Forest Fest announces exciting trad acts for 2026 festival

FOREST FEST, the annual music festival taking place at Bee's Wing Farm, Emo, Co Laois, has revealed 27 acts set to perform on the festival's Forest Fleadh Stage in July.

Joining the bill are Kíla and Brass, Camille O'Sullivan, Aldoc, Jiggy, Dervish, Cherish The Ladies, The Henry Girls, Lorraine Nash, Hugsie and many more.

The line-up is a celebration of the very best of Irish folk and traditional music, a statement from the festival reads.

The acts join a line-up featuring new wave rockers Echo & The Bunnymen, Madchester quartet James, and ska legends Madness.

Bee's Wing Farm will also play host to The Boomtown Rats, The Charlatans, The Undertones, Deacon Blue, The Coronas, Paul Brady, Feeder, and more, with further announcements still to come.

Forest Fest will take place in Emo, Co. Laois from 24–26 July. It was voted ‘No. 1 Festival in Ireland’ in The Irish Times Critics’ Poll 2025, shortlisted for Best Small Festival 2025 in the IMRO Live Music Awards and crowned Best Event / Festival at the Midlands Hospitality Awards 2025.

Founded by Laois native Philip Meagher, Forest Fest champions indie rock and pop, complemented by support for homegrown talent across its dedicated trad, folk and emerging music stages. The festival takes place in the village of Emo, with the backdrop of Emo Court central to the experience.

Philip Meagher said Forest Fest is “proud” of its Fleadh line-up. “We're really looking forward to welcoming the very best folk and trad acts from all around the country to Laois in July. We cannot wait to have the mother of all hooleys in Emo this summer."

The announcement will be celebrated the evening of 26 May, with a launch party at a secret location, where an all-star trad session will mark the occasion.

For more information on Forest Fest, see the festival website.