Latest news with #TheStranglers
The Irish Sun
23-07-2025
- Climate
- The Irish Sun
I run Ireland's best kept secret festival with stacked line-up in tiny village of 300 – it's worlds away from my day job
THE boss of Forest Fest has revealed how he has turned down mega-buck deals from corporate sponsors because he does not want his event to become over-commercialised. Some 20,000 punters are expected in Emo, Co Advertisement 5 Philip Meagher was working behind the scenes at Electric Picnic for years 5 The festival will take place in the small town of Emo, Co Laois But it's the middle-aged attendees who the sponsors are more interested in - many of whom have kids who have grown up so they have lots of disposable income to spend. Philip Meagher told 'We have missed out on a lot of Advertisement 'But we want to run a true Philip, a well-known solicitor in Portlaoise, told how he shares similar views on how festivals should be run with his late friend John Reynolds - the founder of the Philip said: 'I think John is smiling down on Forest Fest this weekend, telling me how mad I am to do it. 'Because I was part of the original Electric Picnic team for the first five years, doing all the legals. 'It was one hell of a carnival ride so I got to know John very well. Advertisement 'He was an absolute visionary and genuinely loved in the industry. 'He could persuade you into doing anything, not because he was forceful but because he was a very nice man that people wanted to help. The pint-sized Glastonbury with healing area and kid's zone "Like John, I'm a great believer in being decent and kind to people.' The weather gods seem to be smiling down on Forest Fest along with John Reynolds, as the forecast for the festival this weekend is both warm and dry. Philip said: 'It's a great forecast for the rest of the week, dry and up to twenty degrees. Advertisement "But best of all no rain, and no wind which is great from a production point of view. 'Friday in particular is a cracker of a day with Saturday just as good. SELL OUT GIG "There might be a bit of cloud on Sunday but we're delighted with the news.' Amid the Philip said: 'The Advertisement 'We have missed out on a lot of money from sponsors who want to have a presence down here because our punters are older and have more disposable income than the kids who attend younger festivals." Philip Meagher Over a thousand Some 20,000 people are expected to attend the three-day event, swelling the village of Emo which has a population of 300. Philip said: 'The people attending take over Emo and the surrounding areas. This is the biggest Forest Fest we have ever done.' BIGGER AND BETTER Forest Fest organisers maintain they are 'deliberately prioritising atmosphere and experience over commerciality'. Philip said: 'We've got bigger and bigger from word of mouth. But if people come on a promise, and the staging is crap, they won't come back. Advertisement "But we've connected, not just to the punters, but to the acts as well. "That's why the names playing have gotten better and better each year.' JACK OF ALL TRADES Other well-known acts playing over the four stages include Orbital, The Stranglers, Billy Bragg, Peter Hook & The Light, Reef, Kula Shaker, Therapy?, Teenage Fanclub, The Farm, and Pillow Queens. Some big Irish acts including Hermitage Green, Something Happens, and The Riptide Movement. But festival boss Philip won't have time to see them all. Advertisement Like pal John Reynolds, who was once spotted trying to fix a gate during the Electric Picnic, Philip is not afraid to take any job that needs doing at his event. He said: 'I was on site this morning from half seven but I had to go into the village to buy a tin of paint. "There's something that needs a good coat and I'll be painting it.' To find about more about the event visit 5 Forest Fest is a weekend dedicated to arts and music 5 20,000 festivalgoers are expected to attend this weekend Advertisement 5 Philip said he turned down huge money from sponsors so the festival would remain 'pure'
Scottish Sun
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Iconic punk legends to play huge Scottish shows later this year
It follows a special anniversary for the band HEADING NORTH Iconic punk legends to play huge Scottish shows later this year AN ICONIC punk group are set to play two huge gigs in Scotland. The Stranglers have embarked on a summer tour across the UK Advertisement 4 Formed in 1974, The Stranglers became punk icons Credit: PA 4 Jean-Jacques Burnel of the Stranglers performs onstage during a concert at St Nicholas Park Credit: Getty 4 Baz Warne will also be part of the shows Fans will be able to see the legendary Golden Brown artists at ten venues across Britain. They have embarked on their "51" tour this year and feature their iconic bassist Jean-Jacques Burnel and longest serving guitarist and vocalist Baz Warne. The ten-show journey is marking the