BEN ELTON has announced he will be a patron of a new comedy festival honouring Rik Mayall in Droitwich. 

Elton, known as "the undisputed godfather of modern stand-up", takes up the position ahead of The Rik Mayall Comedy Festival which is scheduled to take place next year. 

Elton said: "What we are talking about right now is the Rik Mayall Comedy Festival of which I am proud to be a patron. 

"Very proud indeed in fact. 

"It's going to be in Droitwich Spa from May 31 to June 7 2025.

"It's going to feature established comedians and screenings and plays in Rik's theatre. 

"There will be lots of free comedy, music and more around the town, and a free Rik Mayall museum with lots of memorabilia, photos and costumes.

"I am so proud to be a patron of the Rik Mayall Comedy Festival."

A spokesperson for The Rik Mayall Comedy Festival said organisers were incredibly proud.

They said: "We are incredibly proud to announce that the undisputed godfather of modern stand-up, Ben Elton, has agreed to become patron of The Rik Mayall Comedy Festival.

COMEDY: Ben Elton announces he is patron of the comedy festival celebrating Rik MayallCOMEDY: Ben Elton announces he is patron of the comedy festival celebrating Rik Mayall (Image: PA)

"Ben is also a multi-award-winning novelist, playwright, television writer, screenwriter, lyricist, and director of theatre, film and TV.

"As a close friend and collaborator to Rik Mayall, we couldn't be happier that Ben is endorsing the festival.

"Ben first met Rik at University, going on to create iconic comedy creations together from the Young Ones to Blackadder, and much more in-between."

Rik Mayall was best known for his role in the hit TV show 'The Young Ones' as well as other fondly remembered programmes such as Bottom, The New Statesman and Blackadder.

The comedy star died at the age of 56 in 2014.

He moved to Droitwich when he was three years old with his three siblings and performed in the spa town’s Norbury Theatre in productions written by his drama teacher parents, John and Gillian Mayall.

The Bottom comedian and former King's School Worcester pupil also got his hometown mentioned in the first episode of Blackadder 2nd, titled Bells: “Father: Kate, for the final time, your mother is not dead. She’s run off with your uncle Henry.

“Kate: Dear father, I know you only say such things to comfort me.

“Father: Your mother is alive and well and living in Droitwich.”