Electric Picnic#2007 festival

It is organised by Pod Concerts and Festival Republic, who purchased the majority shareholding in 2009. It was voted Best Medium-Sized European Festival at the 2010 European Festival Awards, and has been voted Best Big Festival at each of the last four Irish Festival Awards since they began in 2007. The Electric Picnic won eight awards in Hot Press's 2011 Festival Awards, including 'Best Large Festival'.[https://www.hotpress.com/music/electric-picnic-wins-big-at-festival-awards-8666903 Hot Press Magazine website] In 2023, it was awarded 'Festival of the Year' in the Ticketmaster Awards.[https://www.leinsterexpress.ie/news/arts---entertainment/1014887/electric-picnic-in-laois-has-just-won-festival-of-the-year.html#:~:text=Electric%20Picnic%20has%20been%20voted,in%20the%20Ticketmaster%20Awards%202023.&text=The%20awards%20are%20held%20by,Over%2025%2C000%20votes%20were%20cast. Leinster Express News website]

The Picnic has been described as "Ireland's version of Glastonbury" and "a great inspiration to Latitude" by one of its business partners, Laois. In 2006 US magazine Billboard called it "a magnificent rock n roll circus, a textbook example of everything a festival should be"[https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/electric-picnic-festival-sept-1-3-2006-co-laois-ireland-stradbally-estate-57314/ Billboard official website] and Rolling Stone described it as "one of the best festivals we've ever been to".{{citation needed|date=July 2016}} The 2008 event was described by The Irish Times as "the best Electric Picnic yet".{{citation needed|date=July 2016}}

There is also an emphasis on eco-friendly initiatives.[https://www.dailyedge.ie/a-look-back-at-the-very-first-electric-picnic-in-2004-4210101-Sep2018/ Daily Edge News website]

Electric Picnic began as a one-day event in 2004, before growing to a weekend-long festival within a year. The festival incorporates attractions such as the 24-hour cinema tent, the Body and Soul arena (offering an ambient lounge with beanbags, massages and tarot card readings) and the Comedy Tent{{cite news|url=http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2008/0829/breaking8.htm|title=Fans prepare to feast on Electric Picnic|date=29 August 2008|access-date=2 September 2008|newspaper=The Irish Times}} (curated by Gerry Mallon) and a silent disco. In 2008, Amnesty International attended the festival to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, whilst renowned American Burning Man artist, David Best constructed a Temple of Truth on site.{{cite news|url=http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2008/0829/1219875241957.html|title=Electric Picnic's diverse feast ranges from Sex Pistols to herd of man-made elephants|date=29 August 2008|access-date=2 September 2008|newspaper=The Irish Times}} Electric Picnic has been described as an "enormously successful, award-winning, established brand" which "attempts to bring to life a microcosmic cultural experience where music is just the tip of the iceberg".{{cite news |last1 =O'Toole | first1 =Leagues|url= http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/theticket/2010/0625/1224273240780.html |title=Living on the edge|date=25 June 2010|newspaper=The Irish Times|access-date=25 June 2010|quote=The two big events that bookend the Irish summer are Oxegen and Electric Picnic, both now enormously successful, award-winning, established brands. [...] Not all exactly household names, and that's very much the point, because the Picnic attempts to bring to life a microcosmic cultural experience where music is just the tip of the iceberg.}}

The 2004 festival was a one-day event,{{Cite web|url=https://www.electricpicnic.ie/history/electric-picnic-2004|title=Electric Picnic 2004|website=Electric Picnic|access-date=2018-10-02}} which was headlined by 2 Many DJs. Other acts included Groove Armada, Arrested Development, Jurassic5, Grand Master Flash, Super Furry Animals, Plump DJ's, David Kitt, Soulwax and Mylo.{{Cite news|url=http://www.dailyedge.ie/a-look-back-at-the-very-first-electric-picnic-in-2004-4210101-Sep2018/|title=A look back at the very first Electric Picnic in 2004|last=Earley|first=Kelly|date=2018-09-05|work=The Daily Edge|access-date=2018-10-02}} Despite the fact that there was no organised camping, a number of groups camped in the field designated as the car park overnight and stayed up talking and exploring the (then pristine and nettle-free) woods. Thus, the relaxed and friendly vibe of the earlier Electric Picnic festivals was established.

The 2005 festival took place on Saturday 3 September and Sunday 4 September. It is best remembered for Arcade Fire's performance which came before their subsequent mainstream success. Headlining acts included Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, Kraftwerk, The Flaming Lips, Röyksopp, Mercury Rev and The Human League.

