Carlsberg Comedy Carnival Launches

Hot Press has just returned from the launch of the Carlsberg Comedy Carnival where it was announced that this year's festival will feature over 60 Irish and international comedians, playing 44 shows over the course of one weekend - July 22 - 25.

Speaking at the launch Jason Byrne told Hot Press that he really looks forward to playing the Carlsberg Comedy Carnival: "When Bren (Berry, Aiken Promotions) first told me about this festival a few years back I asked him was he mad. Tents in the middle of Dublin with a load of drunk Irish people? But it really has worked. It's a great event."

Also speaking exclusively to Hot Press Risteard Cooper of Apres Match said that the comedy group's routines for the Carnival would very much depend on results in the World Cup.: "Obviously we'll take a lot of our cues from events in South Africa but we're also looking at more political material and introducing some new songs from the River Tenors."

Festival Director Bren Berry said that the Carnival is "firmly established as part of the international comedy circuit and this year we are delighted to announce our strongest line-up yet."

Tickets for the event - which also features David O'Doherty, Tommy Tiernan and Ed Byrne as well as international comedians such as Reg D. Hunter, Reggie Watts and Flight of the Conchords star Arj Barker - go on sale on Monday 24 May on [link]www.ticketmaster.ie[/link]

Tickets are sold on a show by show basis with prices starting at €23.