A POP-UP comedy club, organised by Jason Manford, will appear at a one-day festival in York next month.

The organisers of Yorfest, which runs on Knavesmire on Saturday, September 23, confirmed today that Jason Manford’s Comedy Club - set up by the comedian and his brother - will make its first festival appearance of the year in York.

While Manford will not be appearing at the event, he has helped select the acts who will be performing in a seated marquee at the family festival in three, two-hour shows throughout the day.

He said: “The aim of our pop up shows is to put top quality comedians in front of local audiences at a good price, so when I was approached about bringing a comedy stage to the festival, I jumped at it. We are thrilled to be a part of this exciting and innovative festival and this will be the first major festival for Manfords.

“I have played in York on all my previous UK tours and love it here - it is one of my favourite cities to play and I am really looking forward to sending some of Manford’s comedians along to Yorfest to experience this wonderful part of the country. We have many surprises in store, and the full line up will be revealed next week.”

Yorfest will also feature more than 30 live acts over four performance areas, culminating in a headline set from country rock headliners The Shires, and a performance by indie icon Badly Drawn Boy, with more acts still to be announced.

The event runs between 11.30am and 11pm on Saturday, September 23, and tickets cost £30 for adults, £20 for under-16s. Under fives go free, and family tickets are available.

Seats for Manford’s Comedy Club can be booked in advance for £5, or are available on a first come first served basis on the day.