More than 25,000 people are expected to attend events in Kilkenny this weekend with the hosting of two separate festivals.

The 17th Cat Laughs Festival begins in the city tonight, with the event worth an estimated €8m to the local economy.

Not immune from the recession, the festival has no main sponsor and comedians have had to take cuts in their fees with budget cuts of 20%.

But organisers say ticket sales remain very strong and there are 44 comedians with 66 shows in 13 venues.

It is expected that nearly 20,000 tickets will be sold over the weekend.

On Saturday, the 2011 Sheep and Wool Festival and International Sheep Shearing championships start at Cillín Hill on the edge of the city.

The two-day festival is shaping up to be Ireland's biggest ever sheep, wool and family event and thousands are expected to attend.