Fans flock to see Kildare country star Michael English at Forest Fest 2026
Kickin' Up Dust Stage is the new country and Americana arena
Co Kildare country star Michael English was one of the standout attractions at Forest Fest 2026 in Emo, Co. Laois.
On Friday night, the popular singer took to the Kickin' Up Dust Stage, the centrepiece of Forest Fest's new country and Americana arena, entertaining a large crowd with a performance that kept dancers on the venue's dedicated sprung jiving floor throughout the evening.
English was joined on the day's country lineup by Gavin Gribben, Hurricane Highway, Delyra, Clodagh Lawler, Johnny Brady, Dave Lofts and The Outcast Crew, before Jimmy Buckley brought the opening night to a close with a headline performance.
The expanded country arena also featured the Port Art Collective, offering arts, crafts and interactive activities, while the Top of the Crops disco stage provided a soundtrack of classic hits from the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s.
Elsewhere across the festival, thousands of music lovers enjoyed performances on six stages after sunshine greeted the opening of the event at Bee's Wing Farm.
The main Forest Stage featured performances from Dylan Flynn & The Dead Poets, Dea Matrona, The Chameleons and The Wedding Present before The Charlatans made their Forest Fest debut.
Legendary Liverpool band Echo & The Bunnymen closed the opening night with the festival's headline performance.
The Village Stage welcomed The Undertones as headliners during their 50th anniversary year, while the Fleadh Stage showcased Irish folk and traditional music with performances from Dervish and Derek Warfield & The Young Wolfetones.
Festival-goers also explored a range of attractions beyond the music, including sustainability talks at the Greenhouse Stage, spectacular fire displays by the Pyro Collective, artisan food vendors, a dedicated merchandise area and family-friendly activities.
The move to the new venue in Emo marked a significant milestone for Forest Fest, with the expanded site accommodating larger crowds and a broader entertainment programme, making it an attractive destination for music fans travelling from Kildare and across the Midlands.