One of the first major Irish festivals to partially reveal their line-up for next summer back in November - now, just ahead of Christmas, Forest Fest, running from July 21 - 23, has added more acts to their already fantastic line-up.

James have been announced to headline the opening Friday of the Forest Fest weekend next summer. Joining them on the bill as part of their sensational second pre-Christmas reveal will be Bell X1, Suzanne Vega and former Joy Division and New Order’s Peter Hook and The Light.

In addition to the previous fifteen acts headed by Suede, the festival have pulled out all the stops with this whopper announcement.

Bell X1

Also included in today’s reveal are: Alabama 3, Allie Sherlock, Apollo Junction, Bleach Lab, Dream Wife, Duke Special, Emer Dunne, In Tua Nua, Lavengro, 49th & Main, Roisin O, Robert Grace, The Barley Mob, The Lost Messiahs, The Outcast Crew, Trouble Pilgrims, Bone Machine, Pogueology, These Charming Men, The Classic Beatles and The Walkeleles.

Peter Hook

Joining them across four stages at Forest Fest next summer will be the previously announced Suede, Ash, Big Country, The Proclaimers, Gabrielle, Nik Kershaw, The Undertones, Bronagh Gallagher & Band, Carrie Baxter, Frank and Walters, Hermitage Green, Jack Lukeman, N.O.A.H, Pastiche, Something Happens, Sharon Shannon, The Primitives, The Riptide Movement, and Walk the Line.

Not surprisingly, Philip Meagher, Forest Fest founder and promoter, is pleased with the acts and array of talent he has managed to secure.

“We always said that the line-up, the bands and the artists speak for themselves and that it’s the performers and the fans that ultimately make the festival. We have tried to live up to that ethos and go out before Christmas with the best line-up possible.

"We honestly believe this is the best line-up in the country for next summer, featuring the finest established acts alongside the best emerging new talent, and we’re not finished yet,” teased the promoter.

Roisin O

The new Forest Fleadh - essentially a festival within a festival - brings a host of Irish folk & trad to the festival, inviting the best emerging new acts breaking onto the scene.

“This Forest Fest line-up oozes excitement, energy and entertainment and we have yet to put the finishing touches to it with more special acts and another incredible headliner which we will announce in the new year. In the meantime, music enthusiasts can look forward to next Friday when we reveal the set-up and the acts for our first ever, ‘Forest Fleadh’, which is our homage to and a celebration of the absolute best of Irish folk and trad genres, a virtual festival within a festival,” Philip outlined.

Previously, organisers announced Forest Fest have added day tickets for each of the 3-days of the festival.

These day tickets will undoubtedly make for an ideal Christmas present as they are all exchangeable and transferable at no additional cost, for whichever day you prefer. This greatly facilitates those wishing to opt for their favourite bands once the day-to-day programme is finalised, or simply to choose the day you prefer to join family and friends at Forest Fest.

All tickets can also be upgraded at any time to the weekend and weekend camping options, with no additional levies or booking fees.

Additionally, Children under 12 go free once accompanied by ticket holding adults, as part of the event’s family-friendly ethos.

Festival founder and promoter, Philip Meagher, explained: “In a direct response to our fanbase and the feedback that we have received, we’ve listened and responded to come out early with a very attractive day-ticket offering, which is ultra-flexible and transferable at no additional cost whatsoever. So, it’s really an ideal and thoughtful Christmas gift, and a Forest Fest ticket is not just for Christmas, as the anticipation can be enjoyed for the next six months, and the memories will last forever."

The Laois Collection©Kevin Byrne Photography

Finally, Philip explained: “Lots of festival fans have already committed to Forest Fest for the weekend and the weekend remains the best way to come and enjoy this summer celebration of music, arts and socialise in such a wonderful ambiance and setting. However, that’s not possible for a variety of reasons for everyone and therefore the day-ticket is in keeping with our ethos of accessibility, affordability and the ultimate flexibility for our valued fans and supporters. Essentially, you can transfer or upgrade all the tickets at any time without incurring any extra fees or charges."

As for the line-up reveal, organisers are incredibly excited for indie pop anthems to ring out around the forest canopy of Emo village next July, undoubtedly accompanied by sing-along, and beautiful memories made.

Forest Fest tickets are on sale starting at €85 for flexible day tickets and €190 for the full weekend via Eventbrite.

All further information, tickets, updates and point of contact are available from the festival website.