The line-up for the Fleadh stage at Forest Fest in Emo village in Laois this July is finalised.
The Forest Fleadh is a unique initiative for an Irish music festival as it presents a platform to solely showcase the best of Irish trad and folk.
The overall Forest Fest programme features an eclectic mix of over 80 artists across four stages on the weekend of July 21 to 23.
The idea to create the Forest Fleadh, a veritable festival within a festival, is that of the event founder and promoter, Philip Meagher.
“Following on from the success of our inaugural Forest Fest last summer it was evident that the renaissance of Irish trad alongside the burgeoning enthusiasm among the innovative new talent in the genre deserved its own special place at our festival.
“We collaborated with people like Laois trad supremos Dale McKay and Ruaidhrí O’Tiarnaigh to curate what I believe to be the finest gathering of trad and folk talent in the country this year perhaps outside of the Fleadh Cheoil,” says Philip.
The Forest Fleadh programme which will be hosted by Sharon Shannon speaks for itself.
On the bill are Paul Brady, Sharon Shannon, Daoirí Farrell Trio, the olllam, Stockton’s Wing, Kíla & Brass, Greenshine, Goitse, Emer Dunne, Eric De Buitléir, Two Time Polka, Blackie O’Conneil and Cyril O’Donoghue, Carlos Sweeney McCartin, Buíoch, Trad Hits, Bog Bodies, Caoivín, Eva Coyle Band, The Grange Ceilí Band and set dancing with Maureen Culleton, Darren Roche and Cillian Doheny, Splendid Isolation, Roo Elizabeth and Band, Tommy Fitzharris, Siobhán Buckley and Aoife Buckley, Alfi, The Cardinal Sins, Music Generation Laois Trad Orchestra, The Offbeats Bodhrán Club, Miadhachughain O’Donnell and Joe Campbell McArdle.
Other headline acts at Forest Fest this July include James, BellX1, Suede, The Proclaimers, Suzanne Vega, Peter Hook and the Light, Alabama 3, Big Country, Ash, Nik Kershaw, Gabrielle, The Undertones and Jack Lukeman.
Planning for the second year of the event is at an advanced stage with the full day-by-day programme details and an extended daily bus service to the festival to be announced later this month.
Day-by-day line-up
“We are currently putting the finishing touches to the line-up, finalising details for our food court and refreshments as well as putting in place a more extensive bus service to make it all the more convenient for fans,” outlines promoter Philip Meagher.
“We expect to be able to announce all those before Easter so that fans can plan well ahead for what will certainly be one of the highlights of the summer. Campervan camping is already close to selling out and the feedback and reviews on Forest Fest from all over the country is amazing.”
Flexible day tickets for Forest Fest are €85; children 12 and under attend free of charge. There are also weekend camping and glamping options.
For tickets, festival updates and full line-up go to www.forestfest.ie
SEE ALSO – Tributes paid following the sad passing of three Laois people recently
