Forest Fest 2026 Adds 32 New Acts to Its Massive Laois Festival Lineup
Festival News | April, 2026
The Chameleons, Jesus Jones, Björn Again and More Join Forest Fest 2026 in Emo This July
If there was ever any doubt that Forest Fest 2026 was shaping up to be one of the biggest music weekends in Ireland this summer, this latest announcement has absolutely settled it.
The much-loved Laois festival has just revealed 32 brand-new additions to its already stacked bill, with Forest Fest returning to Bee’s Wing Farm, Emo Village, Co. Laois from July 24–26, 2026 - and honestly, it’s looking like an absolute belter.
From legendary punk and indie icons to standout Irish artists and some of the best tribute acts on the festival circuit, Forest Fest continues to prove why it has become one of Ireland’s favourite boutique festivals.
Forest Fest 2026 New Lineup Brings Big Names Across Every Genre
Leading the fresh wave of acts are cult British favourites The Chameleons and Jesus Jones, both guaranteed to bring huge nostalgia and serious energy to the weekend.
Joining them are powerhouse vocalist Andrew Strong, acclaimed singer-songwriter David Kitt, theatrical icon Camille O’Sullivan, and blues legend Don Baker. Also making their Forest Fest debut is American rock duo Black Pistol Fire, bringing a serious dose of raw guitar energy to Laois.
It’s a lineup that spans generations and genres - exactly what Forest Fest has become known for.
Björn Again Set to Deliver the Biggest Friday Night Sing-Along
Let’s be honest - every great festival needs one giant feel-good moment, and Forest Fest 2026 may have just found it.
Headlining the tribute act lineup is none other than Björn Again, the world-famous ABBA spectacular, who are set to close out Friday night in full glitterball style.
Festival organiser Meagher says their recent Isle of Wight Festival performance showed exactly why they’re such a perfect fit.
You only have to look at their performance at the Isle of Wight Festival recently to see what a good vibe they generate. They’re sure to close off Friday night with the biggest sing-along that Ireland has seen in a very long time.
Tribute Acts Bring the Ultimate Festival Party Vibes
Forest Fest always delivers when it comes to tribute bands, and 2026 is no exception.
Alongside Björn Again, festival-goers can expect massive sets from Walk The Line, The Classic Beatles, Harvest with Hearts of Gold Choir, The Complete Stone Roses, Seattle Grunge Ensemble, Thin As Lizzy, Rattle & Hum, Parctick Monkeys and The Specials Ltd.
Whether you're into ABBA, Oasis, U2, Nirvana, The Beatles or Thin Lizzy, there’s something here for everyone.
Forest Fest 2026 Continues to Champion New Irish Talent
One of the best things about Forest Fest is how seriously it takes supporting emerging Irish artists.
This year sees exciting new names like Byro, Cúr, Sadhbh Keane, How I Became A Wave, Def Nettle and Driven Snow all making their Forest Fest debuts.
Meanwhile, local favourites Dopamine, Motion Sickness and Strength In Numbers—who are celebrating their 40th anniversary this year - return once again, highlighting the festival’s ongoing commitment to the local music scene.
Also joining the bill are The Bionic Rats, Columbia Mills and The Luna Boys, all acts that have been steadily building serious momentum on the Irish live circuit.
Full List of New Acts Added to Forest Fest 2026
- The Chameleons
- Jesus Jones
- David Kitt
- Camille O’Sullivan
- Black Pistol Fire
- The Complete Stone Roses
- Björn Again
- Columbia Mills
- Andrew Strong
- The Specials Ltd.
- Harvest with Hearts of Gold Choir
- The Bionic Rats
- Don Baker
- Sadhbh Keane
- How I Became A Wave
- Def Nettle
- Driven Snow
- Motion Sickness
- Strength In Numbers
- Dopamine
- Byro
- The Luna Boys
- Parctick Monkeys
- The Classic Beatles
- Seattle Grunge Ensemble
- Thin As Lizzy
- Walk The Line
- Rattle & Hum
- Cúr
- BoolaBoom
- The Circus Ponies
- Queen Bees
- When and Where Is Forest Fest 2026?
Forest Fest 2026 takes place from Friday, July 24 to Sunday, July 26 at Bee’s Wing Farm, Emo Village, Co. Laois.
With one of the strongest festival lineups in Ireland this summer, expect tickets—and campsite bragging rights - to move fast.
If you’re planning your Irish festival calendar for 2026, Forest Fest should absolutely be near the top of the list.
Tickets are available from forestfest.ie and are subject to booking fees.
Check out the latest addition to Forest Fest: Kickin' Up Dust - bringing Country & Americana to Forest Fest 2026.
Photo Credit: Official EXIT Photo team.