band making it past their 50th anniversary milestone. Shows will continue in September and continue until the beginning of November. Advertisement And Scottish fans will be in luck to see the iconic artists perform. There will be two shows held north of the border. The first will be held at the O2 Academy in Edinburgh on Thursday October 23. The Stranglers will then head north and perform for fans in Aberdeen. Advertisement The Granite City gig will be held at the Aberdeen Music Hall on Friday October 24. They will be joined by Buzzcocks as their support for the tour, but sadly informed fans they would not be part of the Scottish gigs. Huge music festival cancelled at last minute after headline act pulls out Although music lovers have been promised a truly epic perfomance from the 1974 rockers. A statement from the band read: "The Stranglers' 50th anniversary year was packed with celebratory sell-out tours across the world and headline slots at festivals worldwide, including a sell-out performance at London's prestigious Royal Albert Hall. Advertisement "The '51' tour celebrates making it past the big five-o, and takes in major towns across the UK culminating in two nights at London's iconic Roundhouse. "The subsequent live album 'Fifty Years In Black' made history when it became the band's 20th top 40 album in the UK." It added: "Fans can expect to enjoy the charming interplay of bass playing icon Jean-Jacques Burnel and longest serving guitarist/vocalist Baz Warne co-fronting the band as they navigate their way through a varied set of six decades worth of hits, hidden gems and fan favourites. "Cemented ever since the busy 'Fifty Years In Black' year, JJ and Baz are joined by mainstay Jim Macaulay on drums and newest member, the harmonically dexterous Toby Hounsham on keyboards." Advertisement
Irish Independent
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Five festivals in Laois not to be missed this summer
While Co. Laois is largely known for Electric Picnic and the Ploughing Championships, there is so much more on offer to help you sort your weekend plans for the next month and a half. Forest Fest Music and Arts Festival Forest Fest Music and Arts Festival is set to have five jam-packed stages of Indie music, Dance, Fleadh, International and Irish artists from July 25-28, 2025. Some of the weekend's headliners include Franz Ferdinand, Manic Street Preachers and The Stranglers alongside a major line-up of Irish artists from across Ireland including Pillow Queens, Dylan Flynn and the Dead Poets, Paddy Casey, Qween, Buíoch and Meadhbh Hayes. Tickets are still available with just two weeks to go until the festival, a single ticket for Friday is €85 and a weekend ticket is €150, more information can be found through Ossory Agricultural Show The Ossory Show promises a fun-filled day out for the whole family at the Ossory Showgrounds, Coolfin Rathdowney, Co. Laois on Sunday, July 27 2025. Attendees can expect an outing for the scrapbooks with over 300 competitive classes, vintage shows, live music , a truck show and much more. More details can be found at 61st National Steam Rally The countdown is on for one of Ireland's oldest and most loved heritage festivals as the 61st National Steam Rally makes its return to Stradbally, Co. Laois. There will be much to see and do over the bank holiday weekend kicking off on Saturday, August 2 with the Steam & Vintage Parade at 7pm. ADVERTISEMENT The rally has much to offer from majestic steam engines and vintage tractors, to music, crafts, trade stands, family attractions and more. Live music will take place throughout the weekend with the line-up set to feature Michael English, Robert Mizzell, Brendan Shine, Declan Nerney, Louise Morrissey, Olivia Douglas, Shawn Cuddy, and many more. There will also be a special gathering of International tractors, working displays, miniature steam, and live demonstrations, funfair rides, heritage exhibits, and family entertainment Whether you're a steam enthusiast, a music lover, or just looking for a great family day out, there's something for everyone at the National Steam Rally. Tickets are available at Laois Forest School Wellness Festival Attendees can looking forward to experiencing rejuvenation amidst nature's embrace at the Laois Forest School Wellbeing Festival over a weekend of holistic wellness including foraging, yoga, storytelling, and more, all set against the backdrop of the lush Doire Seoige oak forest on Saturday, August 9, 2025 Rosenallis Festival of the Mountain and Vintage Rally The Festival of the Mountain & Vintage Rally returns on Sunday, August 17, 2025 to Glenbarrow, Rosenallis, Co. Laois. Organisers have been busy behind the scenes as the festival field is said to have had an upgrade over the winter and is now significantly larger to host even more fun this year. From dog shows to free face-painting and amusements, there is something for everyone.