The premiere of "Electric Picnic: The Documentary" took place at the Irish Film Institute on Tuesday 4 July 2006 at 19:00. The critically acclaimed documentary directed by Nick Ryan, was filmed by a small camera crew who recorded the events of Electric Picnic 2005. Narrated by musician Nick Seymour and economist David McWilliams, the documentary includes footage from Kraftwerk's first recorded live performance in twelve years plus interviews with the performing bands and comedians, with a few festival-goers and with the locals of Stradbally Village, who claimed: "We get more trouble at the Vintage Steam Rally".{{cite news|url=http://www.rte.ie/arts/2006/0623/electricpicnic.html|title=Electric Picnic Documentary at IFI|date=23 June 2006|access-date=12 January 2008|publisher=RTÉ}}

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• Kraftwerk
• Fatboy Slim
• The Flaming Lips
• Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds
• Röyksopp
• Mercury Rev
• Arcade Fire
• Soulwax / 2 Many DJs
• Damien Dempsey
• Lemon Jelly
• Laurent Garnier
• Dublin Gospel Choir
• The Human League
• LCD Soundsystem
• Audio Bullys
• Doves
• Vitalic
• JJ72
• The Rakes
• Hot Chip
• Boss Volenti
• James Blunt
• Be Your Own Pet
• Ben Watt
• Channel One
• Goldfrapp
• The Subways
• The Chalets
• Clor
• The Unabombers
• Mr Scruff
• De La Soul
• Stereo MCs
• DJ Format
• Mixmaster Mike
• Matthew Herbert Big Band
• The Kills
• Toots & the Maytals
• The Herbaliser

{{div col end}}

In 2006 the festival gained momentum, with all 30,000 tickets (each costing €175 including camping) selling out more than seven weeks in advance. Presale tickets went on sale on Monday 28 November 2005.{{cite news|url=http://www.rte.ie/arts/2005/1121/electricpicnic.html|title=Electric Picnic 2006 tickets on sale next week|date=21 November 2005|access-date=12 January 2008|publisher=RTÉ}} The event took place on the weekend of 1–3 September 2006, with the line-up being revealed on Friday 24 March. Artists who performed across the seven stages included Sparks, New Order, Pet Shop Boys, Basement Jaxx, Rufus Wainwright, Bloc Party, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Gary Numan, François Kevorkian, Groove Armada, Damien Rice and The Frames. The Blue Nile's appearance was their only live performance of the year.{{cite news|url=http://www.rte.ie/arts/2006/0324/electricpicnic.html|title=Electric Picnic's line-up revealed|date=24 March 2006|access-date=12 January 2008|publisher=RTÉ}} The festival's biggest casualty was Gnarls Barkley who had to cancel their appearance after rapper/singer Cee-Lo strained his vocal cords.{{cite news|url=http://www.rte.ie/arts/2006/0824/gnarlsbarkley.html|title=No Electric Picnic for Gnarls Barkley|date=24 August 2006|access-date=12 January 2008|publisher=RTÉ}} David McWilliams made an appearance as a celebrity.{{cite news|url=http://www.rte.ie/arts/2006/0619/electricpicnic.html|title=David McWilliams for Electric Picnic|date=19 June 2006|access-date=12 January 2008|publisher=RTÉ}} RTÉ Two televised the festival, with a special RTÉ Two Green Room being set up at Stradbally Hall Estate for presenters Tom Dunne and Jenny Huston.{{cite news|url=http://www.rte.ie/arts/2006/0825/electricpicnic.html|title=RTÉ Two to broadcast Electric Picnic|publisher=RTÉ|date=25 August 2006|access-date=12 January 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150305201056/http://www.rte.ie/ten/news/2006/0825/407701-electricpicnic/|archive-date=5 March 2015 }}

Journalist and television presenter Joe O'Shea was arrested for driving in an intoxicated state on his way home from the event.{{cite news|url=http://www.independent.ie/national-news/banned-oshea-backs-morning-breath-checks-59826.html|title=Banned O'Shea backs morning breath checks|date=7 January 2007|access-date=11 August 2009|work=Irish Independent}}

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• Groove Armada
• New Order
• Basement Jaxx
• Yeah Yeah Yeahs
• The Frames
• Massive Attack
• Bloc Party
• Pet Shop Boys
• Josh Ritter
• Laurent Garnier
• Rufus Wainwright
• Elbow
• Paul Noonan
• Belle & Sebastian
• Jape
• Amadou & Mariam
• Minotaur Shock{{cite news|url=http://www.rte.ie/arts/2006/0621/electricpicnic.html|title=Minotaur Shock for Electric Picnic|date=21 June 2006|access-date=12 January 2008|publisher=RTÉ}}
• Tom Vek
• Aberfeldy
• The Archie Bronson Outfit
• The Swell Season
• Damien Rice
• Super Furry Animals
• Antony and the Johnsons
• DJ Shadow
• PJ Harvey{{cite news|url=http://www.rte.ie/arts/2006/0519/electricpicnic.html|title=PJ Harvey to play Electric Picnic|date=19 May 2006|access-date=12 January 2008|publisher=RTÉ}}
• Red Sirus
• Graham Coxon
• Mogwai
• Devendra Banhart
• Sparks{{cite news|url=http://www.rte.ie/arts/2006/0502/electricpicnic.html|title=Sparks added to Electric Picnic line-up|date=2 May 2006|access-date=12 January 2008|publisher=RTÉ}}
• Yo La Tengo
• David Kitt
• Mundy
• Broken Social Scene
• Messiah J & The Expert
• Dancepig
• Laura Izibor
• Tapes 'n Tapes
• dEUS
• The Skatalites
• Cora Venus Lunny
• Gary Numan
• The Rapture
• Hot Chip
• Tilly and the Wall
• Saul Williams
• Soulwax / 2 Many DJ's
• Tiefschwarz
• Dublin Gospel Choir
• François K
• Coldcut
• Spank Rock
• Modeselektor
• Digital Circus
• Tadhg Cooke
• Semifinalists
• Vyvienne Long
• Gang of Four
• Michael Franti
• David Geraghty
• Cut Chemist
• Hystereo
• Mad Professor
• Hexstatic
• Warlords of Pez
• Nouvelle Vague
• Zen Hussies
• The Rumours

