Forest Fest adds Kiera Dignam, Battle of the Bands and drag show to lineup

With less than two months to go until Forest Fest kicks off in Emo, Laois, festival organisers have added Kiera Dignam to their star-studded lineup, as well as a battle of the bands event, and drag show.

In what promises to be an exciting weekend of music and arts, Christy Dignam's talented daughter joins the ranks of Bell X1, Suede, The Proclaimers, Pillow Queens and more for the July festival.

Kiera is a vocalist from Dublin, singing on stages around Ireland since the age of 13. She has an impressive list of previous experience performing under her belt, having played in The 3 Arena, Vicar Street, 3Olympia Theatre, The National stadium, The Everyman Cork, and Cork Opera House.

Kiera Dignam will take to the festival's new Perfect Day stage with her band for what promises to be a special gig on the Sunday afternoon.

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.

Thanks Mom, one of the acts competing in Forest Fest's Battle of the Bands

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.

London-Irish makeup and drag artist JMac once again promises to bring their own distinctive flair, fashion, and fun style for a flavour of Mardi Gras on the Saturday evening of Forest Fest on July 22. Joining JMac is Dylan, one London’s most renowned international drag performers, as well as Pavol, a Slovakian painter and performance artist.

Abbeyleix native James Mac, alternatively known as JMac

Forest Fest promises to deliver on an action packed weekend with all things music and art, and will soon announce details of their food court and refreshments on offer.

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. Full lineup for the festival is included below.