AN EXTRAVAGANZA of comedy is being held at the Hollybush in Cradley Heath this weekend.

Comedians from across the country are descending on Cradley Heath for the festival which runs from Thursday until Sunday.

The festival has been organised by Black Country comedy stalwart Dave Francis.

He said: "We have got over 50 acts coming to the Holly Bush for the festival and it is all totally free.

"We have got a mixture of new acts, semi-pro acts and full circuit comedians who have been on television.

"All the Hollybush favourites will be on stage as well and Sunday should be really special with Demitris Deech, Ian Hall, Karen Bayley and lots more."

As well as comedy inside the pub there will be an outdoor stage with performances on as well

Tonight (Thursday) the regular open mic night with Rupert Knutt kicks off the festival with Ben Briggs, Jonny Cole and Lou Chawner all set to split sides.

On Friday Lovdev Barpaga, Steve Valentinos, Mickey Sharma, Matt Richards will be providing the gags and the night will culminate in a giant "joke off" on the outdoor stage.

On Saturday the garden stage will have acts performing from 2pm until 10pm including Stephen Dodd, Kate Wescott, Al Rudge, Lozzie Lee and Jo D'Arcy amongst many more.

Sunday will see both stages packed with comedians from all over the country from 2pm until 10pm including Ryan Gough, Kate Smurthwaite and Will Mars.

Cradley Heath and Old Hill Councillor John Tipper is back the event.

He said: "We are lucky to have this comedy festival in Cradley Heath and hopefully plenty of people will come down and enjoy the talent which is on show."

For more information about the comedy festival visit the Hollybush Cradley Heath Facebook page.