Glasgow Times
22-06-2025
- Glasgow Times
Total number of arrests made at Glasgow Summer Sessions
The festival, held in Bellahouston Park, featured legendary punk acts including members of The Sex Pistols, Frank Carter, and The Stranglers. READ MORE: Man hospitalised with serious injuries after daylight attack READ MORE: Police issue warning after receiving 'multiple' reports of scammers Officers have stated that four arrests were made during the event, relating to a range of alleged offences, including breach of the peace and a minor assault. The Punk All Dayer was a one-day celebration of punk music in Glasgow Police did not confirm whether those arrested were released, charged, or held in custody.
Glasgow Times
22-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
19 photos from Glasgow's Summer Sessions Punk All Dayer
The all-day festival, an explosive celebration of punk music, featured a stellar line-up of legendary acts, including The Sex Pistols members Steve Jones, Paul Cook, and Glen Matlock, alongside Frank Carter, The Stranglers, The Undertones, Buzzcocks, The Skids, and The Rezillos. Fans immersed themselves in the raw, defiant energy of punk, creating an electrifying atmosphere in a city renowned for its vibrant live music scene. READ MORE: ScotRail issues advice ahead of Summer Sessions in Glasgow One of the highlights of the day was the thrilling collaboration between the former Sex Pistols and modern punk icon Frank Carter. This union fused the Pistols' anarchic legacy with Carter's ferocious stage presence and contemporary edge, resulting in a truly unforgettable performance. Originally debuted at Bush Hall last August, the collaboration launched a short tour and earned glowing five-star reviews from outlets including The Glasgow Times. READ MORE: The Sex Pistols and Frank Carter in Glasgow - my verdict This unique pairing of punk generations set a new benchmark for live performances, uniting fans old and new in celebration of the genre's enduring power. The Stranglers lit up the stage with their unmistakable blend of punk, new wave, and rock. The Undertones, known for their classic anthem Teenage Kicks, delivered a lively, nostalgia-fuelled set that resonated with fans of all ages. Pioneering punk/new wave outfit Buzzcocks thrilled audiences with their signature fast-paced sound. READ MORE: All the banned items from Glasgow's Summer Sessions this year With hits such as Into the Valley and Masquerade, The Skids captivated listeners, proving their music still holds deep emotional and cultural relevance. Meanwhile, The Rezillos injected a playful, retro vibe into the festival with their high-octane performance. Bringing together generations of fans and legends, the event cemented Glasgow's place as a punk stronghold and reminded everyone of the genre's timeless power to unite, energise, and inspire. So, were you there? Dive into our 23 incredible photos and see if you can spot yourself in the crowd! (Image: Robert Perry) (Image: Robert Perry) (Image: Robert Perry) (Image: Robert Perry) (Image: Robert Perry) (Image: Robert Perry) (Image: Robert Perry) (Image: Robert Perry) (Image: Robert Perry) (Image: Robert Perry) (Image: Robert Perry) (Image: Robert Perry) (Image: Robert Perry) (Image: Robert Perry) (Image: Robert Perry) (Image: Robert Perry) (Image: Robert Perry) (Image: Robert Perry) (Image: Robert Perry)
