Forest Fest tickets nearly sold out as Laois village shop to reopen

Emo village in Laois is ready to rock for year four of Forest Fest this July, now at 12,000 capacity with dozens of iconic acts from pop, indie, rock and trad genres to exciting up and coming performers and local talents.

Still based on the fringes of Emo Court forest in the local GAA grounds, the festival prides itself on its bijou size, with a family friendly vibe and short walks to the carparks, campervan and camping sites.

It may keep growing bigger however, though not as big as its Laois neighbour Electric Picnic.

Forest Fest promoter, Laois solicitor Philip Meagher spoke to the Leinster Express / Laois Live this week.

"The idea always was to keep at intimate boutique level. This year we have 12,000 but it is still a very intimate experience for the size of the acts, certainly the headliners. People will have a close experience with them. I am anxious to keep the scale but economy can determine scale. We are looking at all options," Mr Meagher said.

It is easier to attract the big names after three years he said.

"The music industry have realised what we're trying to do. The event is such high quality, from the production to the facilities. We've no problem contacting big acts. Word has spread that they'll be looked after. They're ringing us now," he said.

This year he will reopen the village shop again, but just for the festival. Like the pub and restaurant next door, the premises is owned by Mr Meagher. The only shop in Emo, Siopa Ioma closed down in 2023, following the death of its proprietor. 

"It will open for a few days before and on the weekend of the festival, run by local staff," he confirmed.

He estimates the wider local economic benefit of Forest Fest.

"All the hotels within 30 to 40 miles are booked out for that weekend. Local restaurants will obviously do well too. There are a lot of businesses that help service the site, like hardware stores, fuel suppliers, security, fencing. Certainly it is worth over €1 million to the local economy," Mr Meagher said.

He revealed who he is most looking forward to see perform.

"I have always been anxious to get the best of acts, not only the well established but to try to find new up and coming acts. We curate the stages so that every day there are interesting up and coming acts. I am interested to see how they are received, and see how our festival community embrace them. 

"I am really excited about Coach Party I think they are going to be huge. The Youth Play is a very exciting act as well. Intercom Heights as well. When you go to see these acts and see the reaction from the crowd, you get excited to see what they might become. It's great to give them an opportunity to play to a festival," the Forest Fest promoter said.

"It's getting close to being sold out, Saturday is nearly gone. The last campervan options are almost sold out, they will be by this week.

"I'm really looking forward to welcoming everyone to Emo, it will be a fantastic weekend of music and fun," Philip Meagher said.

Forest Fest 2025 is headlined by Travis, Manic Street Preachers, Franz Ferdinand, Orbital, Tony Hadley, Kula Shaker, Nick Lowe, the Dandy Warhols and Tom Meighan. Other well known acts include Ryan Sheridan, Heritage Green, Billy Bragg, The Riptide Movement, Pillow Queens, Kerbdog and a Bingo Loco along with lots of tribute acts.

The Forest Fleadh is headlined by Stocktons Wing, Sharon Shannon, Mary Coughlan, Freddie White and De Danaan while back again for the die hard ravers is the Ibiza Rewind / Bora Bora tent. 

Read also: Exciting lineup for Laois Twin Trees arts festival

New this year is the extra VIP tent with hammocks and a private bar, a VIP carpark, waitered service, and fast track wristband to skip the bar queues. 

Local flavour includes acts like Strength In Numbers, Pogueology, Motion Sickness, Music Generation Laois Trad Orchestra, set dancing with Maureen Culliton and . There will also be family entertainment, circus and street theatre, drumming workshop, a maker area with Portarlington CoderDojo, craft beer, a cocktail bar and a fun fair. 

Forest Fest 2025 takes place from Friday to Sunday, July 25 to 27.