The 21st edition of the Electric Picnic festival is set to draw 80,000 attendees to Stradbally, transforming the County Laois town into a major cultural hub. The festival will feature a diverse lineup of international and Irish artists across its 27 stages, including prominent acts like Fontaines D.C., Lewis Capaldi, Gorillaz, CMAT, Sombr, Zara Larsson, and Geese.
This year marks the first Electric Picnic since 2019 that the event has been held, with the 2020 and 2021 editions canceled. The festival, which began as a one-day event with 10,000 attendees in 2004, has grown significantly in scale and scope.
Lewis Capaldi, the Scottish singer-songwriter, will headline Friday night. His appearance follows two sold-out shows at Marlay Park in June. Capaldi's return to performing after addressing mental health issues has been met with enthusiasm from fans.
Gorillaz, led by Damon Albarn, will perform on Saturday night. Albarn has previously graced the Electric Picnic stages with The Good, The Bad and The Queen in 2007 and as the frontman for Blur in 2015. This will be Gorillaz's debut at the festival.
Ireland's own Fontaines D.C. will close the festival on Sunday night. The performance will be particularly poignant as it is the band's first Irish show since the passing of their manager, Trevor Dietz, who was a significant figure in the Irish indie rock scene.
CMAT, the Meath-based singer, is also set to deliver a notable performance. Having previously captivated audiences at the festival, her recent success includes a large-scale gig at St. Anne's Park.
Other international acts include New Yorker Sombr, known for viral hits and a blend of influences from Brian Wilson to Prince. Swedish electropop star Zara Larsson, a veteran of the music industry since childhood, will also perform. The Brooklyn band Geese, whose album "Getting Killed" received critical acclaim, is another anticipated international act.
The festival will also showcase a strong contingent of Irish talent beyond the headliners. The Mary Wallers will perform their energetic renditions of folk songs, while The Saw Doctors are expected to play popular hits. Folk rock band Madra Salach and Dublin-based acts Florence Road and Gurriers are among the newer Irish artists featured. Gurriers are set to release their second album next month. Dublin band Bleech 9:3 and Cork-based groups Cliffords and I Dreamed I Dream will also appear on smaller stages. The addition of Van Morrison, Amble, and Aaron Rowe to the lineup was also announced.
Beyond music, the Electric Picnic is recognized as a comprehensive arts festival, featuring comedy, drama, and political debate alongside its musical offerings.