There’s now only three days to go until one of the hottest festivals of the summer kicks off in Emo.
The second year of Forest Fest is attracting some of the world’s best known artists, alongside a host of Irish stars.
The three-day music and arts festival takes place in a stunning, wooded background bordering Emo Court.
Here’s the Top Ten things you need to know about Ireland’s ‘easiest festival’.
When is Forest Fest and how long does it last?
The festival kicks off this Friday, July 21, running until Sunday night, July 23.
Who can I expect to see?
Nearly 100 artists will perform over the course of the weekend, with a stellar international line-up and the cream of Irish bands. The headliners are James (Friday), Sister Sledge featuring Kathy Sledge (Saturday) and Suede (Sunday).
The star-studded line up also includes Scottish folk twins The Proclaimers, Ash, Suzanne Vega, Something Happens, Bell X 1, Sharon Shannon and even Oasis and The Beatles tribute bands.
Are tickets available at this stage?
While campervan and caravan tickets are sold out, you can still get your hands on day and weekend passes, weekend camping and glamping tickets.
How much do these cost?
€85 for a day ticket or a full weekend pass for €190; weekend tent camping is €215 and glamping from €220, with the glamping option of your choice from Forest Fest’s partners, Pitched Perfect.
How do I get there?
Expressway Buses will run to and from the festival from Dublin, Naas, Newbridge, Laois, Monasterevin and Kildare. Check out times on expressway.ie.
Locally, buses will run on the hour each day from Portlaoise, Portarlington and Mountmellick, while free shuttle buses will run from park and ride carparks to the site at Emo GAA grounds.
Are cash/card payments accepted on site?
Both, depending on what you’re after. For the main bars, tokens or tap payments with card or phone will be in place.
Tokens can be purchased by cash only at a tokens stand. Cash or cards will be accepted at all the food and merch stalls plus the craft beer stalls, whiskey, and cocktail bars.
When do the gates open?
Main Gate: Friday, 4pm–1am; Saturday, 12noon–1am; Sunday, 12noon–1am. Campervan/Caravan Entry Times: 4pm on Thursday to 1pm on Monday.
What’s new about this year’s festival?
An added attraction at this year’s festival is the Forest Fleadh stage, featuring trad and folk giants including Paul Brady, Sharon Shannon and Stockton’s Wing.
Is it family friendly?
In a word, yes: The festival will feature the Broken Theatre Circus, Ireland’s only interactive circus, and the Port Art Collective, which will host creative family activities across the weekend.
From hilarious clowns to the flying trapeze, twice-daily performances from the Big Top will be staged. Full line-up for kids: https://forestfest.ie/
What are the food offerings like?
You can’t dance the night away on an empty stomach. Food vendors include the aptly named Wok n’ Roll, Burgertorium, Kerala Kitchen, Beastly Cravings, El Fuego and Quarrymount Free Range Meats. Full food stalls here: https://forestfest.ie/food-
*For more details and tickets, see forestfest.ie.
