Established in 2016, Shrewsbury International Comedy Festival is the brainchild of Kevin Bland and Beth McGowan. Kevin is a former stand-up comedian who has promoted comedy in Shropshire and beyond for over a decade. Beth holds over 20 years’ experience in sound production and event management. Neville Street, who was appointed as the third partner in 2022, brings over two decades of arts-based public relations experience to the team. Kevin finally retired in 2023. The festival aims to promote up and coming comedians as well as present well-established artists to compere the Gala Show, which have previously included Greg Davies, Russell Kane, Lee Nelson and Dan Nightingale.