CALL FOR CARLOW'S FUNNIEST PEOPLE AS COMEDY FESTIVAL LAUNCHES SEARCH FOR ONE-NIGHT STAND-UP STARS

Do you consider yourself funny? Or do you know someone who always has friends and family in stitches and has been told they should be on stage? Now is their chance to prove it.

As part of the Carlow Comedy Festival 2026, organisers are seeking aspiring comedians to take part in a special "One Night Stand-Up" Showcase Event on 3 December 2026, which will officially kick off this year's festival while also raising funds for a local charity.

Following the success of its inaugural year, the Carlow Comedy Festival returns from 3rd to 6th December 2026, expanding across 14 venues in Carlow, Tullow and Bagenalstown. The festival has quickly established itself as one of the highlights of the county's festive calendar, bringing together established comedians, emerging talent and comedy fans for four days of entertainment and laughter.

To launch this year's festival, renowned Irish comedian Karl Spain will mentor and coach eight aspiring performers, helping them develop and refine their stand-up routines before taking to the stage in front of a live audience. The showcase event will take place in The Tower, Dinn Ri, Tullow Street, Carlow, on the opening night of the festival.

Participants do not need previous stand-up experience. Organisers are encouraging anyone with a sense of humour, a good story to tell, or the courage to try something new to apply.

Speaking about the return of the festival, Cllr Tommy Kinsella, Cathaoirleach of Carlow County Council, said:

"We are delighted to continue working with local venues, publicans and community partners to deliver another exciting Carlow Comedy Festival. The festival brings people together, creates a fantastic atmosphere throughout the county and provides a valuable boost to our local economy during the festive season. I'm particularly excited to see events taking place across Carlow, Tullow and Bagenalstown, ensuring communities throughout the county can be part of this growing festival."

The Carlow Comedy Festival forms part of Carlow County Council's Festive Programme and is delivered through a partnership of the Councils , Library , Arts , Economic development and Community services together with a range of local stakeholders and venue partners.

Encouraging people to get involved in the One Night Stand-Up Showcase, Kieran Comerford, Head of Economic Development and Enterprise with Carlow County Council, said:

"This is a unique opportunity for people to step outside their comfort zone and experience what it's like to perform stand-up comedy. Whether you've always wanted to try it or have been encouraged by family and friends, we'd love to hear from you. Karl Spain's guidance and mentoring will provide invaluable support for participants, and the event promises to be a memorable way to launch this year's festival."

Applications and nominations are now being invited. Interested participants can nominate themselves to be considered for one of the eight places. Applications should be submitted by 30th September 2026.

The successful applicants will be unveiled during the official launch of the Carlow Comedy Festival in early October, when the full festival programme will also be unveiled.

The festival debuted in 2025 and attracted more than 600 attendees across a variety of comedy performances and events. Organisers are confident that this year's expanded programme will build on that success and establish Carlow as a key destination for comedy in the South East.

Mayor of Carlow Municipal District, Cllr Ken Murnane, said:

"The success of the festival in 2025 demonstrated what can be achieved when local businesses, venues and community partners work together. We are delighted to see the festival return and to introduce this exciting opening-night showcase. The festive season is hugely important for supporting local jobs and businesses, and events such as the Carlow Comedy Festival help create a vibrant atmosphere that encourages people to shop, stay and socialise locally."

Further details on the One Night Stand-Up Showcase and the full Carlow Comedy Festival programme will be announced in the coming weeks. To Apply: Think you're funny? Ready to take your shot at stand-up comedy? | Carlow County Council's Online Consultation Portal