Forest Fest, running from 21 – 23 July, features almost 100 acts and is set to swell the tiny population of Emo, Co Laois to almost 10,000 each night
If you ask any die-hard festival-goers what they dislike about attending festivals, you’ll probably get the same responses – the hassle of getting to and from the location, exorbitant food and drink prices and trying to organise everything you need for camping.
These were just some of the reasons why Phillip Meagher decided to create a hassle-free weekend for revellers who have outgrown conventional music festivals.
The Portlaoise native loved listening to Irish acts like The Stunning, Something Happens and Aslan but couldn’t find any festivals that he actually wanted to go to.
“I was finding I couldn’t relate to other festivals for over-30s,” said the 54-year-old. “They seemed like so much hassle, both getting into and getting out of them, even down to the food and toilet facilities.”
“I genuinely wanted to create a local alternative to Electric Picnic and do it at a more intimate, indie level with the highest quality bands and a really good experience for an older audience.”
Covid put the brakes on Forest Fest in 2020 and 2021 but last year, Phillip’s dream became reality. Since co-ordinating the inaugural festival in Emo, Co Laois, he has lured music heavyweights Sister Sledge, Suede, James and Scottish twins The Proclaimers to perform later this month.
Suzanne Vega, Peter Hook and the Light, Gabrielle and Alabama 3 join a growing global lineup and there’s also a new stage for trad music lovers – The Forest Fleadh – which will feature Irish legend (and recent Irish Country Magazine cover star) Sharon Shannon, Paul Brady and Stockton’s Wing.
Forest Fest is staged at Emo GAA grounds and if you’re worried about childcare, just bring the kids with you. The family-friendly event will have children’s entertainment taking place each day in partnership with the Port Art Collective and Jane Murray’s Broken Theatre group.
“It is the easiest festival you will ever go to,” declared Phillip. “The site is 16 acres but you can get from one stage to another in a few minutes.”
Campervan and caravan tickets are sold out but for weekend/day passes and more information on the amazing list of performers, see forestfest.ie