{{div col end}}

The Comedy Tent in 2006 featured PJ Gallagher, Des Bishop, Neil Delamere, and Eric Lalor.

Electric Picnic 2007 was once again a three-day event and ran from 31 August until 2 September. The festival maintained its current size of 32,500 festival goers and kept all the same elements plus some new additions. "Early-bird" tickets for the 2007 festival went on sale between Monday 11 December 2006, and Saturday 24 February 2007, costing €199, taking into account the VAT that must now be paid on all outdoor events. Full price tickets went on sale on Tuesday 3 April at a price of €220.[http://www.ticketmaster.ie/event/18003D88AA041B0C?artistid=952846&majorcatid=10001&minorcatid=60] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070323121558/http://www.ticketmaster.ie/event/18003D88AA041B0C?artistid=952846&majorcatid=10001&minorcatid=60|date=23 March 2007}} The first acts were officially announced on Monday 2 April.

Besides the music other attractions included an inflatable church offering mock weddings, luxury tents, massage chambers, a fairground and silent disco. Acii Disco DJs began the festival on the Friday at 12 p.m. in the Bodytonic Tent. Amongst others to take to the stage on Friday were Björk, Hot Chip, Scott Matthews, Manic Street Preachers and Oppenheimer whilst the unnamed band responsible for The Good, the Bad & the Queen headlined the Electric Arena tent.{{cite news|url=http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/frontpage/2007/0901/1188336568781.html|title=Happy vibes the product of Electric Picnic's charms|date=3 September 2007|access-date=12 January 2008|newspaper=The Irish Times}} The Sunday night was brought to a close by Primal Scream.

The festival was marred by the death of a 23-year-old fan.{{cite news|url=http://www.rte.ie/news/2007/0902/picnic.html|title=Man dies at Electric Picnic festival|date=2 September 2007|access-date=12 January 2008|publisher=RTÉ}} The incident occurred as The Chemical Brothers came to a climax at 2 a.m. early on the Sunday morning. Organiser John Reynolds extended his sympathies and said: "A young man took ill at the festival, was treated at the medical centre, removed to Portlaoise Hospital and was later pronounced dead." Gardaí said they were not treating the death as suspicious.{{cite news|url=http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/breaking-news/ireland/article2921963.ece|archive-url=https://archive.today/20070930181127/http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/breaking-news/ireland/article2921963.ece|url-status=dead|archive-date=30 September 2007|title=Post mortem due on man who died at Electric Picnic|date=3 September 2007|access-date=12 January 2008|work=Belfast Telegraph}}{{cite news|url=http://www.rte.ie/news/2007/0903/laois.html|title=Post mortem due after Electric Picnic death|date=3 September 2007|access-date=12 January 2008|publisher=RTÉ}}

