Alongside the good vibes, music and beer, the GABF will also be bringing the laughs to Johnstone Park this January.
The countdown is on until one of our favourite summer events, with the Great Australian Beer Festival set to return to Geelong in 2023 over two days in January.
Taking place on Friday, January 20 from 4pm to 10pm and Saturday, January 21 from 12pm to 7pm, the festival has now announced a stellar lineup of Australia’s best and brightest comedians to perform on the Brick Lane comedy stage on Friday 20th January for the first time ever.
Hosted by Stewart Bell, Geelong will be treated to a belly full of laughs from Tom Ballard, Nick Cody, Alex Ward and Kirsty Webeck.
Stay up to date with what’s happening in and around the region here.
Great Australian Beer Festival announces return to Geelong in 2023 with one massive change
Leading the comedy lineup is Tom Ballard, an award-winning stand up comedian/actor/writer/broadcaster/person who always tries his best. He’s one of Australia’s hottest comic talents, he’s performed and won acclaim all around the world and he’s very pleased to meet you. Nominee and winner of multiple local and international awards you have most probably seen or heard Tom across the multiple platforms he excels at!
The host for the comedy stage in 2023 will be Stewart Bell. Daryl Braithwaite’s biggest fan, shit at growing facial hair, ‘wanker’ – Stewart Bell has been described as all these things. All are true. He’s also the host of Fresh Comedy and BeerFest Australia comedy gigs across the country, a regular on the Tasmanian comedy scene, and has supported some of the biggest names in Australian comedy. He has two full-length solo shows (2014 & 2016) under his belt, performed to sold out crowds. In his spare time he enjoys playing with his pet Komodo Dragon, Neil Diamond and making up entirely fabricated facts to end his bio with.
Nick Cody also joins the comedy lineup. Nick Cody’s style of easy going comedy sees him consistently selling out shows and over-achieving his way around the globe, all the while becoming a regular fixture on TV and radio at home in Australia. Whether you see him perform live, catch his big head on TV or tune in to one the many radio shows or podcasts he is a part of, a night with Cody is a night with a mate – get on board
As a QLD’er living in Melbourne, Alex Ward is always cold, which makes the warmth she brings to the stage all the more impressive. With personal, engaging and punch-line heavy comedy, Alex is one of Australia’s fastest rising up-and-comers. Alex has appeared on Have You Been Paying Attention?, Melbourne International Comedy Festival Gala, Upfront, ABC Comedy’s Up-late, Audible’s 2019 live stand-up series, Tonightly with Tom Ballard, Triple J’s Good Az Friday, and performed at Splendour In The Grass.
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Last but not least, Kirsty Webeck rounds out the comedy lineup for 2023. Kirsty wins fans and hearts everywhere she goes with her upbeat and relatable brand of comedy that is often described as playful, light-hearted and fun. A gifted storyteller, she has a natural ability for turning the mundane into the hilarious and has quickly become one of the most popular Australian comedians in the industry. Her 2022 television appearances have included SBS’ Celebrity Letters and Numbers, The ABC’s Question Everything, Just For Laughs on Channel 10 and The Project. She also hosted Women’s Agenda’s annual Women in Leadership Awards.
Alongside the comedy, patrons will have the opportunity to indulge in well over 200 of the finest hand-crafted beers, ciders, cocktails and wines; perfectly complemented by the very best in local gourmet street food, all while blissing out to some of the best live music. So far artists locked in to perform include Jolyon Petch, Ash Grunwald and Telenova with more still to be announced.
GABF Geelong will take place Friday 20th January 4pm-10m & Saturday 21st January 12pm – 7pm at Johnstone Park, Geelong CBD. Limited tickets available for purchase online here.
