Electric Picnic is one of the most exciting festivals in Ireland, being absolutely packed full of entertainment of all shapes and sizes.
But therein lies the problem: there’s almost too much choice here.
You may be enjoying an amazing act at one stage, while something you might’ve loved even more is taking place at a different corner of the site.
It’s a real problem — and we aim to eliminate it.
We want to make your time at EP a little bit easier this year by pointing out all the things you really shouldn’t miss when in Stradbally.
If you tick each of these off your list, you can rest assured that you made the most of your weekend.
1. The xx — Main Stage
This will be the indie-pop trio’s second performance at the festival, having blown audiences away back in 2012.
With their new album I See You having been released recently, fans of The xx can look forward to seeing their latest tracks like ‘On Hold’ and ‘Say Something Loving’.
We’re calling it now: this is going to be the act that everyone will be raving about post-Picnic.
2. Le Boom — Body&Soul
This dance-pop duo only burst onto the scene in 2016 but they’re making a name for themselves already.
Their intoxicating live shows drive audiences wild, with the energy with which they perform proving contagious (which is exactly what you need at a festival).
Just try to stand still while these guys are performing. Can’t be done.
3. Booka Brass — Other Voices
Eight classically trained musicians came together in late 2012 to experiment musically, drawing inspiration from such diverse sources as Art Blakey and Kendrick Lamar.
In their years of playing with the brass instruments, they’ve caught the attention of major musicians and have collaborated with the likes of The Frames, Lisa Hannigan and James Vincent McMorrow.
They’ve a sound that isn’t easily replicated, so they’re well worth making the effort to catch at EP.
4. Blindboy Boatclub reads from the Gospel According to Blindboy Boatclub — Mindfield: Leviathan
Taking place on the Mindfield: Leviathan stage dedicated to political discussion, here we have one half of The Rubberbandits reading from a gospel that he himself has written.
There’s not much info surrounding this particular event, which is probably why we’re so intrigued by it.
However, since Blindboy famously described Communion host as “haunted bread” in the past, it’s reasonable to expect that his gospel will be a major piss-take.
5. Foil Arms And Hog — Comedy
With a huge social media audience thanks to their weekly online sketches, Foil Arms and Hog are among the most popular comedy acts in Ireland right now.
The trio take their multitude of skit scenarios to the stage, hilariously roping the audience members into the shenanigans.
If you love a good giggle, you can’t afford to miss these jokesters.
6. Dublin Ukulele Collective — Trailer Park
You’ll find the Dublin Ukulele Collective (DUC) in this ramshackle corner of the Picnic, in an area composed of a collection of shipping containers, horse boxes, repurposed vehicles and the like.
This fifty-piece band is joy to behold, because they’re all about trying to make their audience smile with their collection of era-spanning covers, including the likes of Talking Heads, Erasure, Elbow, Britney Spears and so many more.
If you’re the kind of person who loves to sing aloud to all the songs at a gig, the DUC wants you there.
7. Otherkin — Salty Dog
Fresh off the launch of their second EP The New Vice, Otherkin is back at Electric Picnic to perform on this 40-tonne French trawler-turned-stage.
Bands members Luke, Conor, David and Rob first came together in 2013 because of a mutual love for acts like Blue, The Clash, The Ramones and QOTSA.
Having gained serious exposure with the likes of Annie Mac on BBC Radio 1 and John Kennedy on Radio X, it’s clear that there’s a huge audience that love their grunge-pop sound.
8. Get Down Edits — Jerry Fish Electric Sideshow
We all like a good carnival and that’s the kind of offbeat environment you’ll find at the Jerry Fish Electric Sideshow.
Be sure to catch dance floor veterans Get Down Edits, composed of Darren Daz and Martin Roche from Waterford, who’ve been getting the people of Ireland dancing since the late ’90s.
They’ve made such a name for themselves that they’ve been asked to DJ at parties around the world — catch them live to find out why.
9. Rosanna Davison — Theatre Of Food
At this stage, some of the biggest foodie names in Ireland come together to talk about, and prepare, great dishes in front of a live audience.
Having written bestselling cookbooks like Eat Yourself Beautiful and Eat Yourself Fit, model and nutritional therapist Rosanna Davison will take to the stage and talk to the crowds about how to make healthy meals that are bursting with flavour.
A must-visit for all food nuts.
10. 5ive — Electric Ireland Throwback Stage
Prepare to experience a blast from the past at this stage.
At the #ThrowbackParty you’ll see ’90s acts like S Club Party and Jenny Berggren from Ace of Base, but it’s 5ive that are the real highlight here, in our humble opinion.
Just think of all the earworms that they’re responsible for — ‘Slam Dunk (Da Funk)’, ‘When The Lights Go Out’ and ‘Everybody Get Up’ — and you’ll know in your heart of hearts that you cannot miss this gig.
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