Festival survives ash cloud

2010 NZ International Comedy Festival organisers have announced today that only one show is being cancelled due to international travel disruptions.

Festival Director Kylie Aitchison said the programme will go ahead as originally planned. NZ Comedian Benjamin Crellin, who lives in the UK, is the only act to be cancelled with all other international comedians due to arrive tomorrow in time for the gala opening event.

Most of Europe's skies have been re-opened today, after the airspace was closed for nearly a week because of the volcanic ash from Iceland.

Earlier in the week Aitchison said the impact from airport closures on the festival was manageable as most of the international’s were on the festival circuit. Many are flying in from Australia, after finishing gigs at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival.

The NZ International Comedy Festival opens this weekend and features 250 local and international performers.

See more stories and events from the 2010 festival on The Big Idea here.