MUMBAI: US broadcaster Comedy Central and Twitter have announced the launch of #ComedyFest.

This is a celebration of comedy and comedians to be programmed on Twitter. The five day festival, which runs from 29 April 29 to 3 May, kicks off with comedic icon Mel Brooks setting up a Twitter account at an event at LA‘s Paley Center featuring comedy legend Carl Reiner and moderator Judd Apatow.

The event will be live-streamed in Brooks‘ first tweet, and can also be viewed on CC.com. #ComedyFest will feature an all-star roster of comedic talent including 16 programmed events with more than 50 comedians. The aim of #ComedyFest is to bring the channel‘s audience - closer to comedic talents across genres and generations.

Comedy Central president Michele Ganeless said, "Twitter has become an essential medium for comedy and comedians. #ComedyFest will exist in the twittersphere - creating comedy that lives on social media. It‘s a great extension for our brand; it‘s where our audience lives."

Twitter head of TV Fred Graver said, "Awesome to have @ComedyCentral on-air and on Twitter celebrating comedians and the rise of 140 character comedy. Please RT."

#ComedyFest events will be live on Twitter, and fans can follow at @ComedyCentral and #ComedyFest for up-to-the-minute event coverage. Additional information including festival lineup can be viewed at CC.com, CC Tumblr, and on the CC Facebook page.