Saturday night at the European Skeptics Congress - with Andy Zaltzman, Ria Lina, and the Ockham Awards

We are delighted to announce our evening line-up of entertainment for the European Skeptics Congress 2026 in Liverpool - featuring comedians Andy Zaltzman and Ria Lina, plus the official announcement of The Skeptic magazine’s Ockham Awards.

Andy Zaltzman is a stand-up comedian, broadcaster, cricket statistician and author who has firmly established himself in the vanguard of British comedy with his unique brand of political satire. Andy is the chair of BBC Radio 4’s The News Quiz, hosts global hit satirical podcast The Bugle, and was crowned the series 18 champion of Channel 4’s Taskmaster, also appearing on the Champion of Champions Special in 2025..

Ria Lina is a multi-award-winning comedian, actress, and writer. Ria was born to a Filipino mother and German father and was raised in the UK and the Netherlands. Her TV credits include Live At The Apollo, Have I Got News For You, QI, Mock The Week, and The Last Leg. Ria won Celebrity Mastermind (BBC), with Rosalind Franklin as her specialist subject. Ria also holds a BSc in Experimental Pathology, an MSc in Forensic Science, and a PhD in Virology.

The Ockham Awards. Presented by Michael Marshall, editor of The Skeptic magazine, the Ockham Awards are the ever-popular annual celebration of the very best in skepticism, as well as a chance to shine a light on the worst pseudoscience promoters of the past year with the naming of the 2026 Rusty Razor Award recipient.

Our Saturday night entertainment is free to all in-person ESC ticketholders, and will take place immediately after our evening dinner.

Tickets for the ESC are available at the early bird price for one more week, costing £140, or £120 for members of ECSO organisations. After Monday September 14th, general admission will rise to £160 for the weekend. Online streaming tickets are also available, costing £10.