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.
Article Source: Glasgow International Comedy Festival
Last Updated: 10 November 2025 14:52
Image Credit: Tommy Ga-Ken Wan
Now in its fourth year, the award is supported by Sir Billy Connolly and his family, with 2025’s winner Rosco McClelland receiving a video message from the Big Yin himself. The Glaswegian comic became the third ever winner, joining Susie McCabe (2024) and Janey Godley (2023), with 2026’s winner set to be revealed on GICF’s final day at the Comedy Gala on Sunday 29th March 2026.
The award celebrates the city itself as well as the Glaswegian warmth, resilience and humour which is renowned around the world and is so entwined with the Big Yin himself. Winners receive a glass trophy with one of the Big Yin’s famous self-portraits engraved on it.
Any individual, group, venue staff or collective taking part in GICF now has over two months to either nominate someone or submit their own application. Submissions close 5pm 14th January 2026.
An independent panel of judges from across the creative industries including comedians, actors, journalists and more, choose a shortlist from all applications, based on who most personifies the Spirit of Glasgow. As last year’s winner, Rosco McClelland joins this year’s judging panel. The judges make a recommendation to Sir Billy Connolly, who will ultimately decide the winner of the award in his name.
Speaking about the award’s inception in 2023, Sir Billy Connolly said: “Glasgow defies description. Many great men and women have tried to describe its spirit and failed miserably. What do you say about a town that dances, sings, plays and jokes differently from everybody else? The winner of this Award will have to be a nutter like me…”
Introduced in 2023, and the only award GICF gives out, the Sir Billy Connolly Spirit of Glasgow Award examines criteria which both Glasgow and Sir Billy Connolly represent including:
1. Resilient - warm but tough
2. Open - accessible for all
3. Unapologetic - proud and unpretentious; curious and challenging; mould-breaking
4. Gallus - bold and brave; self-starting
5. Funny - above all else, an ability to make people laugh
Registered participants of the 2026 festival can apply online at www.glasgowcomedyfestival.com.
The award recognises a person or group of people, not a show, meaning any GICF performers, venue staff, promoters or anyone otherwise involved in the festival can apply or nominate. 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.
Susie McCabe presented Rosco McClelland with the award in 2025, followed by a personalised video message from Sir Billy Connolly. Onstage, Rosco said: “To join the list of people who have won, Janey and Susie, is incredible. To know that the Big Yin has seen me do my silly wee bits of stand up is insane, that’s the real prize in this. Just to hear him say my name - I can’t believe this, he’s the best to ever do it.”
Festival Director Krista MacDonald said: “The Sir Billy Connolly Spirit of Glasgow Award embodies everything that makes both this city and its comedy so special: boldness, warmth, and a wicked sense of humour. As we prepare to present the award for the fourth time in 2026, it’s become a cherished highlight of the Glasgow International Comedy Festival, celebrating those who carry the same fearless creativity and generous spirit that Sir Billy has shared with the world. It’s a true privilege for the festival to work with Sir Billy to honour those who reflect the heart and humour of Glasgow itself.”
Karen Koren, of GICF corporate director GB Festivals Ltd said: “We're absolutely delighted to be working with Sir Billy again on this award in his honour - it’s been such a welcome addition to the Comedy Festival’s annual programme and the past three winners have been incredibly worthy and we're sure 2026’s will be no exception. We can’t wait to celebrate Sir Billy and the winner at the GICF’s Comedy Gala on the last day of the Festival.”
Scotland’s largest dedicated comedy festival, GICF will celebrate Glasgow as ‘the funniest city in the world’ from 11th - 29th March 2026 in venues across the city, welcoming top comics and rising stars. Acts already announced for next year include Daniel Sloss, Sue Perkins, Harry Enfield, Susie McCabe, Alan Davies, Marc Jennings, Judi Love and many more.
Acts and venues can register to be a part of GICF now via www.glasgowcomedyfestival.com with brochure registrations open until 21st November.
Venues hosting GICF events in 2026 include: The King’s Theatre, Oran Mor, The Stand Comedy Club, SEC Armadillo, Citizens Theatre, The Old Hairdressers, Old Fruitmarket and more.
Sponsored Links
Latest Glasgow News
Glasgow Fort joins forces with local charities to support people who feel lonely at Christmas
Glasgow Fort has teamed up with local charities to help raise awareness of the support they can provide to people of all ages experiencing feelings of loneliness and isolation at Christmas.
READ MORE
The Tron Theatre announced new season for 2026
Tron Theatre is delighted to announce its brand-new season of work for Spring/Summer 2026.
READ MORE
This weekend Glasgow shoppers can win the ultimate Glasgow Christmas gift
This Sunday visitors to VEGA's Christmas Market have the chance to “unwrap the city” and win the ultimate Glasgow Christmas gift worth over £1,000!
READ MORE
Buchanan Galleries welcomes two new stores for the festive season
City centre shopping destination Buchanan Galleries has expanded its retail line-up this December with the arrival of two new stores, offering visitors even more choice in the run-up to Christmas.
READ MORE
Glasgow Film Festival supports 50 next generation filmmakers across three star studded talent labs
Lab mentors and partners include Oscar-winning and nominated directors, leading animation studios, and executives from Netflix, BFI, Aardman, and Curzon.
