Exciting battle of the bands to give artists chance to perform at Laois festival

Dunamaise Arts Centre, in partnership with Forest Fest, has announced the launch of a new Battle of the Bands Competition The Road to Forest Fest, aimed at discovering and supporting emerging musical talent from across Ireland.

The competition will take place as a one-night live event on June 7th at Dunamaise Arts Centre, where 8-10 shortlisted bands will perform for the chance to secure a coveted slot on the Forest Fest main stage 2026. Open to bands and solo artists nationwide, the initiative is designed to give performers a genuine pathway from grassroots gigs to a major festival platform, offering the opportunity to play on a big stage in front of a large audience.

“This competition is about creating real opportunities for bands to grow and be seen,” said Georgina Carey. “It’s about giving artists the chance to step up, gain experience, and ultimately perform on a major festival stage.”

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Philip Maher, founder of Forest Fest, has been very supportive of the initiative and continues to show a strong commitment to supporting the arts and initiatives at Dunamaise Arts Centre.

The competition will culminate in a high-energy live showcase, with one winning act earning a performance opportunity at Forest Fest. Further details, including entry information and how bands can apply can be found on the website. Dunamaise.ie

Artists interested in taking part can register their interest by following the link to fill out this form: https://forms.gle/sMbFxkonZq9KuvAK9