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{{Div col|colwidth=18em}}

• Beastie BoysNational Radio Ads
• Björk
• The Chemical Brothers
• Dublin Gospel Choir
• Sonic Youth
• LCD Soundsystem
• Primal Scream
• Jarvis Cocker
• M.I.A.
• Modest Mouse
• The Good, the Bad & the Queen
• Jamie Lidell
• Acii Disco DJs
• Easy Star All-Stars
• Ratatat
• Patrick Wolf
• The Flaws
• Mainlines
• Hexstatic
• Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain
• Fujiya & Miyagi
• 65daysofstatic
• Two Gallants
• Erasure
• Nouvelle Vague
• Duke Special
• Dave Couse[http://www.electricpicnic.ie/html/music.html Electric Picnic] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100124170630/http://www.electricpicnic.ie/html/music.html |date=24 January 2010 }}
• Manic Street Preachers
• Soul II Soul
• The Jesus and Mary Chain
• Paul Hartnoll
• Shy Child
• !!!
• The Go! Team
• Aim
• Clap Your Hands Say Yeah
• Camera Obscura
• Fionn Regan
• Emporium
• Tobias Froberg[http://www.roomthirteen.com/cgi-bin/news_view.cgi?NewsID=3971 Room Thirteen – Where Music Rocks] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304050559/http://www.roomthirteen.com/cgi-bin/news_view.cgi?NewsID=3971 |date=4 March 2016 }}
• PC Radio
• SiSi[http://sisi.tv/phpbb/viewtopic.php?p=1716#1716 SiSi.tv :: View topic – Oxegen Linup 07!Daft Punk/Erol Alkan/Justice/Lektroluv] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071009003818/http://sisi.tv/phpbb/viewtopic.php?p=1716 |date= 9 October 2007 }}
• Ladytron
• Marlena Shaw
• Bonde Do Role
• Architecture in Helsinki
• The Stooges
• Spiritualized
• The Undertones
• Polyphonic Spree
• UNKLE
• The Magic Numbers
• Fluke
• Damien Dempsey
• Derrick Carter
• DJ Marky
• Sons and Daughters
• Greenskeepers
• Gaudi
• Jinx Lennon
• The Dead Milkmen
• Simian Mobile Disco (live)
• Josh Wink
• Deerhoof
• Hot Chip
• The Fall
• Lisa Hannigan
• The Rumours
• Brontosaurus Chorus
• Si Schroeder

{{div col end}}

{{Main|Electric Picnic 2008}}

Electric Picnic 2008 took place at Stradbally from 29 to 31 August, attended by 35,000 people. Presale tickets went on sale on 9 November 2007 and full price tickets went on sale on Friday 28 March at 9 p.m., costing €240 including camping, with the various sites opening at 9 a.m. on Friday 29 August. Tickets had sold out by 17 June.{{cite web|url=http://www.hotpress.com/news/4592840.html|title=Electric Picnic SOLD OUT!|date=18 June 2008|access-date=18 June 2008|work=Hot Press}}

Sigur Rós, George Clinton and Sex Pistols{{cite web|url=http://phantom.ie/entertainment/from-the-newsdesk/1446-sex-pistols-my-bloody-valentine-confirmed-for-electric-picnic.html |title=Sex Pistols, My Bloody Valentine confirmed for Electric Picnic |date=26 March 2008 |access-date=26 March 2008 |publisher=Phantom FM |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721125748/http://phantom.ie/entertainment/from-the-newsdesk/1446-sex-pistols-my-bloody-valentine-confirmed-for-electric-picnic.html |archive-date=21 July 2011 }} headlined. Other musicians appearing included Franz Ferdinand, My Bloody Valentine, German rockers Faust,{{cite web|url=http://www.hotpress.com/news/4514717.html|title=Faust to play Electric Picnic, Spiegeltent Cork|date=21 March 2008|access-date=24 March 2008|work=Hot Press}} Tindersticks, The Breeders,{{cite web|url=http://phantom.ie/entertainment/from-the-newsdesk/1447-sigur-ros-and-the-breeders-for-ep-2008.html |title=Sigur Ros and The Breeders confirm Picnic appearances |date=26 March 2008 |access-date=26 March 2008 |publisher=Phantom FM |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721125813/http://phantom.ie/entertainment/from-the-newsdesk/1447-sigur-ros-and-the-breeders-for-ep-2008.html |archive-date=21 July 2011 }} Grinderman, Goldfrapp, Gossip, CSS, Duffy, Foals, Hadouken!, Wilco, The Roots, Turin Brakes, Carbon/Silicon,{{cite web|url=http://www.hotpress.com/news/4553455.html|title=Carbon/Silicon to play Electric Picnic|date=12 May 2008|access-date=12 May 2008|work=Hot Press}} Conor Oberst and New Young Pony Club. Irish acts to appear included The Stunning, Sinéad O'Connor, Christy Moore, Liam Ó Maonlaí, Boss Volenti, The Waterboys, The Flaws, Ham Sandwich, Fred, Super Extra Bonus Party, Jape, Lisa Hannigan, Le Galaxie, Cathy Davey, Gemma Hayes and Mark Geary. Also attending were Amnesty International, which celebrated the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights with a singalong of "Happy Birthday" on the Sunday night.{{cite web|url=http://www.hotpress.com/news/4704306.html|title=Amnesty International to celebrate 60th anniversary at Picnic|date=19 August 2008 |access-date=22 August 2008|work=Hot Press}}{{cite web|url=http://phantom.ie/entertainment/from-the-newsdesk/1621-electric-picnic-update.html |title=Electric Picnic UPDATE |date=17 June 2008 |access-date=18 June 2008 |publisher=Phantom FM |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721125848/http://phantom.ie/entertainment/from-the-newsdesk/1621-electric-picnic-update.html |archive-date=21 July 2011 }}

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{{Main|Electric Picnic 2009}}

