The Cult complete Laois festival's headline acts
The band will play the only Irish gig of their European tour at Forest Fest in Emo this July
Eighties rockers The Cult have been confirmed as the final headliners for Forest Fest in Laois this July.
The UK post-punk band, known for hits ‘Love Removal Machine’, ‘She Sells Sanctuary’ and ‘Rain’, complete a star-studded line up at Forest Fest in Emo.
The three-day festival, from July 19 to 21, is estimated to be worth more than €1 million to the economy of Emo village and surrounding area.
“I’m thrilled to secure The Cult, who have a huge following in Ireland,” said Forest Fest organiser and local solicitor, Philip Meagher.
“This is their only Irish appearance on a European/UK tour this year so it’s great to lock them in. They headline on Saturday night after Ocean Colour Scene, followed by a finale party featuring King Kong Company and Jenny Greene, all on the main stage,” said Mr Meagher.
On Friday, The Divine Comedy hit the main stage after The Stunning and Dexys, while The Human League wrap up the festival on Sunday night after Tony Hadley and Paul Brady.
“The wealth of talent across the entire weekend, both international and home grown, makes this an extremely strong line-up and all these bands are match fit,” said Mr Meagher.
Other acts confirmed include EMF, Sharon Shannon, The Frank & Walters and Stereo MC’s.
The Laois music festival will also feature some of the original DJs who shaped Ibiza's legendary 90s club scene, including the legendary Gee Moore of the iconic Bora Bora Beach Club.
Organisers are also putting the final touches to the Forest Fleadh, a resounding success last year.
Now in its third year, Forest Fest is billed as Ireland’s easiest festival to navigate and is aimed at music fans aged over 30 who have grown weary of conventional music events.
With over 80% of weekend tickets and camper van passes sold out, organisers are encouraging revellers who can not make it to Emo for the entire weekend to consider day trips – with buses running to and from Dublin and other areas.
The festival is staged in the heart of Emo Village, next door to OPW-run Emo Court, and dedicated children’s entertainment also takes place each day.
Mr Meagher said he was inspired to stage Forest Fest after being disappointed by the ‘hassle’ of other festivals.
“I was finding I couldn’t relate to other festivals for over 30s – they seemed like so much hassle, both getting into and getting out of them, even down to the food and toilet facilities.
Pictured above: Philip Meagher
“I genuinely wanted to create a local alternative to Electric Picnic and do it at a more intimate, indie level with the highest quality bands and a really good experience for an older audience,” he said.
The event became a reality in 2022.
Revellers are advised there are options for glamping, camper vans, caravans and tenting, but all of these are selling out fast.
Local hotels will be served by a shuttle bus direct to the event. For more information and tickets, see: forestfest.ie