AWARD-WINNING comedian and actor Eddie Izzard will return to Hertfordshire in July for Laughs in the Park 2011.

The groundbreaking open-air comedy festival is back bigger and better than last year’s inaugural event, which featured Izzard, Dylan Moran and Reginald D Hunter over three successive nights at Verulamium Park in St Albans.

This summer’s line-up for the same venue includes Izzard once again, along with Ross Noble and Irish stand-up superstar Tommy Tiernan.

The comedy spectacular is being held earlier this year, with the event taking place from Friday, July 22 to Sunday, July 24.

All three comedians will perform each night on the UK’s first purpose built outdoor comedy stage. As well as the stand-up comedy, there will be a full festival style area of food and drink outlets, and each evening will culminate in a spectacular firework display.

Coverage of the whole event will be on BBC TV, radio and online.

Doors open at 4pm, with new talent showcased on the BBC Comedy Presents Stage from 4.30pm.

The main stage show will start at 7pm with the fireworks around 10.30pm.

Tickets for Laughs in the Park start from �20 (plus booking fee) and go on general sale at 10am tomorrow (Friday).

Call the HMV ticket hotline on 0843 221 0977.