A big top has been erected in Edgmond this week, ahead of a star-studded comedy gala on Sunday.
Funnyman Jimmy Carr will be the star attraction at Harper Adams University College’s inaugural Comedy in the Country alongside Jack Whitehall, Russell Kane, Rufus Hound, Carl Donnelly and Keith Farnan.
Lord and Lady Stafford have been confirmed as attending, and there has been huge support from celebrity VIPs will be in audience, including DJs Sara Cox and Annie Nightingale, Libertines drummer Gary Powell and Babyshambles drummer Adam Ficek.
Students’ Union president Peter Dodd said everything was going to plan so far and he could not wait for Sunday.
Mr Dodd, 23, said: “We are over the moon and really can’t believe we’ve managed to pull this off.
“It’s taken a great deal of hard work, but it promises to be one of the biggest comedy events of its type in the country this year.
“The acts have been extremely supportive and I think it has helped that they know the money is going to very worthy causes. Out of the several thousand tickets put on sale we still have some remaining at both the front and back of the tent. They cost £40 to £45 and all proceeds will go towards the NSPCC, Severn Hospice, Self Help Africa, Help for Heroes and Face charities.”
There will be a bar, and Fordhall Farm from Market Drayton will provide a hog roast.
Doors for the event open at 4pm with parking available from 3pm. The first act will appear on stage at 5.30pm with each comedian performing a half-hour set.
For information on the event or for tickets call 01952 815152. Or visit www.haucsu.com/comedyinthecountry
STOP PRESS: On sale from today are 500 tickets at the back of the arena at the reduced price of £20. All tickets can be collected on the day.