James Announced as Saturday headliners for Forest Fest 2026
By James Announced as Saturday headliner for Forest Fest 2026
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23 new acts announced including The Undertones, The Coronas, The Sultans of Ping, Kerbdog, Power of Dreams, The Wedding Present, Fun Lovin Criminals, Bad Manners, King Kong Company, HamsandwicH, AHOUSE!SDEAD and more
Friday July 24th – Sunday July 26th 2026
Bee’s Wing Farm, Emo Village Co. LaoisEarly Bird tickets on sale now from forestfest.ie subject to booking fees
Forest Fest has today confirmed James – one of the most successful alternative rock bands of the past four decades, known for hits including ‘Laid’, ‘Sit Down’ and ‘Getting Away With It’ – as the Saturday night headliners for its 2026 edition. The Manchester legends join previously announced Friday headliners Echo and the Bunnymen and Sunday night’s Madness, completing the festival’s weekend headliner line-up.
A total of 23 new acts have been added to the bill today. The latest additions include chart-topping Irish rock band The Coronas; Derry punk originals The Undertones; cult punk-pop outfit The Sultans of Ping; Kilkenny alt-metal band Kerbdog; 2-tone ska veterans Bad Manners; indie-rock favourites Power of Dreams, who will play their first show together in 15 years; New York genre-mixers Fun Lovin’ Criminals; influential UK outfit The Wedding Present; art-pop collective A House Is Dead; electronic live act King Kong Company; indie-pop group HamsandwicH; ex–The Jam musician Bruce Foxton; former Stranglers frontman Hugh Cornwell; Wexford rock band Cry Before Dawn; rising punk artist Aoife Destruction; Smiths tribute act These Charming Men; vocalist Jack L; garage-rock trio The Minutes; Queen tribute Qween, joined by the Dublin Gospel Choir; indie-pop collective Dylan Flynn and The Dead Poets; and emerging indie-rock band Thanks Mom.
These additions sit alongside the previously announced 11 acts, revealed last month at a launch event in Whelan’s, Dublin. The night featured live performances from HamsandwicH, The Minutes and Thanks Mom – all of whom are among today’s newly confirmed artists.
Also included in today’s announcement is Jack L, whose long-standing relationship with Forest Fest has been central to its identity. The internationally acclaimed Irish artist has performed at every edition, collaborating with the Maynooth Gospel Choir, appearing with his full band and serving as the festival’s host MC across all stages. His return reflects a partnership that has grown year on year as the festival has evolved from a local event into one of Ireland’s most-loved boutique festivals.
The previously announced line-up includes post-punk pioneers Echo and the Bunnymen; Scottish pop-rock favourites Deacon Blue; indie stalwarts The Charlatans; alt-rock band The Lemonheads; rock outfit Feeder; trailblazers The Wonderstuff; genre-spanning group Black Grape; indie band The Fratellis; cult alt-rockers Ned’s Atomic Dustbin; and singer-songwriter Lloyd Cole.
Of the latest line up announcement, Festival Director Philip Meagher says: “I’m really thrilled with this line-up reveal–I’m particularly thrilled to be welcoming back to the festival, James. I saw their performance at the Isle of Wight Festival this summer and they just seem to be getting better and better; as far as I’m concerned they’re one of the top 10 live acts in the world at the moment so we’re absolutely honoured to have them as part of our line up this year.”
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.
For 2026, the Forest Fest team has reimagined the festival layout in direct response to audience feedback. Festivalgoers asked for better walkability, more comfort and additional space across key areas, and the new design delivers exactly that. While Forest Fest remains entirely within the picturesque confines of Emo Village, the site has moved to Bee’s Wing Farm. This shift allows for improved facilities and a smoother, more enjoyable flow throughout the weekend. The updated layout includes expanded amenities, more toilets, additional food and drink vendors and increased space in the arena, camping and campervan areas.
Also new for 2026, the VIP experience has been elevated even further. Enhancements include shortcut access to the main stage area, direct views of the main stage and live-feed screens within VIP, express accreditation and fast-lane entry, and dedicated express bar service both inside VIP and at the main bars. Luxury flushing toilets have been increased for added comfort. VIP guests will also enjoy a specially curated programme of music, magic and comedy exclusive to the area, creating a festival within the festival.
Now entering its fifth year, Forest Fest continues to go from strength to strength. The festival has recently been awarded Best Festival / Event at the Midlands 103 Hospitality Awards, seeing off stiff competition from major national events including Electric Picnic and the National Ploughing Championships.
Forest Fest 2026 takes place from Friday 24 to Sunday 26 July at Bee’s Wing Farm, Emo Village, Co. Laois. Early Bird tickets are on sale now from forestfest.ie
Legendary Acts. Modern Boutique Experience