Forever Young Festival: Squeeze, Billy Ocean and Bananarama will set the stage alight this July

Forever Young Festival will bring the best artists from the 70s/80s to the stunning Palmerstown House Estate in Kildare from July 14 to 16 this year.

The lineup on July 14 includes big artists such as Squeeze, which became one of Britain’s most important young bands with their second album ‘Cool For Cats’ in 1979. The Irish rock band Hothouse Flowers will also be part of the fun. Their traditional Irish music mixed with influences from soul, gospel and rock was a huge success when their first album, People (1988), reached Number 2 in the UK and at the time became the biggest selling debut by an Irish artist. Renowned for his amazing showmanship and moustache, Jerry Fish will perform on the first day of this exceptional festival too.

Photo via bananarama_official, billyoceanofficial (photo by @scene_by_me) and vivajerryfish.

Andy Bell, formerly known as the frontman for the enduring electro pop duo Erasure, has spread his wings since and released two solo albums. He will perform on July 15 alongside Billy Ocean,  famous for his major hits Caribbean Queen, When The Going Gets Tough, The Tough Get Going and Love Really Hurts Without You.

Legendary pop band Bananarama will surely make the crowd dance on July 16. Eleven of their singles reached the US Billboard Hot 100 and they have sold 30 million records worldwide. They also have an entry in the Guinness book of World Records for the most charted hits by a female group in history! One of the foremost British synth-pop bands that appeared in the early 1980s, ABC, will also make you move. If you grew up in the 80s, you probably know their biggest hits The Look Of Love, Pt.1, Poison Arrow or When Smokey Sings.

The world’s finest tribute bands like The Bon Jovi Experience, The Bootleg Police, DMode, Rebel Rebel (who recreates the sound and look of a David Bowie concert) will surely make you nostalgic.

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Come back the 70s/80s craziness

There is more to the festival than only the music. The iconic cars from the 70s/80s will make their big appearance too. Were you a fan of Back To The Future, Ghostbusters or Knight Rider? The DeLorean, Ghostbusters car and KITT will all be displayed at the Forever Young Festival  and attendees can have a photo taken with their favourite one.

Attendees will have the chance to take pictures with the DeLorean, Ghostbusters car or KITT. Image via foreveryoung_ie.

As the All Ireland semi final draw has been made, the festival didn’t want football lovers to miss a thing. The key matches will be projected on the big screen with an incredible atmosphere in the Silent Disco Big Top.

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Camp on the site

The festival has a variety of ticket options to suit every requirement. Festival goers can stay for the weekend in standard or upgraded lux camping. They can also bring their own tent, come in a campervan or caravan (pass needed) or stay in a pre-erected tent, cabin, etc. They can come with or without beds, duvets as they have glamping (association of words glamorous and campsite) providers. A package includes hotel rooms and transport to and from the festival. Attendees can come for a day or daily for the weekend in a car, on our buses, or get dropped off and collected.

Festival goers can enjoy the ultimate in festival camping luxury with glamping. Photo via foreveryoung_ie.

In return for a donation to The Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, the Forever Young Scout Leaders will be wandering in the festival’s campsites offering guidance and tips on putting up the tents and helping to make the festival experience as comfortable as possible for the attendees.

Whilst it won’t be possible for them to erect everyone’s tent they will be on hand to help where they can. So look out for our volunteer Scouters who will “do their best” to help if you run into trouble!

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Become the star of the day

Have you ever dreamed of being under the spotlight while singing your favourite song?  Attendees can have the chance to perform with the festival’s live band on the Stars In Their Eyes stage at Forever Young Festival this July. Plus, the winner of this competition will win an all expenses paid glamping package for two and tickets for Forever Young 2024.

The contestants will have to choose a song from a list of big hits, from Dancing In The Dark by Bruce Springsteen, I Love Rock N’ Roll by Joan Jett, to Uptown Girl by Billy Joel. They are also requested to upload a clip of them performing a verse and chorus. If you are used to singing in the shower or using your hairbrush mic, it’s time to make it real.

Eight contestants will be picked to sing with the live band on stage two. All entries must be sent via jotform by July 9.

Bring your most colourful flared trousers, tie dye shirts and halter neck catsuits to the incredible Forever Young Festival. From July 14 to 16, the best lineup of bands and singers will bring you back to the best music of the 70s and 80s.

Location

Palmerstown House, Estate, Naas, Co. Kildare, W91 FK10