Laois festival act cancels with replacement sought

A big act has cancelled their appearance at the Forest Fest in Laois this summer.

American alt rock band The Lemonheads are cancelling their entire European tour, including their gig in the hugely popular homegrown music and arts festival in Emo village in Laois.

They say it is for financial reasons.

Forest Fest have released a statement to the Leinster Express / Laois Live, saying they will be announcing a replacement act soon.

"Unfortunately, The Lemonheads will now not be touring in Europe during summer 2026. It is therefore with regret that they have to cancel their confirmed appearance at Forest Festival Ireland on Friday 24th July.

"This date was originally due to be part of a wider run of festival dates at this time and unfortunately, due to some of these not materialising, it was becoming financially difficult to make a European trip work.

"The Lemonheads are understandably disappointed not to be able to perform in Ireland and were very much looking forward to Forest Fest and being part of this year's event. They would like to thank the organisers for their understanding, and of course regret disappointing any ticket holders who have purchased a ticket to see the band perform."

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Their agent, Neil O'Brien (Motion) and manager Alan McGee (Creation) said:

"It is with regret that we have had to cancel this performance with the band. We work closely with Forest Fest to deliver many great artists to this great event - we believe it is one of the very best festivals in Ireland and we hope to see The Lemonheads return to fulfil their booking next year"

"Forest Fest is currently finalising details of a replacement and looks to announcing a new addition to the line-up very shortly. We can't wait to see you all at Forest Fest Next Summer," the Forest Fest team say.

The festival is in a new site this year to accommodate its rapidly growing popularity with another host of big names from the decades past as well as up and coming new acts. See their line-up so far for the July 2026 weekend event.