‘Scaled back’ Old Fort Quarter Festival promises family fun in June

THE OLD Fort Quarter Festival is set to return in a scaled back format in 2026.

The festival, which celebrates Laois’s rich heritage, will take place on Sunday, 28th June in Portlaoise, with a renewed focus on family-friendly activities and community engagement.

Live music will no longer be part of the event. The changes were confirmed at an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM), where a new committee was formally elected.

The 2026 festival will provide entertainment for all ages, including a mix of familiar favourites and new additions.

Popular attractions such as the Big Dig and Golden Ravens will return, alongside walking tours led by renowned historians Michael Parsons and Teddy Fennelly, as well as engaging Medieval reenactments.

New acts confirmed for 2026 include an exciting fire show, a curated ghost tour and pop-up storytelling in the town for adult audiences.

Chairperson Regina Dunne says this year’s event will focus on bringing families together in a relaxed and enjoyable setting, while also laying the groundwork for bigger plans in the future.

The festival committee also announced plans to host an Annual General Meeting (AGM) following this year's festival. This meeting will focus on developing a comprehensive strategy to commemorate a significant milestone in 2027: the 480th anniversary of the construction of the Fort of Leix, also known as campa to the Gaelic Irish.

As part of this year’s programme, the committee is issuing an open call to community groups, organisations, and creatives to get involved in shaping the festival experience.

Groups are invited to engage with an activity or performance within the Cultural Quarter in Portlaoise, with a thematic focus on ‘Then & Now’—exploring Portlaoise as a growing town since the 1500s.

Interested participants are invited to email oldfortquarterfestival@gmail.com.

“The success of the Old Fort Quarter Festival has always depended on community involvement,” says Regina.

“We are excited to see local groups and individuals bring their creativity and perspectives to this year’s event and beyond.” In a statement, the new committee extended gratitude to PJ Kavanagh and Michelle de Forge for many years of dedication to the festival from its inception until 2025.

Further details regarding the June event and the upcoming AGM will be announced in the coming weeks.