An Aberdeen business chief has said he is “serious” about the Granite City’s comedy festival – and hopes the event will one day be as big as the Edinburgh Fringe.
The city’s comedy festival is returning again in October for its third year and will feature Reginald D Hunter, David O’Doherty, Phill Jupitus and other well-known names.
And Adrian Watson, the chief executive of city centre business body Aberdeen Inspired, believes the festival could become an even bigger event over the coming years.
In recent years the Granite City struggled with its accommodation offering for overnight visitors but now has more than 20 city centre hotels.
Mr Watson said the infrastructure was now in place to draw in tourists and other visitors.
And the event could also bring new customers to the doorstep of shops and businesses in the beleaguered area with its comedy shows taking place at 25 different venues.
The full programme which comprises of 50 shows held over 10 days and the details will be announced on August 24. The programme for 2019 is already in the making with the headline act due to be announced before the end of the 2018 run.
Mr Watson said: “In such a short time its great to see that Aberdeen is now firmly established as one of Scotland’s top three comedy festivals.
“The line-up demonstrates that we have targeted national and international names in the world of comedy and that we are serious that Aberdeen brings cultural offerings to this city that are truly appealing, bold and ambitious.
“We are committed to seeing all our festivals grow and reach out way beyond the north-east. We have some excellent, affordable hotels, great restaurants and a strong array of quality retail that can complement a visit to one or more of our star studded Aberdeen Comedy Festival.
“I think we have to be realistic in terms of the Fringe, but we have already seen it grow into a top three, behind Edinburgh Fringe and Glasgow International and we have taken much from visits to both.
“They are both well established but ours has grown considerably as we come into our third year and many of our top liners share that footing down there.”
The festival runs from October 4 to 10 and tickets are availableon the website www.aberdeencomedyfestival.com/