Electric Picnic 2009 took place at Stradbally from 4–6 September. The British promoter Festival Republic bought out the share of Aiken Promotions as well as a further majority shareholding in Electric Picnic in March 2009.{{cite web|url=http://www.hotpress.com/news/5315638.html|title=Electric Picnic signs new partnership deal + tickets on sale in April|date=16 March 2009|access-date=17 March 2009|work=Hot Press}}{{cite news|url=http://www.irishtimes.com/blogs/ontherecord/2009/03/25/a-new-name-on-the-electric-picnic-hamper/|title=A new name on the Electric Picnic hamper|date=25 March 2009|access-date=17 April 2009|newspaper=The Irish Times}} The festival was launched on 15 April 2009, with tickets going on sale two days later.{{cite news|url=http://www.herald.ie/breaking-news/national-news/entertainment/electric-picnic-tickets-to-go-on-sale-from-friday-1709717.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130107195045/http://www.herald.ie/breaking-news/national-news/entertainment/electric-picnic-tickets-to-go-on-sale-from-friday-1709717.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=7 January 2013 |title=Electric Picnic tickets to go on sale from Friday |date=15 April 2009 |access-date=17 April 2009 |work=Evening Herald }} The launch saw the announcement of forty-seven acts.{{cite news|url=http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2009/0415/breaking60.htm|title=Nutty boys set for Electric Picnic|date=15 April 2009|access-date=17 April 2009|newspaper=The Irish Times}} Orbital, The Flaming Lips, Imelda May, Brian Wilson, Basement Jaxx, Madness, Klaxons, Bell X1, Fleet Foxes and MGMT were some of the musical acts which appeared, whilst Tommy Tiernan headlined in the comedy tent.

{{Main|Electric Picnic 2010}}

Early bird tickets for Electric Picnic 2010 went on sale on 4 December 2009.{{cite web|url=http://www.hotpress.com/Electric%20Picnic/news/Early-bird-tickets-go-on-sale/6084120.html|title=Early bird tickets go on sale|date=2 December 2009|access-date=4 December 2009|work=Hot Press}}

The festival was launched on 24 March 2010, with Leftfield, Roxy Music, Public Image Ltd., LCD Soundsystem, Massive Attack, Modest Mouse, Mumford & Sons, Jón Þór Birgisson, Paul Brady, Imelda May and The Frames among the first acts to be confirmed.{{cite news|url=http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/theticket/2010/0326/1224267085900.html|title=Electrifying line-up for the Picnic|date=26 March 2010|access-date=26 March 2010|newspaper=The Irish Times}}{{cite news|author=Ken Sweeney and John Meagher |url=http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/music/roxy-music-to-headline-70sstyle-picnic-2110754.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120802101554/http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/music/roxy-music-to-headline-70sstyle-picnic-2110754.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=2 August 2012 |title=Roxy Music to headline '70s-style Picnic |date=25 March 2010 |access-date=26 March 2010 |work=Irish Independent }}

Artists who played in 2011 included Arcade Fire, Pulp, The Chemical Brothers, Interpol, PJ Harvey, Beirut, Blonde Redhead, Zola Jesus, The Drums, Santigold, The Family Stone, Joan As Policewoman, Best Coast, 3epkano, Power of Dreams, Yuck, Foster The People, Alexandra Stan, The Undertones, Public Enemy, Jimmy Cliff, DJ Shadow, Flying Lotus, The Charlatans, Mogwai, Sinéad O'Connor, White Lies, OMD, Toots & the Maytals, Lykke Li, Midlake, The Rubberbandits, Death in Vegas, The Go! Team, Big Audio Dynamite, Boys Noize, Paul Kalkbrenner, Dave Clarke, Twin Shadow, Willy Mason, Trentemøller, Killing Joke, Health, Mundy, Gavin Friday, The Walkmen, Adam Beyer, Sharon Shannon, Ivan St. John, The Cast of Cheers, Micah P. Hinson, Caitlin Rose, The Potbelleez, Adebisi Shank, The Danger Is, Codes, And So I Watch You From Afar, and O Emperor.

The festival triumphed at the Irish Festival Awards, winning seven gongs, including Best Large Festival, Best Line up and Best Toilets.{{cite news|url=http://www.rte.ie/ten/2012/0202/festivals.html |title=Electric Picnic tops Irish Festival Awards |date=2 February 2012 |access-date=2 February 2012 |work=RTÉ Ten |publisher=Raidió Teilifís Éireann |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120205013218/http://www.rte.ie/ten/2012/0202/festivals.html |archive-date= 5 February 2012 |df=dmy }}

Artists who performed at the 2012 festival included The Cure, The Killers, Elbow, Sigur Rós, Christy Moore, Orbital, Hot Chip, The xx, Wild Beasts, Of Monsters and Men, Patti Smith, The Roots, Crystal Castles, Grandaddy, SBTRKT, Mmoths, Metronomy, Bat for Lashes, The Maccabees, The Horrors, Richard Hawley, Azealia Banks, Ed Sheeran, The Jezabels, Michael Kiwanuka, Gavin Friday, Ryan Sheridan, Róisín O, Van Dyke Parks, Roots Manuva, Bell X1, Dublin Gospel Choir, Glen Hansard, Grizzly Bear, Willis Earl Beal, Alabama Shakes, Tindersticks, Fatoumata Diawara, Land Lovers, Eagle and the Worm, Solar Bears, Staff Benda Bilili, Little Roy, Lanterns on the Lake, Jonathan Wilson, Baxter Dury, Cranes, Milagres, In Tua Nua, Codes, Conor Linnie, Ocho and more to be announced.

