The five-day event will showcase a host of local comedians as well as performers from across Australia.

Festival committee member and Bendigo comic Ashley Greblo said the great reception at last year's debut was a surprise for organisers.

"Every big show was sold out, which was a massive surprise," he said. "But we found out that's how Bendigo works, everyone buys tickets at the last minute."

For organisers, the reputation at their ability to host a festival has filtered back to Melbourne comics.

"That definitely helps, we need Melbourne comics to help us get names," Greblo said. "Nick Capper and others that did this last year told people how good it was.

"Regardless of what we want to do, the festival is going to grow anyway. People can already see we have got bigger acts, so it's grown in that regard. But if Bendigo keeps getting on board we could go to bigger rooms for a longer duration.

"We already two days longer this year and have added a gala on Wednesday night."

Comedians Nazeem Hussain, Dave Thornton, Nick Capper, Sonia Di Ioria, Ben Lomas, Kirsty Webeck and Danielle Walker will visit Bendigo for the festival.

"We thought last year was a big event and that this year would be in line with that but this is bigger.

"We have two extra days but the calibre of the acts is pretty crazy. Dave Thornton and Nazeem Hussain are on telly almost every night. I wouldn't want to be a punter, you are spolied for choice."

On a local front, Jim Hallawell, Cody Jones, Poppa, Cath Styles and Ash Greblo will perform.

RELATED: Are you ready to laugh? Bendigo Comedy Festival prepares to debut

Running across five days from October 9 to 13, the Shamrock Hotel will host three nights of performances while the Cambrian Hotel has been added as a venue for the second year.

An event with a family focus will feature at Bendigo Library when Ben Russell hosts an improvised adventure on October 12 at 2pm.

Ticket prices vary from free to $20. Visit www.bendigocomedy.com.au for tickets or to see the full program.

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