist Announcement
Scotland’s multi-venue festival for music discovery, is back for 2025 with a first wave of 30+ unmissable artists including Manchester’s Pale Waves.
READ MORE
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 MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links