Comedy gala to crown winner of Sir Billy Connolly Spirit of Glasgow Award

A host of comedians, including Connor Burns, Fred MacAulay and Karen Dunbar, will take to the stage at the King’s Theatre for the Glasgow International Comedy Festival Gala on Sunday.

More than 600 shows have taken place during this month’s festival, with one act set to be crowned the winner of the Sir Billy Connolly Spirit of Glasgow Award.

Among the finalists are comedians Kim Blythe and Amanda Dwyer.

“I was delighted I made the longlist and finding out I had made the shortlist, I was genuinely shocked, pure chuffed,” Amanda told STV News.

“Billy Connolly’s stand-up dates were on in my house constantly – my dad absolutely loved him, so to be recognised in that way is just crazy.”

Kim joked: “I was also shocked when Amanda was on it! Seriously though, I felt the same about being shortlisted, just couldn’t believe I was on it for the second year in a row.

“It just shows you that if you are desperate enough and keep trying, you’ll get there.”

Also on the shortlist is Chris Conway, who has helped support many comedians through his comedy club at Blackfriars.

He said: “When I got the email saying I was on the shortlist, I was probably in a bit of shock because it’s a comedy award basis but the festival always say it’s more to do with the people behind the scenes as well.

“But you never really expect it.”

And he hopes the bar’s previous encounter with Billy Connolly will not hinder his chances.

“He famously offered his services for a gig in Blackfriars, like in the 90s, and the bar staff said no. Hopefully that doesn’t go against me.”

Last year’s winner Rosco McClelland said the recognition from the Big Yin can be surreal.

“I went to Fuerteventura the day after winning the award and I spent the first three days of my holiday just watching the Instagram clip of Billy going the ‘Slug Nudger’ and thinking ‘that’s me’.

“It was genuinely such a surprise winning the award. A lot of people don’t know this but when you win the Sir Billy Connolly Spirit of Glasgow Award, you’re allowed to drive in bus lanes so I’m sad that I’m about to lose that power.”