Is a Hebburn Comedy Festival on the horizon?

Hebburn creator Jason Cook and lead Chris Ramsey.

The man behind BBC2 sitcom Hebburn is hoping to bring more comedy stars to the now infamous North East town.

Comedian Jason Cook, who wrote the hit series, is in the process of organising a comedy festival in Hebburn, with “some of the biggest names in stand-up” set to play his hometown.

Cook was made honorary life president of the local football club last week following the success of his BBC2 show.

And he hopes a comedy festival at the club’s ground will help promote the team he supported as a boy.

Cook told the Shields Gazette: “I’ve got plans to promote the club and the town by organising a Hebburn comedy festival, with some of the biggest names in stand-up. If that takes off, the idea is that only Hebburn businesses would be allowed to trade during the festival.”

“I grew up in Park Road, in the street where Hebburn is filmed, and I remember being taken to watch Hebburn FC by my dad. I’m delighted [to be made life president].”

The first series of Hebburn ended in dramatic fashion last Thursday, as dad Joe (Jim Moir) suffered a stroke at Jack and Sarah’s second wedding.

Cook has been buoyed by the messages of support from fans and critics alike, and hopes to announce a second series of the sitcom in the coming weeks.

“The response to the series so far has been 99.2 per cent positive. Loads of people have said they recognise characters from their own lives in the series. Really, Hebburn is a love letter to my parents, Pat and Tony.”

He added: “We’re still waiting to hear if there will be a second series, but all the characters are in my head, waiting to be developed, and I’d love to write more.”

Hebburn is out on DVD tomorrow. To pre-order, see: bbcshop.com