THE wait is almost over and the 2022 Machynlleth Comedy Festival is set to make its return this weekend.

From Friday, April 29 to Sunday, May 1 the town will play host to some of the top names in comedy and stand-up.

The festival has earned some top reviews in recent years.

The Independent said "A small but perfectly formed antidote to some of the more sprawling comedy festivals" while The Guardian described it as "A welcome break from the norm. It boasts the kind of top quality lineup that's beyond many of its rivals."

Meanwhile Welsh comedian Rhod Gilbert has described the event as "One of the best festivals in the world."

Among the co-founders is Henry Widdicombe who will be performing this weekend.

The festival is made up of hundreds of shows.

Shows sell out so if there’s a show you really want to see then it is best to buy tickets in advance via the website.

If you’d rather take your pick on the weekend, there is a festival box office at the Owain Glyndwr Centre selling tickets to all remaining shows.

Many of the ticketed shows have an age limit so it is worth checking before buying tickets for anyone under 18. There are dedicated family shows, including performances for young children.

Also on the bill is Nish Kumar. Flo and Joan, Stuart Goldsmith, Isy Suttie, Abigoliah Schamaun, Ania Magliano, Pierre Novellie, Tessa Coates, Kat Bond, Jen Ives, Phil Ellis, Steffan Alun, Leo Reich, Johnny White, Ivo Graham, Leila Navabi, Catherine Bohart, Frank Foucaltm Sara Barron and many more.

A spokesman said: "When we first talked about starting Machynlleth Comedy Festival, above of all we wanted to create somewhere where people came to have fun, and get away from it all, whether this be the attendees, the comedians or the festival team.

"It was all about taking a different approach with an aim of creating a spirit of experimentation and intimacy.

"We’re passionate about the thrill of seeing live comedy in intimate places, and the glorious, picturesque and enchanting town of Machynlleth gave us a wealth of interesting and unique performance spaces in which to do this.

"Most of all we want people to laugh, have a great time and find a warm welcome in the heart of Wales."