- Culture
- 29 Aug 18
Little Picnic, Trenchtown, Wild Youth and more: A Sneak Peak at Electric Picnic 2018
Hot Press was on site yesterday afternoon to see what EP 2018 had to offer! From new stages to special performances from likes of Wild Youth, it's safe to say that EP is looking better than ever.
Electric Picnic is almost upon us and this year’s festival will not disappoint. With awe-inducing human installations to a galactic disco in the woods, you will be immersed into the diverse and eclectic world of Electric Picnic from the moment you set foot in Stradbally.
LITTLE PICNIC
The premier Irish festival has something for all ages and this year we were lucky enough to take a sneak peek at Little Picnic, the Secret Garden that will excite and amaze your little ones. Little Picnic is located on beautiful grounds that are dotted with apple trees and hand-made sculptures. Entertaining creatures, wistful tunes and enough places of respite for parents, the Little Picnic area is marked by its attention to detail. If you have any lively children there will be a mini disco for them to dance the day away, or if your little ones are worn out from the fun of it all, there are tipis and hammocks alike for them to rest their little heads. Don’t forget to check out the incredible art installation by Seafood Rocks that is made entirely from rubbish found in the sea, it’s very big so you won’t be able to miss it.
HARVEST MOON
If you were able to get your hands on the heavily sought after Harvest Moon camping tickets, you will be in for a luxurious festival weekend. These Tipis, Pods, and Yurts are kitted out to the nines with power to recharge, a super soft king-sized bed and a radiator. Located in a secluded part of the forest and away from the hustle and bustle of the music, Harvest Moon really lives up to its ‘glamping’ persona.
TRANSMISSION DANCE FLOOR
Space aliens have landed at Electric picnic and are invading the dance floor. With ‘out of this world’ light displays and extra-terrestrial projections, Transmission is a haven for those looking for thumping tunes.
TRENCHTOWN
New to Electric Picnic this year is Trenchtown, a Caribbean haven that will make you feel like you’re across the pond in a much warmer climate. With colourful murals, soulful rhythms and just really good vibes, Trenchtown is the perfect place for anyone looking to chill and listen to some top class reggae. Follow the music in the woods to find this Caribbean rhythmic hub.
TOUR DE PICNIC
Tour de Picnic is back and if you’re one of the brave souls ready to take on the 80 kilometre challenge, make sure to stop by the Complete Natural tent for a refuel with the best recovery drink you can get. The Irish Dairy Council has teamed up with Tour de Picnic to educate people on how to quickly and cleverly refuel after a lot of exercise. If you need to get in a quick workout over the festival weekend, Flyefit will be hosting warm ups, fitness mornings and challenges.
LA FURA DELS BAUS
Coming to Ireland for the first time is La Fura dels Baus - and if you see only one thing this weekend, let it be this. The most incredible and death-defying display of the ‘Human Seed’ will be performed by 24 daring people forming a human pyramid, that will be raised 40 feet into the air. This performance is not to be missed.
WILD YOUTH
On the music front, we explored the Main Stage with help from Irish band Wild Youth, who gave us a taster of what’s to come over the weekend with a private performance on the stage itself. They gave an electrifying performance of their hit song ‘Can’t Move On’, and proved once again why they’re one of the most highly touted bands in Ireland at the moment.
"BIGGEST STARS IN THE WORLD"
Speaking at the special preview event, Festival organiser Melvin Benn spoke excitedly about Electric Picnic and the acts saying, “Kendrick Lamar is among the biggest stars in the world at the moment. That’s a treat for Friday night that’s going to be extraordinary. Massive Attack of course are probably one of the ultimate picnic bands and certainly one of my favourite bands of all time.” When speaking about the art installations Benn spoke about the Human Seed, “What I’m anticipating will be an extraordinary spectacle on Friday and Saturday night will be the La Fura dels Baus activity.” Benn has admitted that this year’s festival will trump last year’s stating, “We’re not standing still, I think it’s better than last year and the festival goers will think it’s better than last year.” Of course everyone wants tips that will enhance their festival experience, Benn gave this advice, “Come down free of abandonment. The Picnic is an opportunity to let go of everything at the end of the summer. Behave safely, behave well but come and have the craic.”
FINEST DINING EXPERIENCE
Finally, if you’re feeling peckish but aren’t up to the usual festival food, Tesco has teamed up with Michelin Star Chef Derry Clarke and Clodagh McKenna to create a luxurious 5 course meal with Tesco Finest foods. Tickets are still available for the Sunday service and are priced at €120, but they will go fast so make sure to get them quick. If a 5 course dining experience isn’t enough for you, all of the proceeds will go to Pieta House and Temple St. Children’s hospital.
*We are giving away two tickets to the sold-out Electric Picnic festival. Follow our social media channels to find out how you can win these gold-dust tickets!
