Over the last few years, the Wells Comedy Festival in association with Brothers Cider has brought some big-name stand-ups to England's smallest city - Wells in Somerset. (Yes, it is a city. We checked Wikipedia)

Wells has a lot going for it, comedy-wise. The regular Long Paws Comedy Club has featured line-ups including Tim Minchin, Russell Howard, Greg Davies and Simon Pegg. And, in fact, the city is where Pegg's very own Hot Fuzz was filmed. All those shoot-out scenes in the middle of Sandford? That was Wells Market Square. The church spire that (spoiler alert) killed Adam Buxton? That fell off St Cuthberts in Wells. And the pub full of underage drinkers? That's The Crown which, for legal reasons, we have to state does ask for ID if you look under 25...

2017's Wells Comedy Festival, sponsored by Brothers Cider, takes place the bank holiday weekend of May 26-28, and it features an incredible line-up. Stewart Lee, Milton Jones, Bridget Christie, Sara Pascoe, Joe Lycett, James Acaster and Richard Herring are among the bigger names invading the tiny city.

But there are plenty of hidden gems in the extensive programme. Here are our picks.

Kieran Hodgson: Maestro

The superb character comic received his second Edinburgh Comedy Award nomination for this storytelling saga about his younger self attempting to write a symphony. It's a masterpiece.

Wells Little Theatre, Sunday May 28, 5.30pm

Ben Target: Lions! And Tigers! And Ben Target! Work-in-Progress

The ever-inventive artist-comedian is always worth checking out. He's workshopping his new solo show here for just £6.

Globe Inn, Sunday May 28, 1.30pm

Sam Fletcher: Daftwerk
Joyful, family-friendly silliness. Fletcher's an utter treat and perfect way to kick off the Saturday.

White Hart Hotel, Saturday May 27, 1.30pm

David Earl as Brian Gittins: Work-in-Progress

Earl - star of Derek and Rovers - tests new jokes as his brilliantly oddball, dong-obsessed alter-ego.

White Hart Hotel, Saturday May 27, 9.30pm

Lou Sanders: Work-in-Progress

This offbeat stand-up is getting more and more attention. Go and see what all the fuss is about.

Globe Inn, Sunday May 28, 9.30pm

Rhys James: Work-in-Progress

He's a right laugh on Twitter - he has thousands of followers - but Rhys James is even funnier live on stage.

Globe Inn, Saturday May 27, 7.30pm

Angelos & Barry: The New Power Generation

Podcasting duo Angelos Epithemiou and Barry from Watford's double-act show is full of crude silliness.

Wells Little Theatre, Saturday May 27, 9.30pm

Jordan Brookes: Work-in-Progress

Bleak (in a good way), innovative sort-of stand-up from this rubbery rising star.

Globe Inn, Saturday May 27, 5.30pm

Bec Hill: Work-in-Progress

A brand new show from this relentlessly upbeat Aussie hero.

Globe Inn, Sunday May 28, 3.30pm