Cat Laughs Comedy Festival coming to Derry's Millennium Forum

Following the success of this year’s events, The Cat Laughs Comedy Festival, Ireland's longest-running and best-loved comedy event, is back in Derry's Millennium Forum in September 2026 with over top 30 comedians performing.

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 the city.

The Derry festival features a heavily stacked lineup of local heroes and international circuit heavyweights:

Friday, September 25 - Andrew Ryan, Colin Geddis, Chris Kent, Mike Rice, Emer Maguire, Susie McCabe, Finlay Christie, Dan Tiernan

Saturday, September 26 - Andrew Ryan, Mike Rice, Colin Murphy, Paddy Raff, Diona Doherty, Dane Buckley, Ali Woods

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.

For ticket information, visit www.thecatlaughs.com or milleniumforum.co.uk.