Dave has announced its new partnership with the Edinburgh Comedy Awards.
The longrunning ceremony – which was established in 1981 – celebrates the best of both established and up-and-coming comedians performing at the city’s Fringe festival each year, and the UKTV channel will be the even’t sponsor for 2019.
Luke Hales, Dave’s channel director, said: "We spend a lot of time talking to our audience about what they want from both comedy and Dave, and one of the most common responses is asking to be introduced to new comics – so partnering with The Edinburgh Comedy Awards feels like the perfect way to help us discover even more new talent.
"We want to make sure Dave is immersed in fresh comedy in the real world, as well as on television.
"We love the Edinburgh Fringe Festival here at Dave, and this year, wanted to build on our involvement alongside Dave’s Joke of the Fringe – we’re extremely excited to help support the Edinburgh Comedy Awards, who share our passion and commitment for supporting both new and established comedy stars."
Part of the partnership includes a new trophy designed by UKTV Creative, and there are over 750 different comedy shows eligible for the shortlist, all of which will be seen by the judging team.
Nica Burns, Director of the Edinburgh Comedy Awards, added: "We are delighted to announce that our new title partner is UKTV comedy channel Dave.
"There is an incredible synergy between us; we both love comedy and are always looking for up and coming talent – the stars of tomorrow – to sit alongside the stars of today.
"Many of our nominees, from James Acaster, to Nish Kumar, Sara Pascoe, Romesh Ranganthan and Lucy Beaumont are stars or panelists on Dave’s original comedy strands.
"We are looking forward to a great partnership and announcing our first Dave’s Edinburgh Comedy Award nominees and winners."
The nominations will be revealed on August 21, with a cash prize for each category.
The panel and newcomer prizes are each worth £5,000, while the winner of Best Comedy Show will pocket £10,000.
Dave pairs up with Edinburgh Comedy Awards