The announcement of the 2013 festival was delayed significantly owing to a legal dispute regarding ownership of the festival between the festival's founder POD Concerts and its majority shareholder Festival Republic Dublin (FRD).{{cite news|url=http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/courts/electric-picnic-brand-damaged-by-band-choices-founder-tells-court-29182713.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130702073908/http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/courts/electric-picnic-brand-damaged-by-band-choices-founder-tells-court-29182713.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=2 July 2013 |work=Irish Independent |title=Electric Picnic brand damaged by band choices, founder tells court |date=9 April 2013 }}

Despite fears that Electric Picnic would not return in 2013, Electric Picnic was subsequently scheduled to take place between 30 August and 1 September.{{cite web|url=http://electricpicnic.ie/index.cgi?page=index.cgi |title=Home | Electric Picnic |publisher=Electricpicnic.ie |access-date=2014-07-27 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140712224143/http://electricpicnic.ie/index.cgi?page=index.cgi |archive-date=12 July 2014 }}

The initial line-up for the festival was announced on 25 April 2013 to much fanfare. The line-up included Björk, Fatboy Slim, Robert Plant, My Bloody Valentine, Arctic Monkeys, Franz Ferdinand, Wu-Tang Clan, David Byrne & St Vincent, Eels, Noah & The Whale, Johnny Marr, Disclosure, Ocean Colour Scene, Hurts, Mick Flannery, The Walkmen, Baauer, Tiga, Warpaint, Savages, The Strypes, Poliça, Chvrches, Parquet Courts, Clinic, Deap Vally and Soak.{{cite web |url=http://electricpicnic.ie/holding.html |title=Electric Picnic 2014 |publisher=Electricpicnic.ie |access-date=2014-07-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130427034233/http://electricpicnic.ie/holding.html |archive-date=27 April 2013 |url-status=dead }}

Electric Picnic 2014 took place at Stradbally from 29 to 31 August, attended by 41,000 people. Early bird tickets went on sale on 19 March 2014. A Full weekend ticket cost €154.50 for purchasers who could prove they had been to three or more picnics, €174.50 for those who could prove they had been to the picnic once or twice previously. Tickets then increased to €194.50 until 4 July and, €229.50 after that date. Sunday tickets were priced at €90. Sunday tickets had sold out by 13 June.{{cite news |first=Freya |last=Drohan |url=http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/music/music-news/sold-out-sunday-electric-picnic-sunday-day-tickets-no-longer-available-30352578.html |title=Sold out Sunday: Electric Picnic Sunday day tickets no longer available |work=Irish Independent |date=13 June 2014 |access-date=3 September 2017}} Full weekend tickets sold out on 31 July{{cite news |first=Freya |last=Drohan |url=http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/music/music-news/electric-picnic-2014-is-now-sold-out-30475432.html |title=Electric Picnic 2014 is now SOLD OUT |work=Irish Independent |date=31 July 2014 |access-date=3 September 2017}}

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Electric Picnic 2015 took place at Stradbally from 4 to 6 September. The first acts were announced in March 2015.{{cite news |first=Freya |last=Drohan |url=http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/festivals/revealed-electric-picnic-releases-2015-lineup-31040092.html |title=REVEALED: Electric Picnic releases 2015 lineup featuring Florence Welch, Róisín Murphy, Tame Impala, Girl Band, The War On Drugs |date=4 March 2015 |work=Irish Independent |access-date=5 March 2015}}

There was speculation that the capacity would be raised from the present 42,000 to 47,000 to cater for increased demand.{{cite news |last=Power |first=Ed |url=http://www.irishexaminer.com/ireland/florence-and-the-machine-to-top-bill-for-electric-picnic-goers-316080.html|title=Florence and the Machine to top bill for Electric Picnic goers |date=5 March 2015 |publisher=Irish Examiner |access-date=5 March 2015}} The headliners were Sam Smith, Blur, and Florence and the Machine.

