Blackburn' s Tez Ilyas is to headline at a North West festival as part of its three-day comedy event.

Tez joins a star-studded line-up including Scouse comedian and Hot Water Comedy Club’s Paul Smith, Xtra Factor’s Matt Richardson, and Phoenix Nights’ Justin Moorhouse at Deva Fest.

Returning for its third year, with a new backdrop at Cholmondeley Castle in Cheshire, the festival is host music from Will Young, Fleur East, Morcheeba, Starsailor, 5ive, and Feeder. 

A total of 10 acts have already been announced for the Deva Laughs comedy tent with performances each evening between the hours of 6pm and 9pm.

Danny McLoughin, will be the host on each day, introducing the acts and performing ‘bits’ in between.

The Friday line up will see Justin Moorhouse, Matt Richardson, and comedian and actress Hayley Ellis take the stage.

On the Saturday it’s Paul Smith, Brennan Reece, and rising star Scott Bennett.

The final acts on the Sunday are Tez Ilyas, North West Comedian of the Year 2023 winner Nina Gilligan, and podcast host Allyson June Smith.

Founder of Deva Fest, Philip Marston, said: “We’re thrilled to finally reveal our comedy stage line up and it really is a doozy!

"We wanted to make sure we had a mix of comedians, some with more tongue-and-cheek content, and some who can keep things a bit PG – after all, we are a family-friendly festival.

“It’s great to have Danny McLoughlin back to host our Deva Laughs Comedy stage, his sharp wit and material is second to none and we couldn’t have hoped for a better MC. 

"We’re also delighted we’ve managed to nab Scouse funny man, Paul Smith, and multi-award winning stand-up, Matt Richardson (to name drop a few), and it’s all a nod to how we’re upping the game at this year’s event.

“We can’t wait to welcome everyone to our Deva Laughs Comedy stage, the line-up is set to be funnier than ever before.

"Also, since its rise in popularity, we will be hosting the comedy in a much larger marquee for 2023 to accommodate more guests so it’ll be an event not to miss.”

The content of each act will vary from PG to explicit. The festival says it prides itself on being family-friendly, so provisions have been put in place so attendees are aware of what they can expect from each comedian.

There will be signage outside the comedy tent to advise on the suitability for children and the MC will announce before the start of each act, giving the audience time to leave if needed.

Entrance to the comedy club is included in the ticket price and performances will take place every night between 6pm to 9pm. Each act will perform for 15 to 20 minutes.

Ticket holders will be able to access shuttle buses from nearby cities running all weekend, as well as return weekend coach transfers from Manchester, Liverpool, Warrington, Wallasey and Crewe, in partnership with Tuned in Travel.

Free on-site parking is offered all weekend for those travelling to the venue by car. 

Deva Fest will run from August 11 to 13, and day tickets are on sale with the option to purchase weekend camping and glamping tickets.