Culture
13 Jun 23

Soul legends Sister Sledge to play Forest Fest

Forest Fest will see over 90 bands perform across July 21-23.

Iconic US soul group Sister Sledge have been announced as the headline act for Saturday night at this year’s Forest Fest in Emo.

The group shot to fame during the disco era of the 1970s, spanning hits such as ‘We Are Family’, ‘My Guy’ and ‘He’s the Greatest Dancer’.

Today’s announcement of Kathy Sledge completes the headline acts of a festival that has over 90 bands performing across July 21-23.

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James, Nik Kershaw, The Proclaimers and Ash are among the big names on Friday night with Bell X 1, Big Country, Frank and the Walters some now being joined by Sister Sledge on Saturday.

Suede, Paul Brady and Gabrielle are included in Sunday’s stellar line up. Kiera Dignam was added on June 1st (Christy Dignam's daughter), as well as a battle of the bands event, and drag show.

Kathy Sledge is best known as the youngest and founding member of Sister Sledge, an American vocal group which is made up of her sisters that formed in 1971.

The singer, songwriter, author, producer, manager, and Grammy-nominated icon is still firmly embedded in the music world. Kathy and her sisters honed their act around Philadelphia and signed a contract with Atco Records. At the tender age of 13, Kathy’s lead vocals on 'Mama Never Told Me' (1973) furnished the group’s first UK hit record.

Forest Fest also hopes to provide a platform and opportunity for emerging local talent, and have once again partnered with the Port’ Art Collective, an independent group aiming to promote talented creatives in Portarlington, for a special Battle of the Bands event at The Anvil.

This year’s Battle of the Bands talent pool has yielded up another enticing and exciting trio of acts - Alright Then, Houston Death Ray and Thanks Mom.

The festival will provide special bus services for attendees to Emo village, Laois, with daily return and weekend bus services from Dublin that will serve stops on route in Naas, Newbridge, Kildare Town and Monasterevin.

Tickets for Forest Fest are available on their website here.