Sunderland Comedy Festival cancelled

The 2014 Sunderland Comedy Festival has been cancelled – less than a fortnight before the event was due to kick-off on Wearside.

Festival organisers today confirmed that the two-day festival, to be headlined by Lee Nelson on Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 July, has been pulled after a major sponsor withdrew key funding which would have financed the bulk of the shows.

Poor ticket sales have also contributed to the cancellation of the festival, which was due to feature the likes of Hebburn creator Jason Cook, Jojo Sutherland, Ray Peacock, Ed Gamble, Tony Jameson and Steffen Peddie.

Si Buglass, of Creased Comedy, told Giggle Beats: “Unfortunately we have had to cancel this year’s Sunderland Comedy Festival.

“It’s a shame for all involved but due to funding issues and poor ticket sales the festival can not go ahead. Our sincere apologies go out to everyone involved in the process.

“Anyone who purchased tickets and have not yet been offered a full refund can email [email protected].”

If you still want to see Lee Nelson in the North East you can do so at The Berkeley Tavern in Whitley Bay on Friday 11 July.

Nelson is also performing at The Hyena in Newcastle on Sunday 20 July, and in Barnard Castle on Wednesday 29 October for Funny Way To Be Comedy Club.

Lee Nelson, The Berkeley Tavern, Whitley Bay, Friday 11 July, £15, creasedcomedy.co.uk