Thousands of people descended on Machynlleth during the Bank Holiday weekend to attend the town’s annual comedy festival.

Hundreds of comedians took to the stage in Machynlleth between Friday, April 28 and Sunday, April 30, as part of what has become a major feature in the UK’s arts and comedy calendar.

An estimated 8,000 people visited the festival to see some of the biggest names in British comedy, works in progress and several acts making their debut at the acclaimed comedy festival, the highest number of pre-sold tickets since the festival began in 2010.

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Machynlleth Cllr Mike Williams said: “I think it’s been a magnificent success, absolutely tremendous.

“I’ve heard nothing but good feedback from businesses and people.

“It’s great to see the town so vibrant, with plenty of people out and about taking in the atmosphere.

“The atmosphere I experienced was tremendous, which is important for the economy but also for people’s wellbeing to be able to hold wonderful events like this.

“All I can say is long may it continue.”

The likes of James Acaster, Nish Kumar, Lou Sanders and Nick Mohammed were some of the bigger names to perform stand up sets at the festival, while plenty of newer names made waves with their performances.

In addition to the ticketed comedy shows there were free comedy shows in the town's woodland areas, as well as live music.

Speaking to BBC Radio 4x, Welsh comedian Kiri Pritchard-McLean said: “I’m so glad there’s a festival somewhere like this because people come from all over the country and it’s a nice way to see how beautiful Wales is.

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“I wasn’t here on the ground floor when Josh Widdecombe was working the door and James Acaster was stamping hands, I think I started coming in 2014.

“I was performing to less than 20 people in Swansea and was invited to perform at Machynlleth by Henry Widdecombe, the festival organiser, the first time I’d veer been asked to perform comedy as a solo act.

“There’s no better place to try out new material than Machynlleth, the team behind it have managed to attract audiences that prefer to see something in the works rather than a shiny and polished performance.

“You’ve got a supportive audience and a relaxed atmosphere. It’s absolute magic.”

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