The man known as the Canadian version of Billy Connolly will headline the launch of this year's Aberdeen Comedy Festival.

Craig Campbell, described as the "Canadian Connolly", will perform at the launch of the 11-day festival at the Lemon Tree in partnership with Aberdeen Performing Arts (APA).

Scottish comedian Fred MacAulay, who performed at the festival last year, will make a return alongside others, including Justin Moorhouse, Gary Delaney and Shazia Mirza.

A host of other stand-up comedians will also be returning to the Granite City for the event's second year.

Launched by Aberdeen Inspired in 2016, this year's festival will run from Thursday, October 5, to Sunday, October 15.

The festival has been organised with programming partner Breakneck Comedy and will feature national and international comedians performing at more than 20 venues throughout the city centre.

Sponsored by McGinty's Meal An' Ale, the festival will comprise around 50 events, including five free stand-up shows, comedy workshops for children and adults, kids shows, local talent showcases and comedy films screened at the Belmont Filmhouse.

Adrian Watson, chief executive of Aberdeen Inspired, said: "We're delighted to launch the second Aberdeen Comedy Festival following its tremendous success last year.

"As well as Aberdonians, we welcomed people from the wider north-east area and beyond, and a group even travelled from Norway to see their favourite comedians perform on stage.

"The full line-up will be announced soon."

Alan Aitken, Operations Director of McGinty's, added: "As a local business, it's great to welcome cultural events like the Comedy Festival to our city and following the success of last year, we're really delighted to support the event again."

More than 3,100 tickets were sold during the festival in 2016, as well as over 1,500 tickets from APA and Beach Ballroom promoted events.

Aberdeen Performing Arts' director of programming and creative projects, Ben Torrie, said: "We are very excited to be supporting the Comedy Festival and we are looking forward to kicking things off with the gala launch night here at The Lemon Tree."