Southport New Comedian of the Year 2025 competition sponsored by Dragon Soop returns to the Southport Comedy Festival

SOUTHPORT Comedy Festival 2025 has launched its search for the next Southport New Comedian of the Year. Aspiring comedians from all over the country have been invited to apply to win:- 1 of 8 places in the grand final which takes place on:- Tuesday, 14 October 2025 as part of the 14th Annual Southport Comedy Festival Under Canvas, at Southport's Victoria Park, Merseyside.

This year's event is sponsored for a 4th year by Dragon Soop, a caffeinated alcoholic beverage that comes in a range of flavours.

"Dragon Soop is delighted to continue its support of the Southport Comedy Festival. We wish every act a Sooper Festival experience!"- Isabelle Kent, Sales and Marketing Director

The Southport New Comedian of the Year competition is open to all comedians who have less than 4 years' experience of performing before a paying audience.

Applicants are asked to upload a short promo video onto YouTube. You can find more details on the New Comedian Competition page on the Southport Comedy Festival website.

The winner will be selected by a panel of judges and will be awarded the coveted title of:- 'Southport New Comedian of the Year 2025′ in addition they will also receive a cash prize and a trophy kindly provided by Dragon Soop.

Southport Comedy Festival Director Brendan Riley said:- "We are thrilled to have Dragon Soop onboard as our sponsor for a fourth year. The New Comedian competition has always been a highlight of our festival. With so many big names performing at this year's festival it is great to offer a night that promotes and encourages new comedians who are starting off in their career. A lot of comedians have gone on from this competition to enjoy full professional careers. They come and enter the competition from all over the UK. I would also like to add that Dragon Soop should only be consumed by adults aged 18+. Please enjoy responsibly "

2023 winners The Halls of Ridiculous made up of Phil Allan Smith and Chris Lumb had this to say of the competition:- "The Southport New Comedian of the Year competition is without doubt 1 of the most fun and well organised competitions we've been involved in. It's a great springboard for new acts, and being in the final was a great experience in front of a brilliant, large, comedy savvy audience. We'd encourage any acts breaking into pro line ups and paid work to enter this comp."

Since their win The Halls of Ridiculous who merge quick fire improvised comedy with high energy character-based sketches have gone from strength to strength on the comedy circuit to include:- supporting multi award winning comedian and star of TV Russell Kane on his national tour. Russell has called the comedy duo:- "Absolutely ace."

The 2024 winner, comedian and full-time NHS doctor Henry Michael had this to say:- "A fantastic competition run by a wonderful group of people in a lovely tent. 1 of my favourite places to perform in, even when they aren't bestowing me with awards. I wish all the best to this year's participants and will look on at this year's winner with bitter jealousy."

The Southport New Comedian of the Year event is part of the 17 day, Southport Comedy Festival in association with Halliwell Jones Kia with a star studded lineup to include:- literary phenomenon and:- 'Godfather of Punk Poetry' Dr John Cooper Clarke, high-energy festival favourite Jason Byrne, universally acclaimed observational joke-master Jimeoin, American comedy legend Rich Hall, multi award winning comedian and broadcaster Mark Steel, internationally acclaimed Irish star Ardal O'Hanlon of Father Ted fame, Persian powerhouse and star of the silver screen Omid Djalili, comedian and Strictly Come Dancing star Chris McCausland, Irish Comedy Queen Deirdre O'Kane, Host of Smash Hit Podcast:- 'Have a Word' Dan Nightingale, comedy circuit favourite Jenny Collier, star of Britain's Got talent Jonny Awsum, hilariously outrageous clairvoyant from Phoenix Nights Clinton Baptiste and UK comedy icon Mick Miller, the beloved:- "bald man with the long hair" and a cherished entertainer for over 40 years. There are also 2 special Bingo events raising funds for local charities.

Courtesy of Elite Events, this year's festival will be staged once again in a giant luxury heated and seated marquee in Victoria Park, home of the world-renowned Southport Flower Show, from:- Friday, 3 October to Sunday, 19 October 2025.

The Southport New Comedian Grand Final will take place on:- Tuesday, 14th October 2025. Tickets are just �5 each which are kept low to make the events as accessible as possible. Tickets for all shows are available from the festival's website.

Brendan Riley said:- "The final is always a great night and the standard is always really high which makes the judges' job hard. So come along to encourage new talent and help them become the stars of tomorrow!"

