In the run-up to Forest Fest – taking place in Emo Village, Co. Laois from July 22-24 – The Waterboys have been announced as a new addition to the line-up.

The group, fronted by Mike Scott, will play the final performance of the entire weekend – capping off the Sunday night celebrations.

“To be honest we’re chuffed to have secured The Waterboys to bring the festival to a close," Forest Fest promoter, Philip Meagher. "Their catalogue of classic songs and favourite anthems precedes them. Fans are going to be thrilled and we’re over ‘the whole of the moon’ to be able to send them home happy ‘with a bang on the ear.'"

The news arrives ahead of the release of The Waterboys' eagerly anticipated new album, All Souls Hill, out on May 6, via Cooking Vinyl.

Forest Fest organisers have also announced the inclusion of Power of Dreams – who recently released a seven-track EP, Baby Boy – to the bill. The band will be performing on the Friday of the festival.

Forest Fest opens on Friday, July 22, featuring Strings n’ Things, Greenshine, Hamsandwich, Hermitage Green, Harvest, Power of Dreams, Jack L and The 4 of Us.

Taking to the stage on the Saturday, July 23, are The Stunning marking their 30th anniversary tour. Also, on the Saturday bill are Something Happens, Mundy, Paddy Casey, The Riptide Movement, Lisa Lambe, Cathy Davey, Inni-K, Thumper, Strand, Strength in Numbers, Carpark Sci-Fi, AIS, Three Underneath, The Barley Mob, Manden Express and Ares Redemption.

The final day of the festival, Sunday July 24, stars The Waterboys, King Kong Company, Damien Dempsey, The Lost Messiahs, Soda Blonde, Hothouse Flowers, Stockton’s Wing, Pogueology, Walk the Line, The Barley Mob, Eileen Gogan, The Pearly Whites, Big Spoon, Paper Planes, Dopamine and Flublah.

Forest Fest is currently completing preparations for its arts events, fringe festival and children's programme – details of which will be revealed soon.

For tickets and further information, see forestfest.ie