ORGANISERS of the Somerset Comedy Festival have urged the public to "please step forward and support the shows that are still on".

The festival was forced to cancel several shows due to "poor ticket sales", but organisers have asked that people come along to the remaining shows to "make a success" of them.

Trish Caller, an organiser of the Somerset Comedy Festival, said: "If we are to continue with the shows that remain, we would urge people to support them so that all our hard work isn’t for nothing.

"It will also give confidence that we must try again next year."

Visit the festival's website for full details on shows going ahead.Visit the festival's website for full details on shows going ahead. (Image: Somerset Comedy Festival)

The festival was launched with 40 shows at venues across Somerset throughout July, however some have since been cancelled.

Trish added: “We have learned important lessons from this year, and I am determined to try again next year.

"The comedy festival has been a dream of mine for so long.  I know we can make a success of this. I know the people of Somerset love comedy.

"There were many things that conspired against us this year. Next year will be different."

Visit the festival's website for details on the shows still going ahead: www.somersetcomedyfestival.co.uk.

The organisers thank the "absolutely brilliant" Distinctive UK for producing and hosting the festival's website.