24 June 2008
England – it’s a funny old country, so funny in fact that Enjoy England’s latest campaign has been created to help Brits add a dose of humour to their travel plans.
To get the crowd warmed up, Enjoy England has created a campaign website, enjoyengland.com/comedy, packed with video clips of comedy classics and hundreds of comedy themed activities and places to go. There are more than 150 comedy locations, inspiring itineraries to guide you to England’s comedy related destinations, past and present, a downloadable comedy map of England and an up-to-date listing of comedy events guaranteed to put a smile on your face.
If you’re game for a laugh, why not try one of the ever-increasing number of comedy acts at this summer’s music festivals, stay overnight at the Gleneagles Hotel in Torquay of “Fawlty Towers” fame, enjoy a night at a comedy club as part of a city break, or simply enjoy the Yorkshire landscape that has featured in comedy favourites such as the Calendar Girls film...I could go on, but don’t want to rile the hecklers.
A guide to England’s land of laughter:
Northwest Englandboasts not only the statue of one of England’s best loved comedians, Eric Morecambe, but also some of the most bizarre and weird competitions in the UK. Don’t miss the annual World Gurning Championships every September in Cumbria. For top comedy names, visit the new Liverpool Echo Arena which hosts Steve Coogan and the Mighty Boosh Live this October.
The North Eastwas responsible for introducing the world to Viz, the adult comic magazine, back in the late 70’s.Head down to the seafront in Whitley Bay, where scenes from the Fast Show were filmed, starring Paul Whitehouse as the enthusiastic Manchester teenager who thinks everything is 'Brilliant!'.
Yorkshireis home to the longest-running sitcom on TV, Last of the Summer Wine.Many of its scenes were shot on location in the West Yorkshire village of Holmfirth, where fans of the show can book a coach tour of the key locations, as well as grab a bite to eat at ‘Sid’s café’.The region was also the setting for hit comedy films such as The Full Monty, Calendar Girls, Brassed Off and Billy Liar.
The Heart of Englandhas produced some great comedians – none more so than Tony Hancock, who has a statue in Birmingham’s Old Square. With the annual Birmingham Comedy Festival taking place in October, a wealth of talent will be jesting down the Walk of Stars on Broad Street. Only Fools and Horses spin-off, The Green, Green Grass was filmed at Wigmore Abbey in Shropshire and celebrates a fourth series this year.
The East of Englandenjoyed the company of Steve Coogan’s much-loved creation, Alan Partridge – visitors can follow Alan’s footsteps whilst boating on the Norfolk Broads,tasting Colman’s mustard at the Colman’s Mustard Shop inNorwichand visiting the spectacular Blickling Hall, which doubles as U2 Bono’s home in the series.Bressingham in Norfolk recreates Warrington on Seafor the classic Dad’s Army which celebrates its 40th anniversary this year.
South West Englandhasa variety of comedy locations, none more famous than Torquay. Superbreak offers Fawlty Towers Tribute Breaks at the Gleneagles Hotel in Torquay, the original inspiration for the classic comedy. Gain a different perspective of the city of Bath with a comedy-themed tour - ‘Bizarre Bath - The Comedy Walk’.
The East Midlandsboasts the longest running UK comedy festival – in Leicester. It was also the real-life location of Royston Vasey– home to the League of Gentlemen and visitors to the village of Hadfield can pick upleaflets for self-guided walks in the village, so pop into H. Briss and sons butchers for some ‘special sausages’, or have a bite to eat at ‘Burger Me!’
South East England. Boasting such legends as Peter Sellers, the South East has hosted a collection of great English comedies – from classics like The Good Life to good old fashioned slapstick in Carry on Follow That Camel. Vicar of Dibley fans should head to Turville in Buckinghamshireand take a pew at the beautiful St. Mary the Virgin Church, which doubles as St Barnabus of Dibley and dates back to the 10th Century.
Londonhas a world class comedy heritage, from Charlie Chaplin and the Ealing Comedies to David Jason and Paul Merton. Comedy locations include Tooting, the setting for Citizen Smith; Hattie Jacques’ house which is now a small museum, plus some of the best comedy clubs such as The Comedy Store, Jongleurs and Amused Moose.
For further fun, have a laugh at:www.enjoyengland.com/comedy
ENDS
For further press information, to request spokespeople or for high resolution images please contact:
Tess Sullivan / Stephanie Boyle
Enjoy England Press Office
Tel: 020 8563 3351/3378 / Email: tess.sullivan@visitbritain.org / stephanie.boyle@visitbritain.org
Notes to editors:
· VisitBritain is responsible for marketing Britain worldwide and for developing England’s visitor economy. Enjoy England builds the value of tourism in England by working in partnership to develop and promote the destination. For more information, visit www.visitbritain.com/corporate.
· VisitBritain produces a monthly electronic newsletter for UK and Irish media entitled AngloFILE. To register for, or to view previous editions go to www.enjoyengland.com/presscentre
