Some of the UK’s best comedians will descend on Aberystwyth later this year with Aberystwyth Comedy Festival returns.

Over 60 shows are planned in various venues across the town between 1 and 3 October with more acts than ever – from Rhod Gilbert and Kiri Pritchard-McLean to Jessica Fostekew, Rosie Jones and Josh Widdicombe.

The winter comedy festival in Aberystwyth is organised by the same people behind the popular Machynlleth Comedy Festival, which as been running since 2010.

Henry Widdicombe, one of the Aberystwyth and Machynlleth Comedy Festival founders, spoke this week of his delight at being able to organise comedy shows once more.

He said: “After cancelling three of our festivals over the last year and a half, we are so pleased to see some of this year’s Aberystwyth shows already selling out.”

Over 60 comedy shows will fill every nook and cranny of the west Wales town and tickets can be bought at www.abercomedyfest.com

Welsh acts performing this year include Rhod Gilbert, Kiri Pritchard-McLean, Tudur Owen, Robin Morgan, Priya Hall, Esyllt Sears, Leila Navabi, Carys Eleri, Steffan Alun and Tarot.

Shows will be held in various venues throughout the town from the arts centre, Castle Theatre, Cambria building on the seafront, the Pier and Queen’s Road Bowling Club. Henry continues: “It’s been a difficult time for everyone in the arts and live entertainment industries and we can’t wait to welcome back our audiences – without whom we couldn’t do any of what we do.”

Kiri Pritchard-McLean commented: “Little Wander’s festivals have helped put Wales on the comedy map and I’m delighted that the Aberystwyth Comedy Festival is back this autumn - for the sake of comedians and audiences alike.”