Electric Picnic 2016 took place from 2 to 4 September. It was headlined by LCD Soundsystem, Lana Del Rey, The Chemical Brothers, New Order and Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds.{{cite web|url=https://www.joe.ie/music/the-stage-times-for-electric-picnic-2016-are-here-558271|title=The stage times for Electric Picnic 2016 are here|first=Conor|last=Heneghan|access-date=12 April 2019|work=Joe|date=29 August 2016 }}

Line ups

Main Stage

Friday: Ryan Sheridan, ABC, Nas, The 1975, The Chemical Brothers

Saturday: Trinity Orchestra, Hermitage Green, The Lightning Seeds, Gavin James, Catfish and the Bottlemen, Bell X1, Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds, LCD Soundsystem

Sunday: Dublin Gospel Choir, Toots and the Maytals, Local Natives, James Bay, Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats, New Order, Lana Del Rey

Electric Picnic 2017 took place on 1–3 September. It was headlined by Duran Duran, A Tribe Called Quest and The xx.{{cite web|url=https://www.irishmirror.ie/whats-on/music-nightlife-news/electric-picnic-2017-stage-times-11070681|title=Electric Picnic 2017 stage times revealed: Here's the ultimate schedule breakdown|first=David|last=Coleman|access-date=12 April 2019|date=29 August 2017|work=Irish Mirror}}

Line ups

Main Stage

Friday: Little Hours, Hudson Taylor, The Divine Comedy, London Grammar, The xx

Saturday: Keywest, The Strypes, Giggs, Madness, Run the Jewels, Phoenix, A Tribe Called Quest, Pete Tong

Sunday: Dublin Gospel Choir, The Skatalites, Rag'n'Bone Man, The Pretenders, Chaka Khan, Elbow, Duran Duran

Electric Picnic 2018 took place at Stradbally from 31 August to 2 September.{{cite web|url= https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/electric-picnic-line-up-in-full-all-this-weekend-s-stage-times-1.3612396|title =Electric Picnic line-up in full: All this weekend's stage times|date=31 August 2018|work=The Irish Times|access-date=31 August 2018}}{{cite web|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/electric-picnic-2018-everything-you-need-to-know-traffic-weather-alcohol-rules-and-more-1.3610301 |title =Electric Picnic 2018: Everything you need to know – traffic, weather, alcohol rules and more|date=31 August 2018|work=The Irish Times|access-date=31 August 2018}}

Tickets for the festival sold-out in less than 24 hours after the lineup was announced in March 2018.{{cite web|url=http://www.dailyedge.ie/electric-picnic-2018-sold-out-3907113-Mar2018/ |title =Electric Picnic has sold out less than 24 hours after announcing the lineup|date=16 March 2018|work=Journal|access-date=31 August 2018}}

• 10.40pm – midnight – Kendrick Lamar
• 9–10pm – Walking on Cars
• 7:30 – 8:30pm – Chvrches
• 6–7pm – Ash
• 5–5:30pm – Brand New Friend

• 12:15 – 1:30am – Massive Attack
• 10:30 – 11:30pm – NERD
• 8:45 – 9:45pm – Dua Lipa
• 7–8pm – Gavin James
• 5:15 – 6:15pm – Mavis Staples
• 3:30 – 4:30pm – Gomez
• 1:45 – 2:45pm – Hudson Taylor

• 10:30pm – midnight – The Prodigy
• 8:45 – 9:45pm – Picture This
• 7–8pm – George Ezra
• 5:30 – 6:30pm – Nile Rodgers & Chic
• 4:15 – 5pm – Garbage
• 2:30 – 3:30pm – Inner Circle
• 1–2pm – Dublin Gospel Choir

Electric Picnic 2019 took place at Stradbally from 30 August to 1 September.{{cite web|url= https://www.electricpicnic.ie/line-up/poster|title =Line Up Poster 2019|date=27 August 2019|work=Electric Picnic.ie|access-date=27 August 2019}}{{cite web|url= https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/music/electric-picnic-2019-best-gigs-of-the-weekend-1.4002946|title =Electric Picnic 2019: Best gigs of the weekend|date=3 September 2019|work=The Irish Times|access-date=3 September 2019}}

• 10:30pm Hozier
• 9pm Dermot Kennedy
• 7:30pm Billie Eilish
• 6:00pm Christine and the Queens

• 11:30pm The 1975
• 9:15pm Royal Blood
• 7:45pm Kodaline
• 6pm Gerry Cinnamon
• 4:30pm Years & Years
• 3:15pm Wild Youth
• 1:45pm The Riptide Movement
• 6pm David Kennan

• 10:30pm Florence and the Machine
• 8:30pm Tame Impala
• 7pm Richard Ashcroft
• 5:30pm Jess Glynne
• 4:15pm Razorlight
• 2:30pm Soja
• 1pm Dublin Gospel Choir

The 2020 event was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.{{cite web|url= https://www.rte.ie/news/2020/0511/1137782-electric-picnic-cancelled/|title =Electric Picnic cancelled due to Covid-19|date=11 May 2020|publisher=RTÉ}}

The 2021 event was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.{{cite news|url=https://www.rte.ie/news/2021/0901/1244192-electric-picnic-cancelled/|title=Electric Picnic organisers say festival not going ahead|publisher=RTÉ News and Current Affairs|date=1 September 2021|accessdate=1 September 2021}}

