Live Report: Electric Picnic 2025 Sunday round up

Stradbally once again proved itself a beating heart of memorable music, as Electric Picnic 2025 drew to a close on Sunday.

The final day had plenty to give. David Gray soothed the main stage crowd’s hangovers in the afternoon. Returning to the country where White Ladder remains the best-selling album of all time, his set glowed with his distinct folktronica warmth, which he might as well trademark at this point.

Yet it was the act before him that became the source of campsite chatter.

As Noel and Mike Hogan of The Cranberries walked on stage, joined by special guest Dermot Kennedy, the atmosphere shifted. The wet weather ceased, but there were few dry eyes in the crowd when ‘Linger’ came on. The chorus to 'Zombie' meanwhile, could have been heard in Portlaosie, given the strength with which the crowd bellowed it back towards the stage.

The gig was less about nostalgia and more about honouring legacy, and Kennedy did the late Dolores O’Riordan justice, while still letting his own distinct vocal style to shine through.

Dermot Kennedy performing with Noel and Mike Hogan (The Cranberries) and the RTÉ Orchestra at Electric Picnic. 31 Aug 2025. Photo: Liam Murphy/hotpress.com

Later on, Kingfishr drew one of the largest audiences of the weekend, for what lead vocalist Eddie Keogh called the best day of his life.

The band, whose debut album Halycon is busy topping charts, put on a main stage performance full of vocal belts. Their set was visually stunning too, as screens showed the crowd overlaid with a rising moon, crashing waves, blooming roses and many more settings described in their poetic lyrics. Smash hit hurling anthem 'Killeagh' was something to behold, as tens of thousands of Irish fans sang their hearts out.

Across the festival grounds, Junior Brother had a different, more cerebral impact over in Fishtown. Earlier in the day, he had charmed the Hot Press Chatroom, discussing his new album The End. Known for his unconventional approach to folk music, it was a performance of raw power. Not many can say they have people moshing to mandolins.

Meanwhile, at the Croí stage, one of Junior Brother’s Planxty heroes, Andy Irvine, reminded the crowd why he remains a treasure of Irish folk, with a performance which was stripped-back and steeped in wisdom.

Kingfishr at Electric Picnic 2025. Photo: Abigail Ring.

Indie rock was live and kicking too. Orla Gartland brought oscillating emotions to her set. Her closing number, ‘Little Chaos’ was a particular highlight, summing up the messy and joyous feeling of being enthralled by a festival.

Nostalgia took centre stage in the Electric Arena with The Kooks. Heroes of the ‘00s indie boom, they wasted no time in setting the tone, launching into ‘She Moves in Her Own Way' early. What followed was a singalong hour of infectious anthems that kept the tent bouncing.

The Electric Arena proved to a hub of energy throughout the day. Biig Piig offered not just her signature grooves but a moment of political solidarity, pausing to deliver an impassioned speech on Palestine. Dublin’s own Jazzy meanwhile, turned the Arena into a dance party with her DJ set, showing she doesn’t need to sing a note to have thousands moving in sync.

Closing out the same stage was Scottish DJ Ewan McVicar, who drew such a massive crowd that latecomers were locked out. His relentless set of pounding, high-tempo techno turned the tent into a furnace, feeding the dance cravers in attendance.

Jazzy at Electric Picnic 2025. Photo: Erica Keogh.

As the evening rolled in, Becky Hill lit up the main stage. Her soaring vocals and unrelenting energy stood out, as she powered through hits like ‘Lose Control,’ ‘Wish You Well’, and ‘Remember’, weaving them with remixes, covers, and the live debut of ‘Lost the Plot.’

We shan’t forget about Viagra Boys either. Spearheaded by enigmatic frontman Sebastian Murphy, their set was a tornado of punk absurdism. Their distinct concoction of fuzzed up guitars and skirling instrumentation cause its fair share of mayhem, with the Swedish punks seemingly competing with Kneecap over who could instigate more moshpits.

Viagra Boys at Electric Picnic. Photo: Patrik Meier

And finally, it was in the more than capable hand of Kings of Leon to close out the main stage. Veterans of massive Irish shows, Caleb Followill and co. proved once again why their catalogue endures. Nostalgic hits like ‘The Bucket’ and ‘Use Somebody’ were performed as immaculately as ever.

It was some way to end things. Iconic high-energy anthem 'Sex On Fire' was the perfect finale for an unforgettable weekend of joy and song, leaving satisfied festivalgoers dancing all the way home. Until next year - EP is "still the greatest"!