Forest Fest shop to be run by parents in aid of Laois primary school
Laois music festival’s shop will be run by volunteers from Emo National School parents association, while Make A Wish Foundation is chosen as festival charity beneficiary.
Forest Fest music festival is back this weekend bigger than ever in Emo, and once again parents in the local school will be working there to raise money for it.
The Emo National School parents association are once again going to run an onsite shop, with all proceeds going to the school.
They are hoping that the festival goers will shop local and help their schoolkids.
The association put out the call this week asking for support.
“The countdown to Forest Fest 2026 is well and truly on, and we’re busy getting everything ready for another fantastic weekend.
“Make sure to call by the Emo NS Parents Association Shop while you’re at the festival. Every purchase helps, with all proceeds going directly to support Emo National School and its pupils.
“Thank you to everyone who supports us year after year. We can’t wait to see you all at Forest Fest,” they said.
Forest Fest will be giving support to a national children’s charity too.
Its founding promoter Philip Meagher told the Leinster Express / Laois Live how it will work.
“We are partnering with the Make A Wish Foundation, and certain areas of the locality qualify for charity donation tickets.
“We’ve asked people to pay €40 per ticket in a donation, give us the receipt and then we’ll give them their ticket,” Philip explains.
The festival has moved and expanded this year into a new site on the outskirts of the village, increasing capacity from 12,000 people per day to 16,000.
Dozens of performers are lined up including Echo & The Bunnymen, The Charletans, The Undertones, James, Deacon Blue, The Coronas, Paul Brady, Madness, The Boomtown Rats and Kerbdog.
Forest Fest 2026 takes place from Thursday to Sunday, July 23 to 26, with limited tickets still available from their website.