Laois Forest Fest swells as day-by-day acts revealed

Forest Fest has just revealed the day-by-day line-up details for the second edition of the summer music and arts extravaganza in Emo village.

With just 90 days to go the programme that has swelled to over 90 acts across the weekend of July 21 to 23.

Friday, July 21
James, Nik Kershaw, The Proclaimers, Ash, Peter Hook & The Light, Allie Sherlock, Pogueology, Ares Redemption, Vendetta Love, Motion Sickness, The Outcast Crew, The Valves, Strength in Numbers, Dopamine, Walkeleles, Goitse, Eric de Buitléir, Blackie O’Connell and Cyril O’Donoghue, Miadhachlughain O’Donnell & Joe Campbell McArdle.

Saturday, July 22
BellX1, Big Country, Jack Lukeman, Alabama 3, Frank & Walters, 49th & Main, Sharon Shannon, Kíla & Brass, The Undertones, Paddy Casey, Carrie Baxter, Buíoch, Bog Bodies, Robert Grace, Róisín O, In Tua Nua, N.O.A.H., Lavengro, Paranoid Visons, Barley Mob, Walk The Line, The Primitives, These Charming Men, Pastiche, Bone Machine, Trouble Pilgrims, Apollo Junction, Greenshine, Bicurious, Cardinal Sins, Eva Coyle Band, Alfi, Carlos Sweeney McCartin, The Raines, Music Generation Laois Trae Orchestra, Off Beats Bodhrán Club.

Sunday, July 23
Suede, Gabrielle, Paul Brady, Suzanne Vega, The Riptide Movement, Something Happens, Hermitage Green, Dream Wife, Daoiri Farrell Trio, Sharron Shannon, Bronagh Gallagher & Band, Stocktown’s Wing, Duke Special, Asha Ari, Bleach Lab, The Olllam, Stevie Appleby, Emer Dunne, The Lost Messiahs, Eimear Crehan, Two Time Polka, Spring Break, Suso Gospel Choir, Rattle & Hum, Flash Harry, Classic Beatles, Trad Hits, Caoivin, Cua, Darren Roche & Cillian Doheny, Splendid Isolation, Siobhán Buckley, Aoife Buckley & Tommy Fitzharris, The Grange Céilí Band & Set Dancing with Maureen Culliton, Roo Elizabeth Band, The Jury.

The running order and stage times for bands will be announced in the fortnight prior to the event. A festival site map will also be published in the coming weeks.

“Fans have been chomping at the bit for the daily line-up details as everyone wants to make plans for the summer ahead so even though we are still tweaking and adding to the programme we wanted to get this info out as soon as possible. We still have some additions to make and a few more surprises in store for our enthusiastic fanbase, so watch this space,” said Forest Fest founder and promoter, Philip Meagher.

He added: “We do have some camping tickets left but they’re selling out fast and of course, we have weekend and day ticket options. In keeping with our family-friendly ethos and trying to give value to music lovers all children 12 or under, go entirely free and that’s really appreciated by young families. While we’re evolving and growing as an event, we remain steadfastly committed to being a relaxed indie boutique festival, with an easy-going and family-friendly vibe."

The organiser also promises an extensive children’s entertainment programme for the Forest Fest weekend is being curated
once more by the multi-talented Port’ Art Collective in collaboration with Broken Theatre and Jabba Jabba Jembe. 

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In addition to the free parking and the shuttle buses serving the local hinterland, towns, and hotels Forest Fest this year plans more extensive transport links in partnership with CIE, with timetables and routes to be announced next week.

Go to www.forestfest.ie for more info on the event.