Forest Fest announces day-by-day breakdown

There's just 90 days to go until Forest Fest makes its eagerly anticipated return to Emo Village, Co. Laois, from July 21-23. To officially kick off the countdown, organisers have unveiled the day-by-day line-up details for this year's music and arts extravaganza, with a programme that has swelled to over 90 acts across the weekend.

“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," comments Forest Fest's founder and promoter, Philip Meagher. "We still have some additions to make and a few more surprises in store for our enthusiastic fanbase, so watch this space...

“We do have some camping tickets left but they’re selling out fast and of course we have weekend and day ticket options," he continues. "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."

Campervan and caravan camping for the festival has already completely sold out, but there are still a limited number of weekend camping and glamping tickets available. Weekend tickets are also on sale along with day tickets, available for €85.

Voted the Best Festival in the Midlands last year, Forest Fest is gearing up for an extensive children’s entertainment programme, which is being curated once more by the multi-talented Port’ Art Collective in collaboration with Broken Theatre and Jabba Jabba Jembe.

In addition to the free parking and the shuttle buses serving the local area, Forest Fest is planning even more extensive transport links in partnership with CIE, with timetables and routes to be announced next week.

A festival site map will also be published in the coming weeks.

So, check out the day-by-day breakdown of Forest Fest 2023 below – and stay tuned for further additions to come!

Friday, July 21
James, Nik Kershaw, The Proclaimers, Ash, Peter Hook & The Light, Allie Sherlock, Pogueology, Ares Redemption, Vendetta Love, Motion Sickness, The Outcast Crew, The Valves, Strength in Numbers, Dopamine, Walkeleles, Goitse, Eric de Buitléir, Blackie O’Connell and Cyril O’Donoghue, Miadhachlughain O’Donnell & Joe Campbell McArdle.

Saturday, July 22
BellX1, Big Country, Jack Lukeman, Alabama 3, Frank & Walters, 49th & Main, Sharon Shannon, Kíla & Brass, The Undertones, Paddy Casey, Carrie Baxter, Buíoch, Bog Bodies, Robert Grace, Róisín O, In Tua Nua, N.O.A.H., Lavengro, Paranoid Visons, Barley Mob, Walk The Line, The Primitives, These Charming Men, Pastiche, Bone Machine, Trouble Pilgrims, Apollo Junction, Greenshine, Bicurious, Cardinal Sins, Eva Coyle Band, Alfi, Carlos Sweeney McCartin, The Raines, Music Generation Laois Trae Orchestra, Off Beats Bodhrán Club.

Sunday, July 23
Suede, Gabrielle, Paul Brady, Suzanne Vega, The Riptimde Movement, Something Happens, Hermitage Green, Dream Wife, Daoiri Farrell Trio, Sharron Shannon, Bronagh Gallagher & Band, Stocktown’s Wing, Duke Special, Asha Ari, Bleach Lab, The Olllam, Stevie Appleby, Emer Dunne, The Lost Messiahs, Eimear Crehan, Two Time Polka, Spring Break, Suso Gospel Choir, Rattle & Hum, Flash Harry, Classic Beatles, Trad Hits, Caoivin, Cua, Darren Roche & Cillian Doheny, Splendid Isolation, Siobhán Buckley, Aoife Buckley & Tommy Fitzharris, The Grange Céilí Band & Set Dancing with Maureen Culliton, Roo Elizabeth & Band, The Jury.

The running order and stage times for bands will be announced in the two weeks leading up to the event.

For more, visit to www.forestfest.ie