Forest Fest is thrilled to welcome back fan favourite JMAC to Forest Fest this summer to bring their own distinctive flair, fashion, and fun style for a flavour of Mardi Gras on the Saturday evening of the festival on July 22.
Abbeyleix native James Mac, alternatively known as JMac is a London-Irish makeup and drag artist.
First runner up on BBC/Netflix Glow Up Series 2 James’ creativity, throughout the years, stems from a passion from drag, queer art and their homeland in County Laois.
A guest judge on RTE’s adapted series of Glow Up Ireland, JMac is no shy character to the stage. Joining them for their return to Forest Fest will be their drag family from the UK – Dylan and Pavol
Dylan is one London’s most renowned international drag performers, originally from Portugal. Noted for attention to detail, style, dress making, high fashion, there will be no lash uncurled, hair pin concealed and a catwalk strut like no other!!
Pavol was born in Slovakia and has a background in existential psychotherapy. He currently resides in London and works in fine art, acting, and performance art.
His deep appreciation for colourful sea slugs helps him navigate through his climate anxiety, allowing him to give voice to ocean animals through his paintings and performance art.
The full day by day Forest Fest line-up to date is:
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
- Goitse
- Eric de Buitléir
- Blackie O’Connell and Cyril O’Donoghue
- Miadhachlughain O’Donnell & Joe Campbell McArdle
- Houston Death Ray
- Thanks Mom
- Alright Then
Saturday, July 22
- BellX1
- Big Country
- Jack Lukeman
- Alabama 3
- Pillow Queens
- The Riptide Movement
- Frank & Walters
- 49th & Main
- Sharon Shannon
- Kíla & Brass
- The Undertones
- Carrie Baxter
- Buíoch
- Bog Bodies
- Robert Grace
- Róisín O
- In Tua Nua
- N.O.A.H.
- Lavengro
- JMac & The Mardi Gras Drag Show
- 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 Trad Orchestra
- Off Beats Bodhrán Club
Sunday, July 23
- Suede
- Gabrielle
- Paul Brady
- Suzanne Vega
- Something Happens
- Hermitage Green
- Dream Wife
- Daoiri Farrell Trio
- Sharon Shannon
- Bronagh Gallagher and Band
- Stockton’s Wing
- Paddy Casey
- 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 fortnight prior to the event.
For band profiles, tickets and festival updates go to www.forestfest.ie.
SEE ALSO – Three local groups set to feature at Forest Fest following Battle of the Bands
