Echo and the Bunnymen, Deacon Blue, The Charlatans, The Wonder Stuff – among first acts announced for Forest Fest 2026

Forest Fest has unveiled the first wave of artists set to perform at its 2026 edition, returning to Emo Village, Co. Laois, from Friday 24 to Sunday 26 July.

The 2026 line-up brings together an exceptional mix of iconic and era-defining artists, including post-punk pioneers Echo and the Bunnymen, beloved Scottish pop-rock outfit Deacon Blue, indie stalwarts The Charlatans, beloved alt-rockers The Lemonheads, anthemic rock outfit Feeder, high-energy trailblazers The Wonderstuff, genre-bending groovers Black Grape, era-defining indie band The Fratellis, cult alt-rock heroes Ned’s Atomic Dustbin and the acclaimed singer-songwriter Lloyd Cole. 

This first announcement of 10 acts sets the tone for what promises to be one of the standout festival bills of next summer. 

Early Bird tickets are on sale now at €210 for a weekend ticket, with single day ticket options available. Special family, adolescent and single parent family tickets are available. Children under 12 go free with a parent or guardian over the age of 18. Campervan, caravan and camping tickets sold separately.

For 2026, the Forest Fest team has reimagined the festival layout in direct response to audience feedback. Festivalgoers asked for better walkability, more comfort and additional space across key areas, and the new design delivers exactly that. While Forest Fest remains entirely within the picturesque confines of Emo Village, the site has moved to Bee’s Wing Farm. This shift allows for improved facilities and a smoother, more enjoyable flow throughout the weekend. The updated layout includes expanded amenities, more toilets, additional food and drink vendors and increased space in the arena, camping and campervan areas.

Also new for 2026, the VIP experience has been elevated even further. Enhancements include shortcut access to the main stage area, direct views of the main stage and live-feed screens within VIP, express accreditation and fast-lane entry, and dedicated express bar service both inside VIP and at the main bars. Luxury flushing toilets have been increased for added comfort. VIP guests will also enjoy a specially curated programme of music, magic and comedy exclusive to the area, creating a festival within the festival.

Now entering its fifth year, Forest Fest continues to go from strength to strength. The festival has just been awarded Best Festival / Event at the Midlands 103 Hospitality Awards, seeing off stiff competition from major national events including Electric Picnic and the National Ploughing Championships.

Festival Director Philip Meagher says:
 “I’m so excited at the prospect of welcoming and hearing some of my own personal favourite acts from over the past 40 years to Emo next summer. Acts that kept me and my friends entertained in our late teenage years through college, into working life and our first gigs and festival experiences and beyond, up to the present day. As you can see from the line-up so far, it’s a wonderful representation of a very eclectic mix which is borne from my own personal taste over the past number of years. From the full on sing-a-long anthems of The Fratellis, The Wonderstuff, The Charlatans, Deacon Blue and Feeder to the wonderfully moody classics of Echo and the Bunnymen, interspersed with the amazing The Lemonheads, Black Grape, Ned’s Atomic Dustbin and Lloyd Cole, these first 10 acts to be announced certainly represent our intentions for 2026 at Forest Fest – an absolute feast of the very best music for all to enjoy.”

Forest Fest 2026 takes place from Friday 24 to Sunday 26 July at Bee’s Wing Farm, Emo Village, Co. Laois. Early Bird tickets are on sale now from forestfest.ie