Glasgow is the funniest city in the world. Sir Billy Connolly said so, and for the next eleven days, the 23rd Glasgow International Comedy Festival is doing everything it can to prove him right.

The festival — one of Europe's largest celebrations of live comedy — kicked off on 11 March and runs until the 29th, with 560 shows across 40 venues. Over 100,000 tickets went on sale for this year's edition, and while some shows have already sold out, there's still a huge amount to see in the second half. Here's our pick of the best.

The Big Tickets

Daniel Sloss: Bitter is the headline act many will be racing for. Scotland's biggest comedy export brings his 13th solo show to the SEC Armadillo on Saturday 28 March at 8:30pm. Having toured 55 countries and sold out nine off-Broadway seasons in New York, Sloss remains one of the top-selling stand-ups on the planet. Grab tickets quickly — this one will go.

Harry Enfield and No Chums lands at the King's Theatre on Wednesday 25 March at 7:30pm. The legendary satirist reflects on 40 years of comedy, bringing beloved characters like Loadsamoney and Kevin the Teenager back to life, followed by an audience Q&A. A one-night-only event.

Alan Davies: Think Ahead closes the festival in style at the King's Theatre on Sunday 29 March at 7:30pm. It's Davies' first Glasgow gig in over a decade, and he's clearly excited — "I love the Film Theatre, a Play, a Pie and a Pint and the Clockwork Orange," he said. "I'm very much looking forward to it."

Jeff Dunham: Artificial Intelligence brings the world-famous American ventriloquist and his cast of puppet characters to the OVO Hydro on Wednesday 25 March (doors 6:30pm) — easily the biggest venue on the festival map.

Homegrown Heroes

Karen Dunbar: The Glesga Special at the newly revamped Citizens Theatre on Wednesday 25 March at 7:30pm is a real event. One of Scotland's best-loved comedy actors — from Chewin' the Fat to opening the 2014 Commonwealth Games — Dunbar returns to the Glasgow theatre stage for the first time in years. "The combination of the new Citz and the festival was too hard to resist," she said.

Des Clarke: Life After Des also takes to the Citizens Theatre stage on Thursday 26 March at 7:30pm. After more than ten years away from touring, Clarke returns with a sharp, heartfelt show about hitting reset — breakdowns, breakthroughs, and the strange joy of starting again.

Both Karen Dunbar and Des Clarke also appear at the GICF Comedy Gala on the festival's closing day (more on that below).

Don't Miss

Bridget Christie: Jacket Potato Pizza — one of the UK's sharpest stand-ups brings her brilliantly titled new show to the Theatre Royal Glasgow. Christie is a must-see for fans of fearless, original comedy.

Jordan Gray — the award-winning musical comedian and creator of ITV's Transaction performs what promises to be one of the festival's most entertaining shows at the Stand Comedy Club.

Maisie Adam: Work In Progress at The Old Hairdresser's on 22 March has already sold out — proof that Glasgow audiences know quality. Fresh off the latest series of Taskmaster, Adam is road-testing new material.

The Grand Finale: GICF Comedy Gala

The festival wraps up on Sunday 29 March at 2:00pm with the annual Comedy Gala at the King's Theatre — a variety showcase featuring the best of the festival. This year's confirmed lineup includes Connor Burns, Karen Dunbar, Fred MacAulay, Mhairi Black, Des Clarke, Stuart Mitchell, Rosco McClelland, Amanda Dwyer, and more. It's also where Sir Billy Connolly's Spirit of Glasgow Award will be presented. If you see one show, make it this one.

On a Budget

You don't need deep pockets to enjoy GICF. With 40 venues ranging from the Hydro down to 50-seat pub rooms, there are shows at every price point. Look out for free and low-cost gigs at venues like Blackfriars Basement, The Stand, Drygate, and The Old Hairdresser's. Multi-act showcase nights like Best of the Fest! and 5 Fifers for a Fiver are brilliant ways to see several comedians for the price of a pint. The festival's Comedy Connects programme also runs free community events throughout.

Beyond the Festival

It's a bumper week for live entertainment in Glasgow generally. Families should look at Horrible Histories: The Concert at the Theatre Royal on 20–21 March, where favourite characters and songs from the BAFTA-winning CBBC series come to life on stage with a full live band. A brilliant pick for kids (and secretly for the adults too).

How to Book

All festival tickets are available at glasgowcomedyfestival.com. For Horrible Histories, head to ATG Tickets. Don't sit on it — shows are selling fast, and the final week always flies by.

Glasgow has comedy in its DNA. Get out there and enjoy it.