Electric Picnic boss Melvin Benn hails Kneecap’s “special moment” - 2026 Tickets go on-sale on Monday

Electric Picnic managing director Melvin Benn has described this year’s festival as “the right size” and “a whole package” of music, art and community, while hailing Kneecap’s landmark main stage performance as one of the standout moments of the weekend.

Speaking on Sunday, Benn confirmed that Electric Picnic drew a sold-out crowd of 80,000 to Stradbally, Co Laois. He said the staggered arrival of campers across Wednesday, Thursday and Friday had helped ease congestion, despite some delays on Thursday.

“It feels like a decent number, it’s the size of a new town in Ireland for the weekend really,” he said.

Among his personal highlights were Chappell Roan’s first Irish performance and what he called the “insanely good” headline show from Hozier on Friday. But it was Belfast rap trio Kneecap who commanded the biggest audience of the weekend.

“I don’t think there was anybody anywhere else at the Picnic except watching Kneecap,” Benn said. “It was a very special moment for them and for the festival.” He admitted to being “a little surprised” that the band paid tribute to him for allowing their political commentary on stage, something he said he has restricted at UK events.

“You know, it's different in the UK, there I've had to spend time in their dressing room reading them the riot act about what they can and can't say in England. But of course, those restrictions are not here in Ireland and it's wonderful.”

Melvin Benn at Electric Picnic on Sunday, August 31. Photo Credit: Liam Murphy

Looking ahead, Benn confirmed next year’s capacity will remain capped at 80,000, rejecting suggestions of expansion.

“Definitely not. I feel we’re at the right level at this point in time and I’d like to settle it at 80 before I start thinking about it,” he said. He added that while the main stages will remain shut on Thursday, more entertainment options would be added for early arrivals in 2026.

Regarding tickets, Benn said loyalty pre-sales open Monday with general sale on Wednesday, and confirmed prices will remain unchanged from this year.

When asked about social media criticism of on-site food and drink costs, he said that “the pricing is really good for the food, actually.”

Benn also explained the festival’s decision to cancel Fatboy Slim’s planned secret set at the Salty Dog stage:

“He was hugely disappointed, and in all honesty, I think I’ve let him down, but I’ve let all the fans down as well,” Benn said. “We had to keep safe and ultimately the decision was taken on safety grounds, and that was the right decision, as disappointing as it was for me.”