Louth comedy festival success
THE First ever Laugh Out Louth comedy festival was a huge success and plans are now in the offing to make it an annual event, it has been revealed.
The festival has raised approximately €4,000 for the Samaritans and has achieved its original goal to raise awareness about male mental health.
The town of Drogheda and the county as a whole came out in force so show their support for the festival and there were plenty of belly laughs along the way.
The festival kicked off in McPhails on the Friday night and the fantastic atmosphere set the tone for the whole festival.
‘ The crowds support and reaction was amazing at every show!,’ said Bairbre Kelly, one of the organisers of the event.
‘ The family friendly event on Saturday afternoon was so much fun for everyone involved. Saturday night in McPhails was packed again with people determined to have a great time and the comedians didn’t disappoint.’
This was followed on Sunday afternoon with a mental health talk in the d Hotel and while the event touched on some serious issues, the atmosphere was relaxed and the amazing panel of speakers generated a great discussion around looking after your mental health.
The festival concluded wiht the sold out finale in The Droichead Arts Centre with a stellar line up of Deirdre O’Kane, Eleanor Tiernan, Eric Lawlor, Joe Rooney and Laugh Out Louth’s very own Michéal Kiernan as MC.
‘ This was the first year to run the comedy festival, we are being inundated with such positive feedback that this will definitely be an annual event,’ said Bairbre. ‘We couldn’t have achieved such a successful endeavour if it hadn’t been for the generosity of all the comedians who traveled to and performed at the events for free as well as the great support from local businesses and all those who came to the shows.’
The weekend festival has raised about €4000 so far for The Samaritans which the organisers are thrilled about. Plans are already in the pipeline for next year’s Laugh out Louth comedy festival which promises to be even bigger and better.