One of Ireland’s newest and independent music festivals has landed in Emo Village, Co.Laois this weekend. Featuring a line-up that combines big names with nostalgia, Forest Fest is set to bring the fun to the Midlands.
Forest Fest has moved to its new home at Bee’s Wing Farm, Emo Village to put on a bigger show than last year, taking place from Friday, July 24, to Sunday, July 26.
Headliners Echo & The Bunnymen, JAMES and Madness will be joined by the likes of Deacon Blue, The Charlatans, The Boomtown Rats, The Undertones, The Coronas, Paul Brady, Feeder, Kerbdog, and more. There will also be folk and trad on offer at the Forest Fleadh Stage, featuring Kíla, Dervish, Jiggy and more. Last but not least, a new area titled The Kickin’ Up Dust Arena, will play host to Nathan Carter, Clíona Hagan, Dave Lofts and Michael English among the country and americana selection at the festival.
RobMoro has put together a brief overview along with some acts to see over the course of the next few days.
Stage Times and Site Map
Festival goers can find stage times on the official Forest Fest app on Woov, where updates to stage times, event information and other important announcements will be posted.
Getting There
The easiest and greenest way is by public transport, according to the organisers, be it by bus, coach, or train. All of which helps the environment and reduces traffic congestion. To facilitate this greener way of thinking, special Forest Fest coaches will run from Dublin, Tullamore, Portlaoise, Mountmellick/Portarlington, Kilkenny, and Cashel. Martley’s will have a run of coaches that will drop you at the entrance of the venue, and you can find out all the details about those on their Martley’s dedicated Forest Fest page.
By train, intercity services from Dublin, Cork, Galway, and Limerick run to Portlaoise, with hourly shuttle buses running to the site all weekend.
An added bonus is that attendees on-site will be asked how they travelled to the festival while also being entered into a draw to win tickets to Forest Fest 2027.
Just off the M7 motorway, those traveling by car can avail of free car parking and pick-up and drop-off points.
Where to Stay
Glamping, campervan, caravan parking passes are already sold out. However, tent camping passes can be purchased from the Forest Fest website.
Martley’s will also run a shuttle to many hotels in Laois and surrounding counties, with info also on Martley’s dedicated Forest Fest page.
Echo & the Bunnymen
Another band who just fit the definition of “iconic” in their music genre, Echo & the Bunnymen formed in the late 70s and became famous for their influence on alternative rock music in the subsequent decade. Timeless hits like ‘The Killing Moon’ and ‘Bring on The Dancing Horses’ continue to captivate listeners today.
Madness
The well-known British pop and ska band from Camden Town, London, are known for their cheeky humour and “musical eclecticism”, if you check out their discography, you find that this group had more than their fair share of hits, from the late 70’s ska style to more conventional pop music influence.
Feeder
Formed after singer-guitarist Grant Nicholas and drummer Jon Lee moved to London and recruited Tokyo-born bassist Taka Hirose. Feeder found early success with their debut mini-album Swim in right up until the early 00’s. After original drummer Jon Lee passed away in 2002, the band channeled their grief into the hit 2002 album “Comfort in Sound” with tracks like ‘Just the Way I’m Feeling’ and ‘Come Back Around’.
Nathan Carter
No stranger to these shores, Nathan Carter is sure to be a hit at Forest Fest. After his breakthrough in 2012 with ‘Wagon Wheel’, the Liverpool-born musician is a favourite on the live country circuit. With a background of success at the fleadh from his youth, you might catch him either side of the stage this weekend.
The Coronas
School friends who were just 15 years old when they formed, The Coronas have a legendary status in Irish pop culture. Their debut album, “Heroes or Ghosts” made them household names in 2007. Tracks like ‘Addicted to Progress’, ‘Just Like That’, and ‘Speak Up’ from their subsequent records have helped them grow popular both at home and on international stages. A festival must-see for the experience alone.
RobMoro 