Colin Manford is following in the footsteps of famous elder brother Jason in the world of comedy and entertainment, and will be the MC at the University of Salford’s Believe digital showcase at its new MediaCityUK learning and teaching facility, introducing a stunning programme of events which will be open to the general public.

Both Jason and Colin took an HND in Performance and Media Practice at the University and Colin is still heavily involved in life at Salford, hosting the fortnightly comedy night at the Student Union’s Bar Yours which he originally set up while studying.

“I’m really looking forward to hosting the Believe event at the University’s fantastic new building at MediaCityUK,” said Colin. “I’ve seen all the facilities there and have been helping out students on the Media Production course by doing some presenting on their projects in the on-site TV studios, which are brilliant.

“Believe is a great opportunity for the local community to come along and see what the University’s MediaCityUK building is all about and enjoy some amazing digital entertainment experiences.”

Growing up in Whalley Range, Colin grew up in a family where the entertainment industry was a part of everyday life, with his mother’s side of the family in particular involved in bands and tribute acts.

“It was only during my first year at Salford that I decided I wanted to make a career in comedy and the media,” said Colin. “I’ve seen how hard Jason has grafted over the last 15 years to get where he is, so I know it’s not going to be easy.”

In fact, his first experience of stand-up, at Manchester Comedy Store’s infamous King Gong open mic night back in 2007, could not have been much tougher. “It was a terrible experience,” he admitted. “The audience were incredibly hard on me and I nearly gave up on comedy there and then, but it has actually been a blessing in disguise as I know it can’t get any worse than that!”

Colin went on to win Beat the Frog at Manchester’s Frog and Bucket the next week and he has been steadily building his career since. Originally performing under the stage name of Colin Charles, to prove that he didn’t need to trade on his brother’s name to progress in the industry, he’s been taking the stage as Colin Manford since his Edinburgh Fringe show in 2009.

He’s now looking to take the next step in his career and go full-time with stand-up and scriptwriting in the New Year. “Jason has been very encouraging,” he said. “He’s seen me perform a few times and has given me some good feedback. I’ve seen the hard work he’s put in but also the benefits his hard work has produced. We’re at opposite ends of the comedy ladder at the moment but I’m determined to make my way up that ladder and keep developing my career.”

Colin’s next appearance will be at the University’s Believe event, a celebration of the latest in digital entertainment and creativity brought to life at MediaCityUK. The day will feature an interactive re-imagining of LS Lowry’s Piccadilly Gardens painting, entitled Lowry to Life; the chance for guests to virtually star in an adventure with BBC’s Dinosaur Planet and then download the clip to keep; digital video games on iPad-like touchscreen tables; and an eye-opening range of 3D film and sound experiences, plus a programme of workshops on animation, special effects, film production and writing.

Supported by CityCo, Manchester's city centre management company, and BBC Radio Manchester, Believe is free of charge and is open from 10.30am-5.30pm on Saturday 12 November at the University of Salford, MediaCityUK, Salford, M50 2HE.

Thanks to Salford City Council, Metrolink, Transport for Greater Manchester and CityCo, free return travel will be available on Metrolink from Piccadilly Gardens and Eccles to the event at MediaCityUK. The Salford QuaysLink bus service from Salford Crescent rail station to MediaCityUK via Salford Shopping City will also be free of charge for Believe visitors. For details on how to claim the free travel offer, and for more information on the event, go to www.salford.ac.uk/believe. A promotional Believe video can be viewed at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U3j1B7sJAQg.