THE waiting rooms at Colchester’s former bus station will start a new life tonight as a venue for the first Colchester Comedy Festival.

Funnymen will appear on stage in the first heat of the Colchester New Comedian of the Year competition.

It will host further heats, comedy workshops, a themed Blues Brother party and more in the next two weeks.

Andy Winmill, one of the festival organisers, said: “There are nationally and internationally renowned shows happening but this is something for local people to get involved in.”

The Creative Co-op and Colchester Institute’s school of art are finalising talks with Colchester Council to secure a year-long lease at the building before the area is redeveloped.

A premises licence has been secured for up to 100 people, and a cafe will be created there.

Once the festival is over, the waiting rooms will be refurbished further and creative events organised.

The Gazette is the media partner of the Colchester Comedy Festival.
For more information visit colchestercomedyfestival.co.uk.