AL Murray will follow in the comedy footsteps of Jo Brand, Dara O Briain and Jack Dee and headline Grassington Festival’s comedy billing this year.

Fresh from his much-tweeted election defeat, representing the tongue-in-cheek FKUP party in Thanet South, Murray will head north to do what he does best – which is delight crowds with his hilarious no-nonsense brand of deluded self-satisfaction in his new live show, One Man, One Guvnor.

Known as The Pub Landlord, he will perform in the festival marquee on Tuesday, June 22.

Comedic legend Pam Ayres who is celebrating 40 years since her first TV appearance on the talent show Opportunity Knocks, also has a top slot, performing on Thursday, June 25.

Pam is known for her deftly-written poems which fuse clever rhymes with hilarious comic timing.

Festival director Kate Beard said: “Last time Pam performed at the festival, she was an absolute gem. She makes what she does seem so easy, but her ability to spot the absurd in everyday life is an art, which makes her stories and poems just so incredibly funny.”

This year the festival is also hosting its first ever Comedy Club 4 Kids, which is an afternoon of stand-ups and sketch acts for children over the age of six, and their families.

The "club" is designed to give young people a taste of some of the biggest names in comedy in a safe and fun environment.

Other comic artists visiting the festival include the Lancashire Hot Pots, who plan to bring an evening of music, comedy and a bit of the Wild Wild West, and Kit and McConnell, who will share their clever brand of musical satire.

Finally, Ida Barr, the rapping pensioner, will host her own night of melody and mayhem, which will include banter and recitals from Ray Snape, the Dales' own comedic poet.

For more information or to book tickets, visit grassington-festival.org.uk or call the box office on 01756 752691.