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Forest Fest at Emo village this summer

Laois, the home of the Picnic, has a new boutique festival which is bound to fetch the crowds and rave reviews.

Forest Fest at Emo village will take place on the weekend of July 10 – 12.

In a coup for the organisers, The Stunning have been confirmed as the headline act for the inaugural Forest Fest 2020.

The rest of the line-up is equally enticing as tickets for the festival which go on sale today are likely to be snapped up.

“Laois is the home of the Picnic and at Forest Fest we want to hark back to and recapture that sense of excitement, enthusiasm and boutique festival experience that was synonymous with the early days of the Picnic. Our underlying and guiding principle is to produce an intimate, comfortable, close quarters, quality boutique festival experience. We want people to have a fun weekend when they visit Emo in July and go away with a smile on their face and only good memories,” said the promoter of the midlands newest festival, Philip Meagher.

“It’s going to be like dancing at the crossroads, but 2020 style, with the best entertainment, best food, refreshments and revelry as is befitting a summer time festival in such a lovely setting as here in the heart of Laois in Emo village,” said Philip.

 

Celebrate with Us
4th June 2021
A little about us:

Forest Fest at Emo village this summer

Laois, the home of the Picnic, has a new boutique festival which is bound to fetch the crowds and rave reviews.

Forest Fest at Emo village will take place on the weekend of July 10 – 12.

In a coup for the organisers, The Stunning have been confirmed as the headline act for the inaugural Forest Fest 2020.

The rest of the line-up is equally enticing as tickets for the festival which go on sale today are likely to be snapped up.

“Laois is the home of the Picnic and at Forest Fest we want to hark back to and recapture that sense of excitement, enthusiasm and boutique festival experience that was synonymous with the early days of the Picnic. Our underlying and guiding principle is to produce an intimate, comfortable, close quarters, quality boutique festival experience. We want people to have a fun weekend when they visit Emo in July and go away with a smile on their face and only good memories,” said the promoter of the midlands newest festival, Philip Meagher.

“It’s going to be like dancing at the crossroads, but 2020 style, with the best entertainment, best food, refreshments and revelry as is befitting a summer time festival in such a lovely setting as here in the heart of Laois in Emo village,” said Philip.

 

Contact
Emo, County Laois, Ireland
info@forestfest.ie

The entire Forest Fest takes place at the crossroads in Emo village, just a few minutes’ drive from Junction 15 off the M7. The festival venue is directly opposite the iconic and fabulous heritage site and parkland grounds of the historic, Emo Court, and its wonderful tree lined landscape.

There will be crafts beers and cocktails too at the beautiful Gate House bar which will be serving refreshments ‘till late each night with the award winning Batoni’s Restaurant adapting their usual menu to provide delectable festival themed treats together with other quality artisan food providers from the locality.

A purpose built marquee will be erected at the festival site to accommodate up to 2,000 fans for each show.

Apart from the 3 main concerts at the Forest Fest marquee there will be other programming featuring the arts, afternoon sessions, a Festival Club, a family fun day on the Sunday afternoon and a special Brass & Brunch@Batonis Sunday morning session from midday.

The Line Up

The line-up announced to date includes the featured attraction on Saturday, July 11 with The Stunning on a sensational bill that includes Something Happens, and, The Frank & Walters – all worthy headliners in their own right.

The Stunning, fronted by the cool and suave Steve Wall who has also gone on to achieve cult celebrity status as an actor in such productions as Vikings and Moone Boy, are performing a select 30th anniversary tour which is already selling out.

For country music fans there is the star turn of Mike Denver on the Friday night, a generous nod to the hugely popular Rednecks & Rhinestones festival previously staged at the Emo venue.

Sunday too is a sensational line-up featuring Electric Picnic favourites The Pearly Whites, and Pogueology, local crowd pleasers, The Jury, The Big Spoon with guests Vocalese, with the rave reviewed Johnny Cash Tribute – Walk the Line bringing the curtain down in showcase style on these intimate series of gigs.

There will be shows too from Strength in Numbers and The Glimmermen, special guests at a Festival Club, craft beers, cocktails and a classy food menu all available on the festival campus.

Even more activities, artisans, acts and arts activities for the weekend will be announced in the coming weeks, including a family friendly programme for Sunday afternoon from 12 to 6pm.

Tickets

Forest Fest gigs are of course strictly over 18 and numbers will be strictly limited.

There are a range of fan-friendly ticketing options, ranging in price from €25 for individual shows to a select number of Festival Club weekend passes with special privileges for €100. Tickets from Eventbrite are available HERE.

Where to Stay

Forest Fest is pleased to announce the prestigious and luxurious Heritage Hotel, Killenard as our official accommodation partner. You can contact the Heritage, Killenard HERE.

For a full selection of other excellent accommodation offerings we are pleased to refer you to the Laois Tourism website.

There will also be supervised festival camping in conjunction with Emo GAA, just 200m from the venue. Festival parking is free. There will also be a taxi and shuttle bus service for the convenience of festival revellers.

Check out www.forestfest.ie for complete festival details and daily programme updates and information.