Laois music festival announce Human League, Stereo MCs, Divine Comedy in huge 2024 lineup

Laois music and arts festival Forest Fest has revealed their first lineup and it is packed with 80s favourites as well as great current acts.

Headliners announced are synth popsters The Human League, Ocean Colour Scene, The Divine Comedy, hip hop crew Stereo MC's, Dexy's, EMF, Tony Hadley from Spandeau Ballet and King Kong Company.

Also coming to Emo village are 80's ska legends Bad Manners as well as The Undertones.

Returning for a second year is Paul Brady, joined by other Irish favourites Something Happens, The Frank & Walters, Sharon Shannon, Jack Lukeman, DJ Jenny Greene, HamsandwicH, Cathy Davey, and Laois lads Pogueology.

Kerbdog, The View, The Wedding Present, Glas Vegas, and US blues legend Robert Finlay are also lined up.

"Just a taster with many more acts to follow including our very successful Fleadh stage and our new Ibiza Stage. Get ready for some surprises.

"A summertime party atmosphere for 2024 will bring you dancing to the crossroads of Emo for the weekend of July 19 – 21. With some serious headliners in the mix, Family Entertainment, Circus and Street Theatre, Award-winning street food, drumming workshops, maker area, craft beers, cocktail bar, and fun fair with loads to do for big and small," the festival said.

Along with Pogueology, there are plenty of tribute bands: These Charming Men for The Smiths, Rattle & Hum for U2, A Tribute to Neil Young, Walk The Line for Johnny Cash and The Classic Beatles.

Adding to the music mix are great Laois acts like Strength in Numbers, The Valves, The Jury and the up-and-coming Dopamine.

Greenshine, Harvest, Eimear Crehan, Risky Business, Houston Death Ray, Trouble Pilgrims, Aoife Destruction, The Outcast Crew, Thanks Mom, Tantrum, Kiera Dignam, Suso Gospel Choir, Sarah Brooki, Fiona Kennedy, Coolboy and Grooveline complete the first line up announcement.

Below: watch a video of the line up reveal.

Forest Fest 3 will take place on the weekend of July 19, 20 and 21 in the EMO GAA grounds in the pretty village next to Emo Court. Tickets are still on sale, www.see forestfest.ie

The festival say their cheaper Early Bird prices will end this weekand and prices then jump to €190 for the weekend and €85 for a day.

Day tickets will get punters an all-access pass for any chosen day of the weekend, transferable to a different day if minds change.

Further line up is to follow.