Legendary American soul group Sister Sledge have been announced as the headline act for Saturday night at this year’s Forest Fest in Emo.
The group shot to fame during the disco era of the 1970s and ‘We are Family’, ‘My Guy’ and ‘He’s the Greatest Dancer’ are among the iconic songs they are set to bring to Emo.
Today’s announcement completes the headline acts of a festival that has over 90 bands performing across the three days, July 21-23.
James, Nik Kershaw, The Proclaimers and Ash are among the big names on Friday night with Bell X 1, Big Country, Frank and the Walters some now being joined by Sister Sledge on Saturday.
Suede, Paul Brady and Gabrielle are included in Sunday’s stellar line up.
Now in its second year, Forest Fest looks set to grow further in the coming years with promoter Philip Meagher having big plans in mind.
But he’s keen to keep a relaxed, boutique atmosphere with a strong family sense.
“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,” he said previously.
“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,” Philip outlined.
Philip says the success of last year’s event coupled with the level of production and staging put in place caused word to spread within the industry.
“Suddenly we had a lot of contact in August and September from places we had tried to contact a year before who weren’t answering the phones.
“It’s amazing when you make some nice footprints that people look and say ‘OK, we’ll have a bit of that.’
“So, it was a lot easier this year and when we were looking to talk to people, we had recorded a lot of what we did last year – both from a technical point of view and also people performing and enjoying themselves – so, we were able to go to the big acts with footage of what had gone on last year and that made things a lot easier.”
The full day by day Forest Fest line-up to date is:
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 – Check out all our Forest Fest coverage here
