Thousands of Kildare music fans enjoy Forest Fest 2026
The move to Bee's Wing Farm marked a significant new chapter
Thousands of music fans from Kildare were among the crowds who travelled to Bee's Wing Farm in Emo, Co. Laois, as Forest Fest 2026 welcomed festival-goers for a weekend of live music, entertainment and family attractions.
The popular festival, now firmly established as one of Ireland's biggest summer music events and located within easy travelling distance of Kildare, attracted thousands of visitors over two days as sunshine greeted the opening of the festival and set the tone for a memorable weekend.
The Forest Stage became the centrepiece of Friday's opening day, with Dylan Flynn & The Dead Poets and Dea Matrona kicking off proceedings before The Chameleons and The Wedding Present entertained growing crowds throughout the afternoon.
The Charlatans made their long-awaited Forest Fest debut before legendary Liverpool band Echo & The Bunnymen closed the opening night with a captivating headline performance.
The Village Stage also proved hugely popular, with punk legends The Undertones celebrating their 50th anniversary with an energetic headline set.
Earlier performances came from Ned's Atomic Dustbin, Bruce Foxton, Something Happens, Harvest, These Charming Men and Risky Business, ensuring there was music to suit every taste.
Country music fans gathered at the new Kickin' Up Dust Stage, the centrepiece of Forest Fest's expanded country and Americana arena. Performances from Gavin Gribben, Hurricane Highway, Clodagh Lawler, Johnny Brady, Michael English and Jimmy Buckley kept the dedicated sprung dance floor full throughout the evening, while visitors also enjoyed arts and crafts exhibitions, interactive activities and a retro disco featuring classic hits from the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s.
Traditional Irish music featured prominently on the Fleadh Stage, where performances by Dervish, Lorraine Nash and Derek Warfield & The Young Wolfetones entertained late-night audiences. Meanwhile, the Perfect Day Stage showcased Ireland's next generation of talent, alongside popular tribute acts and late-night performances.
Saturday maintained the momentum as another packed programme unfolded across the festival site. The Forest Stage welcomed performances from The Hoosiers, The Frank and Walters, Andrew Strong and The Fratellis before singer-songwriter Paul Brady, Irish chart favourites The Coronas and Scottish legends Deacon Blue delighted festival-goers.
British rock band James brought the second night to a spectacular close, delivering a hit-filled headline set that had thousands singing along until the final song.
Elsewhere, the Village Stage featured performances from David Kitt, HamsandwicH, Hugh Cornwell, Lloyd Cole, Fun Lovin' Criminals and The Sultans of Ping, whose high-energy finale proved one of the highlights of the day.
The Fleadh Stage continued to celebrate Irish folk and traditional music with performances from Camille O'Sullivan, Goitse, Cherish The Ladies and headliners Kíla, while the Kickin' Up Dust Stage welcomed Clíona Hagan, Mike Denver, Keywest and Paddy Treacy among a busy country music lineup.
Away from the stages, festival-goers enjoyed sustainability talks at the Greenhouse Stage, spectacular fire displays by the Pyro Collective, artisan food vendors, interactive art installations and family-friendly attractions.
The successful move to Bee's Wing Farm marked a significant new chapter for Forest Fest, with many Kildare music fans expected to return again next year.