Inaugural Cat Laughs Comedy Festival coming to Derry

The Cat Laughs Comedy Festival, Ireland's longest-running and best-loved comedy event, is expanding its reach—bringing together a fantastic lineup of stand-up talent to Derry for the very first time in May 2025!

Founded in 1995, the festival has earned its reputation as the comedians' festival, creating an environment where anything can happen. It stands out as a one-of-a-kind event where top headline acts share the stage with talent from Ireland, the UK, and beyond.

Kilkenny's iconic festival, renowned for its format where headliner comedians perform on the same bill, has partnered with Shine & TSW Management, Northern Ireland’s largest concert and events promoter, to bring the inaugural edition of The Cat Laughs to Derry's Millennium Forum. 

Richard Cook, Founder of The Cat Laughs, says, “I’m very proud of the format pioneered by the Cat Laughs, where carefully selected headliners share the stage and perform for 10-15 minutes each. It provides a unique experience—a fantastic way to explore a range of comedy styles in one night, all while maintaining the high-quality standard that’s become the Cat Laughs trademark. It’s the perfect night out!

"I’m thrilled to be partnering with Shine and TSW Management to bring this festival format to the vibrant comedy scenes in Belfast and Derry"

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Joe Dougan of Shine & TSW Management adds: “Northern Ireland’s comedy scene has seen an incredible rise over the last 5 years - with a huge & growing domestic scene, and substantial attention from A list international comics on tour.

"The Cat Laughs is at the absolute top of the list for all of the NI acts, and I’d view it as an endorsement of the quality of the performers, clubs and writers across the country that they’re bringing the festival to Belfast and Derry in 2025.”.

MC for the 'Nine Lives Derry Gala' will be Andrew Ryan. The lineup of stand-up talent taking to the stage at the Millennium Forum will be Vittorio Angelone, Emma Doran, Shane Todd, David O’Doherty, Rich Hall, Scott Bennett, Deirdre O’Kane and Neil Delamere.

For ticket information for an unforgettable comedy experience in Derry this May, visit www.thecatlaughs.com or millenniumforum.co.uk.