Top Fringe comics in festival line-up

Topping the bill will be Russell Kane, who won the Edinburgh comedy award for his Smokescreens and Castles show.

Also on the programme are Greg Davies and Sarah Millican, who were both shortlisted for the 10,000 prize in Edinburgh, and more established entertainers including Ross Noble, Mark Watson, Phil Cool and Keith Chegwin.

The Hull Comedy Festival is now in its fourth year and is supported by Hull's Business Improvement District as part of its efforts to improve and promote the evening economy.

The event kicks off with Ross Noble at Hull City Hall next Thursday and closes on Monday, November 8, when Greg Davies appears at Pave in Princes Avenue.

New to the list of 11 venues around the city are iScream, based in the Albemarle Music Centre on Ferensway, and Fruit, in Humber Street.

Festival director John Gilbert said: "I know I'm biased but as a fan of live comedy I really do think this year is something special.

"We've got more exciting stuff going on than ever before and I keep showing people the brochure because I'm so proud of what everyone has put together."

Kathryn Shillito, Hull BID's city centre manager, said she hoped the event would be able to build on the estimated 400,000 that previous festivals have generated for the city's economy.

"The organisers are expecting record ticket sales and that's great news for Hull BID businesses," she said.

"We'll be working to help them generate additional trade around the festival and make sure as many businesses benefit as possible."