The last remnants of this year's Electric Picnic should be disappearing right about now from the grounds of Stradbally Hall, Co. Laois. The 2-day music festival, which took place over the weekend, was attended by an estimated 25,000 people, with in excess of 15,000 camping on the grounds of the country estate.
Acts such as The Flaming Lips, Arcade Fire, DJ Laurent Garnier, Goldfrapp and Kraftwerk were massive hits with the crowds, while big name DJ Fat Boy Slim disappointed some. Does it get tough at the top?
Marketed as a "boutique" festival, Electric Picnic certainly hit all the right notes and proved that a gig of this scale can be a pleasure, unlike other big festivals around the country. Alternative areas, such as Lost Vagueness and the Comedy Tent, proved successful and a great diversion from the norm.
Among those I spotted backstage at the Bacardi B-Bar were Susan Vasquez, Nicola and Sarah Connolly, Paul Trainer from The Dubliner, Aoife O'Reilly. MTV presenter DP Fitzgerald, who was roving the grounds with his camera crew in tow, was also there. I still haven't seen the piece he did with me at the Oxegen music festival - but I've been assured it looks good!
Also enjoying the festival were comedy agent Naoise Nunn, of Aprés Match fame, singers David Kitt, who was camping in the VIP campsite, and Mundy, who was at the James Blunt gig. TV producer Cillian Fennell, Sinead Ryan and Malachy Geelan, stylist Roxanne Parker, promoter Buzz O'Neill and Aidan Bishop, no doubt there to support his big brother, comedian Des.
Rumour has it that organiser John Reynolds, of PoD events, is planning to stage next year's Electric Picnic over 3 days. Bring it on!