Council Project Manager shortlisted for Apprentice of the Year

A young Project Manager at Liverpool City Council has spoken of her delight at being shortlisted for a prestigious industry award. Emma Gutierrez Waldron, who is an Apprentice Project Manager in the Transport and Highways Department, has been shortlisted for Apprentice of the Year at the Highways Awards 2025. And Liverpool City Council has been nominated for an additional 5 national awards, highlighting the excellent achievements of the Transport and Highways department.

Emma's nomination is a testament to her unwavering dedication, proactive mindset, and passion for public service. With a background in STEM; including:- a BSc in Bioveterinary Sciences and an MRes in Healthy Musculoskeletal Ageing from the University of Liverpool; Emma's journey into project management has been anything but conventional. Inspired by her architect parents and a love for problem-solving, she transitioned from laboratory research to public infrastructure, driven by a desire to make a meaningful impact.

Emma shared:- "Being shortlisted felt like a moment of real validation. It's boosted my confidence and made me even more motivated to keep learning and contributing to the industry."

Emma's approach to her apprenticeship has been marked by consistency, reliability, and a willingness to learn. She credits her success not just to what she's done, but how she's done it; building strong relationships, staying organised, and embracing feedback with humility.

Emma said:- "I try to bring consistency and reliability to everything I do, and I have always been a proactive individual who is open to learning. Coming from STEM, every day, is a school day, for me in highways. I focus on building strong working relationships, staying organised, and letting my work speak for itself. I also make a conscious effort to ask questions, take feedback on board, and look for ways to improve."

Among the many lessons she's learned, Emma highlights the importance of having difficult conversations early, likening it to:- "dealing with dirty dishes; the longer you leave them, the worse they get." This mindset has helped her grow professionally and personally, strengthening her confidence and communication skills.

Liverpool City Council has played a pivotal role in Emma's development, offering mentorship, meaningful projects, and a culture that values individual growth.

She said:- "I've had access to experienced mentors, regular feedback, and opportunities to stretch my skills. The support from my team has made all the difference."

Emma also expressed heartfelt gratitude to her colleagues, especially her manager Chris Parkes, Head of Service Graham Martin, and works supervisors Ste Parkes and Jon Colton, who have guided her through site visits and project delivery.

Looking ahead, Emma remains committed to her role and the sector. "I want to keep growing, deepening my understanding, and making a positive impact. Steady growth and curiosity are what I believe lead to long-term success."

Her advice to others considering a career in highways or public infrastructure is simple yet powerful:- "Go for it. Stay curious. Don't be afraid to fail; because failure is just your 1st attempt in learning."

The other 5 award nominations for the City's Transport and Highways department are:-

Environmental and Sustainability; Catharine Street.
Small Project under �10million; Catharine Street.
Team of the Year; Commissioning and Project Delivery.
Highways Partnership; Adept Live Labs 2, Liverpool Live Labs (in partnership with Colas)
Liverpool City Council Highways Investment Program (in partnership with Huyton Asphalt)

The awards will be announced in London on:- Tuesday, 23 September 2025.

You can learn more about the nominations at Highways Awards 2025.

Councillor Dan Barrington, Cabinet Member for Transport and Connectivity, said:- "Emma's nomination is a proud moment for Liverpool City Council and a reflection of the talent and dedication we're nurturing within our Transport and Highways team. Her journey into project management is inspiring, and her commitment to learning and public service embodies the values we stand for. We're also thrilled to see the department recognised across 5 other nominations; it's a testament to the hard work, innovation, and collaboration that's driving real improvements across our City's infrastructure."

Graham Martin, Head of Service, said:- "Emma's shortlisting for Apprentice of the Year is a moment of pride for our entire team. Emma has shown that blending scientific rigour with creative problem solving can drive real progress in our City. Our apprenticeship programme exists to nurture talent like Emma's. By pairing structured learning with hands on experience and dedicated mentorship, we're not only building skilled professionals but also empowering future leaders of Liverpool's transport network. Emma's success is proof that investment in people delivers powerful results for our communities."

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News reports located on this page = 2.

Southport New Comedian of the Year 2025 competition sponsored by Dragon Soop returns to the Southport Comedy Festival

Council Project Manager shortlisted for Apprentice of the Year