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07 Nov 2025
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07 Nov 2025
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Forest Fest in Emo, Laois
The backers of Forest Fest music, comedy and arts festival have applied for licence for a three-day event with a capacity for 10,000 people.
Applicant Safents Consulting Ltd on behalf of ForestFest Ltd has applied for a licence application under the terms of Part XVI of the Planning & Development Act 2000 (as amended) for a live musical and comedy entertainment event to be held at Emo village.
The proposed event is to be held on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, July 20 to 23 2023 at Emo, across the GAA Club, national school and surrounding fields. They have sought permission for camping and parking from Thursday to Monday.
"Associated parking and campsites will be available from 4pm on Thur 20th July. The event will have a maximum attendance of 10,000 people plus 1,500 staff and artistes with camping for a maximum of 7,500 persons," the application states.
A capacity of around 5,000 was put on the 2022 edition which was delayed twice because of Covid-19.
If granted, it will be the second year for the festival in the village, with over 90 acts including headliners this year including James, BellX1, Suede, Paul Brady and The Proclaimers.
"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 recently.
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.
A decision is due this May.
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