Haverhill is a market town in Suffolk and, in 2004, it had its 15^th Arts Festival (from June 18^th to Sunday July 4^th).

Organised by Haverhill Town Council they were apparently keeping an eye on clashes with the Euro 2004 football match fixtures, which would have the final on July 4^th.

Topping the bill were:

• Pam Ayres (poet and presenter)
• Alan Price (ex-Animals)
• Sean Hughes
• Jimmy Carr

Friday 25^th was Jimmy’s gig at Haverhill Arts Centre (image here). His show was sold out and “tickets were still available” for the others.

Local press described Jimmy as “one of British comedy’s rising stars” and a “prolific gag merchant”.

“Stirring music” was to be provided by the Band of the Dragoon Guards and the Saturday street festival (10am to 2pm) would include:

• Cyberstein the robot
• Icarus, from Australia, with giant bouncing kangaroos
• Kush, 2 musical maidens on stilts
• Haverhill Harlots Morris Dancers

Saturday (evening) also had folk music, Sunday was ballet and the Last Night of the Promos event, on the 4^th, was due to finish by 4.30pm. They wisely gave up on fighting against the Euros final, that evening.

On June 22^nd Jimmy had been a presenter at the Mojo Awards and called Anthony Kiedis (Red Hot Chili Peppers) his favourite C word. See this post for Jimmy telling the story in a video clip.

Background

Jimmy had started his comedy career in late 1998 (see Tut ‘n’ Shive 1998 and also Pubs & Clubs 1998-2001) and, by 2004, was appearing at a lot of UK festivals (see here).

His tour this year was Public Display of Affection (here).

His TV career had started in 2001 (see here) and, as you can see from the TV page, he already had a LOT of presenting / hosting / panel work on his CV (by 2004).