Kilkenny music-lovers set to flock to Ireland's 'easiest festival'

Kilkenny music lovers are set to flock to catch the stellar line-up at Ireland’s 'easiest festival' next month

Forest Fest is just four weeks away away, running from July 21-23 in the historic village of Emo in neighbouring Co Laois and boasting headliners Sister Sledge, Britpop trailblazers Suede and Indie giants James.

New York folk great Suzanne Vega, Scottish duo The Proclaimers and Ireland’s very own Bell X1 are also performing at the festival - now in its second year.

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But campervan and caravan options have now sold out, with most tickets snapped up by revellers who attended last year’s launch event.

Organiser Philip Meagher said almost two-thirds of ticket sales this year have been bought by music fans who rocked up to the first Forest Fest last July.

“That is a massive vote of confidence, and shows we are doing something right,” Philip said. 

Combining the glory days of the Féile with the buzz of Electric Picnic, the three-day fiesta is aimed at music fans over 30 and their families.

He said he was delighted that Sister Sledge, featuring Kathy Sledge, agreed to perform because the group’s ‘We Are Family’ hit perfectly sums up the festival’s ethos.

“I can’t wait to see Kathy and the band perform at Emo,” he said.

Philip, a practising solicitor, described booking the acts for Ireland’s largest family-orientated music and arts festival as a ‘labour of love’.

“When I was picking the bands, I made sure they were match fit and already touring,” he added.

“It is the easiest festival you will ever go to in Ireland because there is none of the usual hassle associated with festivals.

“We’ve made it as stress-free as possible.

“Those making the trip do not face a trek of 45 minutes, they can get from their car to the site in six or seven minutes.

“There is an abundance of well-staffed places to eat and drink, as well as an excess of showers and toilet facilities. 

“We deliberately over-supply these and fans love that part of it.”

As well as free entry for children under 12, Philip said the Portarlington Art Collective will hold arts and crafts lessons in a safe and secure environment for kids of all ages.

Youngsters will also get the chance to learn circus skills from members of the Broken Theatre group, who will be performing in the festival’s big top.

Later in the evening, the circus tent is transformed in to a vaudeville venue where the grown-ups can enjoy “creepy cabaret and burlesque acts from the Broken Theatre performers”.

James headline the opening night on July 21, followed by Sister Sledge on Saturday and Suede the following night.

The warm-up act for the headliners will be The Pyro Collective, who will light up every night of the festival from an elevated position alongside the main arena. 

For more information about tickets and camping, see: forestfest.ie/tickets/