IT WAS no laughing matter when visitors to Comedy Central Live! in Southampton missed some of the best gags.

Now the people behind the three-day joke fest are handing out refunds after fans took to social media to complain about the way the event was organised.

About 10,000 people flocked to the event in Hoglands Park last weekend.

Headliners included Jimmy Carr, Russell Howard, Britain’s Got Talent winner Lost Voice Guy, and Lee Nelson, but those attending were upset at ticketing problems.

Some fans say they were forced to wait in the rain for tickets while others said they missed seeing Russell Howard, pictured.

Steve Mills wrote: “At comedy shambles live in Southampton. Strangest/worst thing I have been to.”

Another disappointed customer, Matthew Corkhill, said: “I was really disappointed by the set up - we just got to wander around and look at queues.

Daily Echo:

“If I’d seen any of the comedy, I don’t think I would have complained.”

In a statement the organisers said: “There was some disappointment with access to one of the acts on Saturday. To manage excess demand to see Russell Howard we commenced the ticket process slightly earlier than anticipated.

“We did this to ensure the health and safety of ticket holders.

“Russell Howard’s performance was live streamed to big screens for the benefit of those who were not able to watch in person and alternative performances were available on different stages.”

A BID spokesperson said the “overwhelming feedback” from the event was “incredible”.

They added: “A small portion of standard access ticket holders were not able to get seats within the main stage on Saturday.

“These tickets were clearly advertised as first come, first served, however we appreciate the disappointment of those who weren’t able to get in.

“Organisers will use feedback to shape future events.”