The curtains have fallen on the inaugural Drogheda Comedy Festival, held from March 8th to 10th across nine lively venues, and the resounding echoes of laughter still linger in the air. The festival took place across 9 venues and showcased the town’s vibrant atmosphere and some of the best established and up & coming talent in the country. From uproarious stand-up sets to side-splitting improv, the diverse array of comedic styles kept audiences on the edge of their seats, ensuring there was something for everyone to enjoy.
Over the course of the weekend, the town buzzed with energy as festival-goers hopped from one venue to another, soaking in the laughter and creating lasting memories. From intimate comedy clubs to spacious auditoriums and youth stand-up workshops, each venue contributed to the unique tapestry of the festival, offering a diverse and dynamic experience for attendees.
Organisers were delighted to witness the enthusiastic response from the community, with each venue packed to the brim and audiences thoroughly enjoying the carefully curated line up. The success of the festival was not just in the laughter it generated but in the sense of unity and joy it brought to Drogheda.
Mark Davies, Night Time Economy Adviser for Drogheda said “A heartfelt thanks to the incredible Drogheda Comedy Festival partnership, including Louth County Council, Aviary Talent Agency, Love Drogheda BID, and all the fantastic venues involved. This year was just the beginning, and what a start it was! We owe a huge debt of gratitude to the folks of Drogheda for proving we can pull off a cracking event like this now and in the future. And of course, a massive shout out to our volunteers, many of them local comedians ,who brought their A-game and made it all happen. Excited to see where we'll take it next year”!
The festival, organized by a local businesses, Drogheda’s new Night-time Economy Advisor Mark Davies, Aviary Talent, and sponsored by Louth County Council, Love Drogheda BID and Guinness, was an opportunity to bring a new event into Drogheda’s Evening and Night-time Economy. Plans are already in motion for next year's edition, promising an even bigger and better celebration of comedy in the heart of Drogheda.
Love Drogheda BID co-sponsored the event and were thrilled to see the buzz about town over the weekend as the pubs, bars, restaurants, and venues thronged with festivalgoers: “We were delighted to lend our support to the first Drogheda Comedy Festival. This festival has brought another dimension to the entertainment landscape within the Drogheda ENTE and we would encourage people to continue to support venues across the town who put a huge amount of effort to book top class acts throughout the year. Witnessing the vibrant atmosphere that was created through this initiative illustrates what a positive and supportive community we have in Drogheda” commented BID CEO Trevor Connolly.
Drogheda has recently been awarded the Purple Flag, an international accreditation that recognizes towns and cities with a vibrant and safe Evening and Night-Time Economy and occasions such as the Drogheda Comedy Festival remind people to get out, support local businesses and venues and experience the nightlife that Drogheda has to offer.
For those who missed out on the laughter-filled extravaganza, mark your calendars for the next Drogheda Comedy Festival – an event sure to leave you smiling, chuckling, and eagerly anticipating the comedic brilliance that will once again grace the streets of Drogheda.
Born from a chance encounter with Drogheda businessman Paddy Dwyer and comedian Barry Murphy, this inaugural Drogheda Festival aimed to celebrate inclusiveness and provide a diverse range of shows to the Drogheda community. After the success of this last weekend, there can be no doubt that this event will grow and become a staple in Drogheda’s bustling festival calendar, which welcomes the 60th celebration of St Patrick’s Day parades this coming weekend.
Thank you to Mark Davies-NTE Advisor for Drogheda, Aviary Talent and our sponsors Louth County Council, Love Drogheda BID, Guinness, and supported by Osbourne recruitment, our volunteers, venues, comedians and to the public for showing your support for the Drogheda Comedy Festival. We cannot wait to have a laugh with you all again in 2025!
