Since its debut in 2004, Electric Picnic – Ireland’s summer-ending musical event – has expanded to accommodate a substantial 80,000 attendees. More significantly, after spinning off its hippie essence, ‘Body and Soul’, into an entirely separate festival, the inclusion of global superstars like Chappell Roan and Kings of Leon has not diminished its wonderfully eccentric edges.
The festival's most significant highlights continue to be found in its unique areas. Nestled in the Stradbally forest that borders the arena, there are numerous hidden stages. You’ll discover mock beaches without water offering cocktails and reggae, alongside statues with tracking eyes as you walk by. An aircraft wreck looms over a stage in a woodland clearing, while the notorious Salty Dog, situated on a decaying pirate ship deck, features lively punk and edgy folk throughout the weekend.
There are sections dedicated to the Irish language and clubs tucked beneath UFOs, or concealed within a basement reminiscent of Berghain. A fake subway station leads to a dance stage accessed via a graffiti-covered train, while a peculiar area known as The Badger Sauna serves as both a literal sauna and a wooded glen filled with towering trolls and life-sized hobbit homes.
In summary, one could easily spend an entire weekend exploring just the quirkier sides of Electric Picnic, where jugglers and burlesque performers mingle with DJs in wooden huts, pine trees aglow with lasers, and dystopian-themed spaces. However, that’s not to suggest one should neglect the main stage and larger tents, which, while conventional festival features, still offer an enjoyable mix of international stars and the finest of the Irish music scene, which eagerly returns to rural Stradbally year after year.
Chappell Roan, performing on the final night of her extended European tour, stands out with a bold and vibrant presence, leading enthusiastic sing-alongs of tracks like ‘Pink Pony Club’ and ‘H.O.T T.O. G.O.’, while also showcasing genuine emotion in songs like ‘Coffee’, where she visibly tears up during a rare slower moment. Following her, local favorite Hozier embraces a gentle, spiritual vibe, infusing his set with heartfelt tracks such as ‘Jackie and Wilson’, ‘Someone New’, and ‘Cherry Wine’, which complement his global hits.
Nile Rogers and Chic remain a cherished favorite in Ireland, delivering joyous summertime vibes, even if two of the headliners, Sam Fender and Kings of Leon, feel a bit lackluster with their somewhat monotonous performances. Nonetheless, there’s no shortage of diverse acts.
The theatrically impressive Lord Huron and the comically silly trap-infused beats of Estonian Eurovision contestant Tommy Cash make a strong impact. Black Country, New Road presents a beautifully jarring experience reminiscent of early Arcade Fire, while The Kooks draws a massive crowd seeking refuge from the rain, leading an ecstatic sing-along on Sunday night. Amidst the visiting artists, the festival also takes pride in its local heritage.
This is showcased in various ways. Kneecap faces no threat of a ban in Ireland, performing in front of the largest crowd in the festival’s history to an enthusiastic reception, taking jabs at figures ranging from the Irish Central Bank to Viktor Orbán, all adorned in tricolor balaclavas and among Palestinian flags. Their track ‘H.O.O.D’ particularly resonates, while Mo Chara offers humorous commentary on his concept of freedom.
Dermot Kennedy surprises everyone by collaborating with the RTE Concert Orchestra and members of local legends The Cranberries, forsaking his original material to deliver strikingly crisp renditions of songs like ‘Linger’ and ‘When You’re Gone’. The spoken word performance by For Those I Love explores his grief over a friend's suicide, holding their Shelbourne football club flag against a backdrop of nostalgic video clips that highlight years of friendship, capturing a raw and poignant emotion.
Amble and Kingfishr comfortably fit into the charming, Irish-accented guitar-folk genre, offering light-hearted sing-alongs that match their old-world appeal, while the comedic sketch group Foil Arms and Hog engages the captivated audience with clever skits. Andy Irvine of the traditional music group Planxty delivers a profoundly delicate performance that tugs at the heart.
He appears in Croi (meaning heart), the festival’s serene core where a stage adorned with dried flowers occupies its own space—a setting that feels akin to the world’s most inviting campfire. The area features a tea tent, barn dances, yoga sessions, and informal performances scattered throughout, all presenting an almost spontaneous atmosphere. The main stage here is situated in a natural hollow, evoking a distinctly Tolkien-like aura.
The weekend’s most memorable moments stem from the joyful, lighthearted spirit of Irish culture. From toasted sandwich-making contests dressed as inter-county GAA matches to the deep affection for high-quality cover bands, as well as the usual festival rituals of pre-drinking in tents and
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Since its inception in 2004, Electric Picnic - Ireland’s end-of-summer music festival - has increased significantly in size, now accommodating up to 80,000 people.