Forest Fest Festival – day two live gallery and review from Bee’s Wing Farm Emo Village, County Laois 25.07.2026

Day two of Forest Fest 2026 dawned with another spell of fantastic weather. While rain had been forecast, it never really materialised beyond the occasional light drizzle that drifted across the site on the breeze at intervals throughout the day. It certainly wasn’t enough to dampen spirits.

Saturday is traditionally the festival’s biggest day, and this year was no exception. With an expected attendance of around 16,000 people, the largest crowd Forest Fest has ever welcomed, there was a real sense of anticipation from the moment the gates opened. Weekend campers were joined by thousands of day trippers, and the excitement was evident everywhere you looked.

The music got underway early, with most of the festival’s six stages opening at noon or shortly afterwards. As the afternoon progressed, a steady stream of new arrivals continued to pour into the venue, creating a lively atmosphere that only grew stronger as the day went on.

Those who arrived early were treated to an impressive mix of performances from The Hoosiers, Def Nettle, How I Became A Wave, The Vibes, The Achill Lads, and even some energetic Jive & Line Dancing with Jiveingym, ensuring there was something for every musical taste. As the evening approached, the momentum continued to build with standout performances from Feeder, The Wonder Stuff, and Black Pistol Fire, each drawing enthusiastic crowds.

By nightfall, the festival site was absolutely packed. The increased attendance did appear to create some congestion in the main arena, with opinions split on how well the new layout handled the record breaking crowd. There seemed to be a genuine 50/50 divide between those who felt the site coped well and those who believed improvements were needed. However, this is the first year in the new location, and it’s only natural that organisers will learn what works and what doesn’t. These are the kind of teething problems every growing festival experiences, and there’s every reason to believe they’ll be ironed out before next year’s event.

Unfortunately, my own day came to an early end. By around 10pm, I wasn’t feeling my best and reluctantly had to call it a night before I had the chance to see the headline performances. It was a disappointing way to finish what had otherwise been an enjoyable day, but from everything I experienced before leaving, Forest Fest once again proved why it continues to grow in popularity and remains one of Ireland’s standout summer festivals.

How I Became A Wave photos:

Def Nettle photos:

The Fratellis photos & set-list:

Set-list:
Henrietta
Vince the Loveable Stoner
Yes Sir, I Can Boogie (Baccara cover)
Whistle for the Choir
Impostors – Little by Little
Creepin’ Up the Backstairs
Living in the Dark
Flathead
Jeannie Nitro
Ole Black ‘n’ Blue Eyes
Too Much Wine
Baby Fratelli
We Need Medicine
Chelsea Dagger

HamsandwicH photos:

Thanks Mom photos:

Lloyd Cole photos & set-list:

Set-list:
29
Hey Rusty
Rattlesnakes
Speedboat
Cut Me Down
Brand New Friend
Charlotte Street
Perfect Skin
Pretty Gone
No Blue Skies
Jennifer She Said
Undressed
2cv
Are You Ready to Be Heartbroken?
Forest Fire
Lost Weekend

The Coronas photos & set-list:

Set-list:
Addicted to Progress
Strive
The Long Way
Haunted
Ghosting
All the Others
Mark My Words
Closer to You
Give Me a Minute
Just Like That
What a Love
San Diego Song

Babyrat photos:

Power Of Dreams photos:

Photos & words – Ian Mc Donnell @mcgigmusic