Preview: Jesterval 2014, Baltic Square, Gateshead Quays

The North East’s largest comedy festival is back and it's bigger than ever.

The North East’s largest comedy festival, Jesterval, is back for a second year at Gateshead Quays, and is full to its comedy brim with amazing acts.

Opening today in a 300-seater marquee on Baltic Square, just off Newcastle’s glorious quayside, the festival kicks off with shows from Geordie comedian Gavin Webster (6pm), former Edinburgh Comedy Award winner Brendon Burns (8pm) and a Geordie Comedy Gala (9.45pm) featuring the best of local talent.

Jason Manford, who was scheduled to open the festival, will instead help kick off the festivities with a show on Sunday 8 June, as part of his First World Problems tour.

The Manchester stand-up is joined by some of Britain’s premier comedy talent across the nine-day, 30 show festival, including the likes of Marcus Brigstocke, Tony Law and Simon Munnery.

While Terry Alderton (14 June) will bring an alternative flavour to proceedings.

Comedy panel show mainstay Stewart Francis is also confirmed to perform with fellow Canadians Glenn Wool and Craig Campbell as part of their Lumberjacks tour.

And festival organisers have confirmed a number of top North East acts as a celebration of the thriving comedy scene in the region, including Hebburn creator Jason Cook (7 June), Mike Milligan (7 June), Lee Kyle (7 June), Dave Johns (8 June) and Patrick Monahan (11 June).

New sketch group, Funny Team!, consisting of Kyle, Matt Reed, Nicola Mantalios-Lovett, Sammy Dobson and Catherine Scott will also make their debut at the festival (8 June).

Haq added: “The aim is to try and build on the success of last year’s occasion and make it bigger, better and even more successful than previous years.

“Although it does get harder we feel the 2014 Jesterval will be our best yet.”

For more information and tickets, visit jesterval.co.uk.