Dublin’s Royal Hospital Kilmainham prepares to once again play host to Forbidden Fruit Festival, returning for 2018 with its trademark blend of cutting-edge electronic, hip hop and alternative sounds. This year’s edition finds a sharp focus on techno and boundary-pushing club music amid its eclectic bookings, set against the backdrop of one of Ireland’s most iconic sites. Justice headline the bill, bringing their incendiary live show and signature French touch swagger to the main stage.

Richie Hawtin joins the line-up, a true techno innovator whose boundary-defying sets have shaped the genre’s modern identity. Joining them, Stephan Bodzin delivers his melodic, emotional techno, while deep groove technicians like Agoria, Tensnake, Axel Boman, Call Super and Jasper James push the envelope with late-night dancefloor ammunition. The festival continues to draw in genre-leaders and experimentalists: Bonobo’s lush, intricate soundscapes line up beside Four Tet’s minimalist explorations; the jazz-inflected virtuosity of Thundercat contrasts with the raw edge of Earl Sweatshirt.

Bicep’s much-lauded live set returns, juxtaposed with the eclectic, groove-driven sets of Floating Points, Denis Sulta and Hunee. UK rap and club talents are well-catered for with performances from Novelist, Idris Elba, SG Lewis and Or:la, while Ben UFO, DJ Seinfeld and Saoirse stake their claims as selectors operating at the forefront of contemporary dance music. Local talent is front and centre too, with DJ Deece, R.

Kitt, Long Island Sound and Nialler9 representing Ireland’s always thriving underground. Supporting the headliners, a carefully curated array of live and DJ performances ensures three days of nonstop music, discovery and celebration. Whether you drift between the atmospheric delights of Ross From Friends, the leftfield sound of Willaris.

K, or the indie textures of Warpaint and Trinity, Forbidden Fruit Festival 2018 promises a singular journey through the best in contemporary music set in unique surrounds.