Hot Press go behind-the-scenes at the Electric Picnic site in Stradbally

Music
29 Aug 23

The Academic at the Electric Picnic site. August 29, 2023. Copyright Miguel Ruiz

Electric Picnic is gearing up for its triumphant return to Stradbally...

With mere days to go until Electric Picnic '23 (September 1–3), the festival held its annual media day on the grounds of Stradbally House today. Press were treated to a variety of live music, sneak peaks at the Croí and Trailer Park areas of the festival – and a lovely bit of grub.

Final touches are being made to the site – the last licks of paint, the final pieces of scaffolding and the first of the sound-checks. A palpable buzz was felt around Stradbally today as press whizzed around the grounds of Stradbally House on golf buggies, being introduced to all the different areas of the festival.

After buzzing through the Fish Town, Artlot and Hazlewood area for a whistlestop tour of the magical woodlands of Electric Picnic, the media were brought to the Jimi Hendrix campsite and introduced to a new addition to this year’s camping experience. Eleven AIR (Assistance, Information and Response) Hubs are scattered across the various different campsites to provide campers with an extra bit of support over the weekend.

Following a brief introduction to Kevin the Carrot DJ at Aldifest in the campsite, the media were brought to Croí - the new area replacing Body & Soul. Embracing a similar ethos as its predecessor, Croí is the heart of Electric Picnic, with meditation and wellbeing at its core.

Sound therapist and shamanic practitioner Emma West invited press to join a sound bath, while Oonagh O’Sullivan also provided some healing, as Gaeilge sounds, accompanied by her harmonium and guitar. A performance from Cian Finn, Sean Ryan and Ciara Ryan on the Croí Main Stage introduced a totally Irish line up which includes Imelda May, meltybrains? and Hothouse Flowers.

After a stop off to Trailer Park to see some of the latest whacky additions to the crazy caravan section of the Picnic, The Academic joined the press on the EP Main Stage for a few tunes as they were one of the latest additions to the 2023 line up.

Tickets for Electric Picnic 2023 are sold out, but pre sale tickets for the 2024 festival are on sale now.