The State Government has increased support for the event this year, enabling comedy events to be held in regional Victoria and the addition of new venues to reach a greater audience.
Sport, Tourism and Major Events Minister Martin Pakula said the festival goes beyond helping people laugh and have a great time, as it also delivers many benefits to commercial outlets and assists in supporting jobs. He added:
“We’re investing in expanding the festival to fill more venues across Melbourne and regional Victoria.”
Broadmeadows is among many suburbs in outer Melbourne to be included this year, along with Preston, Moorabbin, Footscray, Werribee, Narre Warren and Thornbury. Among the extra venues are Melbourne's Victoria Hotel, Greek Centre, Chinese Museum, Trades Hall and RMIT Capitol Theatre.
Outta Town comedy festival events will tour Wodonga, Wangaratta, Bendigo, Portland Hamilton, Ballarat, Warrnambool, Swan Hill, Mildura and Geelong. Family-friendly free outdoor shows will also be held at The Very Big Laugh Out in Melbourne's Federation Square and across the CBD.
Performers in the festival often include well-known artists who have been featured in poster printing campaigns promoting shows and venues around Australia.
The official opening of the Comedy Festival will take place on 30 March, followed by the roll out of hundreds of performances until 24 April.