Madness –  join Echo and the Bunnymen, Deacon Blue, The Charlatans and more on the line-up for Forest Fest 2026

At a launch event in Whelan’s, Dublin tonight, Forest Fest Director Philip Meagher announced that MADNESS will join the line-up at the festival taking place at Emo Village, Co. Laois, from Friday 24 to Sunday 26 July.

Beloved for their genre-defining blend of ska, pop and infectious showmanship, MADNESS join the already stacked first line-up announced this morning: 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. 

The 2026 line-up brings together an exceptional mix of iconic and era-defining artists, including post-punk pioneers This announcement of 11 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.

Tickets are available from forestfest.ie and are subject to booking fees. 

Photo credit – press photo