Rising talent announced for Laois's Forest Fest

Next month’s Forest Fest in Emo is shaping up to be a festival to remember attracting not only long established artists but also a new generation of rising stars.

Some of the less established and emerging acts booked for the event include the winning acts from the Port’ Art Collective Battle of the Bands, Alright Then, Thanks Mom and Houston Death Ray. 

There’s also Kiera Dignam- yes, the name does sound familiar - who is an emerging talent who is making a name for herself and putting her own stamp on the music scene, someone with a bright career ahead of her.

Kiera is a vocalist from Dublin, singing on stages around Ireland since the age of 13.  With live performances under her belt in The Point Theatre (now 3 Arena), Vicar Street, Olympia Theatre, The National stadium, The Everyman Cork, and Cork Opera House to name a few.

Her first single ‘Ben’, a cover of the Michael Jackson hit, went to Number 1 in the iTunes Charts raising funds in memory of 5-year-old ‘Batman Ben’.

Kiera has been accompanied on stage by many big names in the music industry including her legendary Dad, Christy Dignam, Mark Feehily, Danny O’Reilly, Gavin James, Paul Brady Steve Garrigan, Paddy Casey, and Mundy.

She has been gigging the last number of years with her six-piece band. Her first album is due for release later this year and has already had rave reviews at live performances.

Kiera and her band perform on Sunday afternoon at Forest Fest with a set list featuring some of her own original material including ‘Made Just for Me’, ‘Burning Love’, ‘Everybody Saw it Coming’ and no doubt a homage to some Aslan classics including the iconic, ‘Crazy World’ - something really special, a perfect day to look forward to on the Sunday of Forest Fest.

The full day by day Forest Fest line-up to date is: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, Goitse, Eric de Buitléir, Blackie O’Connell and Cyril O’Donoghue, Miadhachlughain O’Donnell & Joe Campbell McArdle, Houston Death Ray, Thanks Mom, Alright Then.

Lewis Capaldi cancels all commitments until Glastonbury

On Saturday, July 22: BellX1, Big Country, Jack Lukeman, Alabama 3, Pillow Queens, The Riptide Movement, Frank & Walters, 49th & Main, Sharon Shannon, Kíla & Brass, The Undertones, Carrie Baxter, Buíoch, Bog Bodies, Robert Grace, Róisín O, In Tua Nua, N.O.A.H., Lavengro, JMac & The Mardi Gras Drag Show, 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 Trad Orchestra, Off Beats Bodhrán Club.

Finally on Sunday, July 23: Suede, Gabrielle, Paul Brady, Suzanne Vega, Something Happens, Hermitage Green, Dream Wife, Daoiri Farrell Trio, Sharon Shannon, Bronagh Gallagher and Band, Stockton’s Wing, Paddy Casey, 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.

For band profiles, tickets and festival updates go to www.forestfest.ie