Electric Picnic 2022 took place at Stradbally from 2 to 4 September after a gap of two years. Dermot Kennedy, Tame Impala and the Arctic Monkeys headlined the festival.{{cite web|url=https://www.rte.ie/entertainment/2022/0310/1285548-electric-picnic/|title=Dermot Kennedy, Tame Impala and the Arctic Monkeys to headline Electric Picnic 2022|date=10 March 2022|publisher=RTÉ News|accessdate=11 March 2022}}{{cite web|url=https://www.electricpicnic.ie/line-up/|title=Electric Picnic 2022: Line-up|date=10 March 2022|work=Electricpicnic.ie|accessdate=11 March 2022}} Almost 70,000 people attended the event.[https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/music/2022/09/04/electric-picnic-2022-what-happens-would-normally-make-me-run-for-the-hills-here-its-perfect/ Irish Times News website]

The HSE issued a drug warning to festivalgoers after "high strength" MDMA with two times the average dose was found. An anonymous drug testing facility was set up at the festival for the first time.{{cite news|url=https://www.rte.ie/news/health/2022/0902/1320344-electric-picnic-drugs/|title=HSE warns of 'high strength' drugs at Electric Picnic|publisher=RTÉ News|date=3 September 2022|accessdate=3 September 2022}}

Electric Picnic 2023 took place at Stradbally from 1 to 3 September. Billie Eilish, Fred Again and The Killers headline the festival.{{cite web|url= https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/music/2023/08/29/electric-picnic-2023-stage-times/|title=Electric Picnic 2023: Stage times for all areas over the weekend|date=30 August 2023|work=The Irish Timesl|accessdate=30 August 2023}}

Electric Picnic 2024 took place two weeks earlier than the traditional dates, from 16 to 18 August. The planned dates were not well received by local farmers, who cited issues with the festival taking place in the middle of harvest season. Festival director Melvin Benn stated the change was a once-off for 2024 to facilitate a particular artist.{{cite web | url=https://www.agriland.ie/farming-news/farmers-say-new-electric-picnic-dates-will-impact-2024-harvest/ | title=Farmers say new Electric Picnic dates will impact 2024 harvest | date=30 August 2023 }}

The lineup was met with widespread negative criticism on social media, primarily due to the headlining acts being perceived as less popular and relevant compared to those featured in previous years.

A controversy arose over greenwashing at the event – David Walsh-Kemmis, owner of Ballykilcavan Brewery, which is situated 2.5 km from the festival, complained that "It's extremely disheartening to see Electric Picnic, a festival that prides itself on supporting local culture and sustainability, completely stonewall us. Supplying this festival would make a significant positive impact on our small business, securing local jobs, creating temporary positions, and boosting the local economy." Instead of using local Irish breweries, the festival signed an exclusive deal with Heineken, brewed in Cork. Melvin Benn was quoted in media as saying that he had tasted Ballykilcavan's beers, and didn't like them, so wouldn't sell them.{{cite news|url=https://www.rte.ie/news/business/2024/0812/1464602-local-brewery-denied-opportunity-to-sell-its-beer-at-ep/|title=Local brewery claims it has been denied opportunity to sell its beer at Electric Picnic|last=Goodbody|first=Will|publisher=RTÉ News|date=12 August 2024|access-date=19 August 2024}}{{cite news|url=https://www.newstalk.com/news/punching-down-on-small-breweries-laois-craft-beer-company-slams-electric-picnic-promoter-1755043|title=Punching down on small breweries – Laois craft beer company slams Electric Picnic promoter|last=Staines|first=Michael|publisher=Newstalk|date=14 August 2024|access-date=19 August 2024}}

• List of electronic music festivals
• Longitude Festival
• Oxegen

{{Reflist}}

{{Commons category}}

• {{Official website|http://www.electricpicnic.ie}}
• [http://www.cluas.com/music/gigs/electric-picnic-2005.htm Review of the 2005 Electric Picnic Festival]
• [http://www.drop-d.ie/article.php?article_id=79 Review of the 2005 Electric Picnic Festival]{{dead link|date=June 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}
• [http://www.cluas.com/music/gigs/electric-picnic-2006-847.htm Review of the 2006 Electric Picnic Festival]
• [http://www.irishtimes.com/theticket/electricpicnic/ The Ticket at Electric Picnic 2007]
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20080831040201/http://www.electricplaylist.com/ Electric Picnic 2008 Playlist]
• [http://www.electric-circus.net/20090417193/News/Main-News/oxegen-v-electric-picnic Electric Picnic V Oxegen 2009, FIGHT!] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120222135459/http://www.electric-circus.net/20090417193/News/Main-News/oxegen-v-electric-picnic |date=22 February 2012 }}

{{Irish Festivals}}

{{Electronic music festival}}

Category:Music festivals established in 2004

Category:2000s in Irish music

Category:2010s in Irish music

Category:Music in County Laois

Category:Rock festivals in Ireland

Category:Stradbally

Category:Culture in County Laois

Category:Tourism in County Laois

Category:Electronic music festivals in Ireland

Category:Annual events in the Republic of Ireland