Indie boutique festival Forest Fest is set to return to Laois next summer, following a successful first outing this year. The festival will take place in the village of Emo on the weekend of July 21st, 2023, with tickets going on sale in the third week of October.

“We’ve been listening attentively to the feedback from those who enjoyed Forest Fest this summer, to the local community, the bands and the artists and it’s a resounding thumbs up for the Forest Fest formula. So, we are delighted to confirm that it’s happening, we are going again next year,” Forest Fest promoter Philip Meagher revealed.

Forest Fest promoter Philip Meagher.

The festival received rave reviews this year and there is a clear demand from fans and performers. “The message too, is loud and clear, don’t go changing, we love you just the way you are, and we intend to heed that desire for an interesting line-up in an intimate setting," Meagher said. "People loved the Forest Fest vibe, and we want to stay true to that as bigger isn’t always better.”

He confirmed that negotiations are already underway with agents and artists to secure a first-class programme of performers next summer. Some things are going to be "tweaked" and improved upon to ensure an even better Forest Fest experience next July, according to the organisers.

Meagher said: “We’ve locked in our dates and now the work is underway to put the best bands, artists, attractions, food offering, children’s entertainment, camping facilities and so on to provide a safe and fun family-friendly festival, at a fair price point, not just for the tickets but the beverage, food and refreshments offering as well.

“We had three stages this year, we’re going to add a fourth arena, and some other interesting surprises, but overall, we’re not going bigger, just better,” he added, reassuring festival-goers that the boutique festival will keep its friendly and familiar atmosphere.

Irish rock band The Stunning performing at Forest Fest 2022.

Next year's event will be put on by the same team that was behind this year’s festival on production, staging, security, vendors and online customer service to ensure that high standards and production values for a quality show and performance on all levels will be maintained, right throughout the festival weekend and across all aspects of the event, Meagher confirmed.

“Music fans are already missing the summer, hankering for the fun of festival, and hanging out with friends in a comfortable, convenient and cosy space and we want to assure them that we are working on a line-up and festival programme with all the trimming for next July, so watch this space," he said.

Over 50 acts performed at the festival this summer, including The Waterboys, Hothouse Flowers, The Stunning, The 4 of Us, Something Happens, Jack L, HamsandwicH, Soda Blonde, Damien Dempsey, King Kong Company, Paddy Casey, Cathy Davey, The Riptide Movement, THUMPER, Mundy, Hermitage Green and Power of Dreams.

Forest Fest2 takes place on the weekend of July 21st, 2023. Early bird weekend tickets for the festival will go on sale next month, on Friday, October 21st, with priority given to fans who attended this year’s event.

Take a look at this year's Forest Fest below.