OVER 30 OF THE WORLD’S LEADING COMEDIANS COMING TO BELFAST AND DERRY !

THE CAT LAUGHS BELFAST & DERRY,

22nd - 26th MAY 2025 

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 Belfast & Derry for the very first time in May 2025!

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 these two vibrant cities.

Belfast’s reputation as a comedy city has exploded over the last decade, with a new wave of local comedians selling out huge venues, alongside a new and endless stream of international A-list comics visiting the city, and hundreds of thousands of fans attending shows across the city each year. 

In its inaugural year, The Cat Laughs will extend its reach to Belfast, hosting a series of stand-up shows at venues such as Waterfront Hall, Lavery’s, Black Box, Sunflower, Naughton Studios at the Lyric, Limelight, and others, as well as the Millennium Forum in Derry.

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"

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.”.

CAT LAUGHS NINE LIVES GALA 1: Friday 23rd May

Get ready for an unforgettable comedy experience in Belfast & Derry this May! 

MORE INFO ON THE CAT LAUGHS

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.

Over the years, the festival has played a significant role in the early careers of iconic Irish performers such as Dara Ó Briain, Aisling Bea, Graham Norton, Dylan Moran, Maeve Higgins, Ardal O'Hanlon, Joanne McNally, Deirdre O'Kane, David O'Doherty, Des Bishop, and many more.

Notable past performers at the Cat Laughs include Michael McIntyre, Eddie Izzard, Jo Brand, Micky Flanagan, Al Murray, Kevin Bridges, Tommy Tiernan, Katherine Ryan, Romesh Ranganathan, Sarah Millican, Peter Kay, Ross Noble, Bill Bailey, Graham Norton, and Joe Lycett.

The festival has also welcomed international stars like Bill Murray, Zach Galifianakis, Laura Kightlinger, Bill Burr, George Wendt, Ross Noble, Tig Notaro, and Emo Philips.

TICKETS ON SALE FRIDAY AT 10AM VIA TICKETMASTER.IE, WATERFRONT.CO.UK & MILLENNIUMFORUM.CO.UK

For ticket information, visit