The Manchester Comedy Festival 2010 – which runs from 18th – 31st October - will showcase its biggest ever programme at the event’s launch on the 28th September, to be held at The Comedy Store in Manchester.

The launch, for press, sponsors and public, will feature a number of notable acts such as Jason Cook, Mick Ferry and Rob Rouse, as well as Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee The Boy with Tape on his Face, and is a chance for press and punters alike to see what’s on offer this year.

To celebrate its 10th year, founder Don Ward and his team have put together a line-up of 210 shows compared with 83 last year, including names such as Rhod Gilbert, Frankie Boyle, Jimmy Carr and Edinburgh Comedy Award winner Russell Kane.

However, of equal importance to the festival is the up-and-coming talent who can help showcase Manchester’s comedy circuit as one of the best in the UK, and rising acts such as Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee Tom Wrigglesworth, Chortle Best Newcomer 2010 Joe Lycett and rising star Henry Paker are to appear.

Press and media wishing to attend should contact Rory Girvan at Multitude Media on rory.girvan@multitudemedia.co.uk.