READ MORE
Caledonia Gladiators launches most exclusive seat in Scottish sport in aid of GCH Charity
Scotland's basketball franchise Caledonia Gladiators has launched a unique new VIP experience – thought to be the most exclusive sporting seat in the country – in aid of charity.
READ MORE
Shipbuilding heritage, tall tales & Scottish cuisine make a tasty tune
Since launching in 2019, the Shipyard Bards, Tall Tales and Dinner events held at Glasgow's Mharsanta restaurant have repeatedly sold out.
READ MORE
Dr. Gillian Shirreffs Book Signing for Elephant at Waterstones Byres Road
Gillian Shirreffs has raised over £30,000 for charity through her writing, and she'll be signing copies of Elephant on Saturday 13th December at Waterstones Byres Road.
READ MORE
Silverburn unwraps a festive December of entertainment
Silverburn, Glasgow's leading retail and leisure destination, has unveiled a packed diary full of events this December, as guests get ready for Christmas.
READ MORE
Celtic Connections brought surprise morning gigs to coffee shops across Glasgow at the weekend
Celtic Connections surprised Saturday morning coffee goers with live pop-up gigs across Glasgow, bringing emerging artists into unexpected spaces.
READ MORE
Panto Pays: festive theatre season delivers economic boost
As part of Glasgow 850's Get You In Panto Town celebration, new figures reveal the significant economic contribution of Glasgow's beloved pantomime season to the city's economy.
READ MORE
Ring in Hogmanay with darts, dancing, and bottomless pizza
If your New Year's resolution is to have more fun, start early at Flight Club!
READ MORE
The oldest bar and restaurant in Glasgow unveils spectacular makeover
Sloans, has unveiled a spectacular festive transformation following a £300,000 investment that has reinvented the 228-year-old venue inside and out.
READ MORE
Celebrate South Asian cinema this December with a selection of releases at Vue
There’s plenty for fans of South Asian cinema to enjoy at Vue this December, with a number of titles heading to the big screen.
READ MORE
Is Glasgow Green Santa the coolest in the UK
Some visitors reckon that Santa's cousin who is currently in residence at Winter Wonderland at Glasgow Green is the coolest of Santas.
READ MORE
Toys the season to be Jolly! Kids in Glasgow can win the entire DreamToys list this Christmas
Children in Glasgow are in for a festive treat this year, as a number of local retailers have announced they will be giving away all 15 toys featured on this year's coveted DreamToys list.
READ MORE
Trust calls for the home of Scottish football to be saved from an own goal
National Trust for Scotland has added its voice to those seeking assurances about the preservation of the first ever Hampden Park in Glasgow.
READ MORE
Cocktails and Champagne at new Luss Distillery
The newly opened Luss Distillery has announced its first events ahead of the festive season.
READ MORE
Glasgow shoppers slow down for a calmer Black Friday at The Social Hub
Glasgow shoppers embraced “slow shopping” as The Social Hub hosted its Rethink Black Friday market, offering a calm alternative that spotlighted local makers.
READ MORE
Tis the season: Meet Home Alone inspired characters at Glasgow Fort
Christmas is in full swing at Glasgow Fort, with festive character visits, the Christmas market and family activities now underway to help get shoppers of all ages into the festive spirit.
READ MORE
Family run Jackton Distillery unveils bumper festive programme for 2025
Jackton Distillery, the family run Lowland distillery behind the RAER whisky, spirits and wine portfolio, has announced a packed Christmas calendar for December 2025.
READ MORE
First Scottish KENJI store now open at Silverburn
East Asian-inspired lifestyle brand KENJI has opened the doors to its first Scottish store as it joins the impressive brand lineup at Silverburn.
READ MORE
Name the Loganair Christmas puffin and win a family adventure
Loganair, the UK’s leading regional airline, has launched a new festive competition to name the puffin starring in its emotional Christmas advert.
READ MORE
Festive fun on the farm at the National Museum of Rural Life
Celebrate the season with festive fun for the whole family at the National Museum of Rural Life.
READ MORE
Braehead celebrates bright young business stars this Christmas
Scotland's premier retail destination, Braehead Shopping Centre, today announce that this Christmas they will again welcome the Young Enterprise Christmas Trade Fayre.
READ MORE
Breakout Scots star urges young people to discover new artists IRL at Celtic Connections coffee pop ups
Katie Gregson-MacLeod is urging young Glaswegians to discover new music IRL as Celtic Connections brings free pop-up gigs to Patricia's x SLB, Through The House and Black Pine this Saturday.
READ MORE
Loch Lomond Shores Christmas Festival is a Christmas cracker this year!
A family rollercoaster, giant snow globe, rides, stalls, street food and live entertainment makes Loch Lomond Shores FREE Christmas festival the perfect Christmas day out for all the family!
READ MORE
Calum Bowie gives Barrowland call up to 2 rising stars for landmark 5th December show
Calum Bowie has invited two fresh local talents to support him at his upcoming landmark show in December at The Barrowlands!
READ MORE
Partick Film Festival returns in January with special anniversary screening of Rob Roy
Partick Film Festival returns in January with a range of events including a special 30th anniversary screening of Rob Roy, followed by a Q&A with the director Michael Caton-Jones.
READ MORE
Somewhere by Nico Launches Festive Cocktail Experience
This festive season, Glasgow and Edinburgh relevellers can relive the magic of Christmas past as Somewhere by Nico unveil a brand-new immersive experience!
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links