75,000 revelers flock to Stradbally as Electric Picnic gets underway

Ireland’s biggest arts and music event, Electric Picnic, kicks off today, marking its 20th anniversary with a spectacular lineup. Around 75,000 festival-goers are set to descend on Stradbally for the three-day celebration, making it one of the country’s most anticipated cultural events. 

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Electric Picnic: From One-Day Event to Star-Studded Spectacle

Headliners for this year’s festival include Noah Kahan, Calvin Harris, and Kylie Minogue, promising an electrifying experience for attendees. In addition to these international stars, Irish acts such as Kneecap, Kodaline, and Lankum will also take the stage, showcasing the rich local talent. 

Originally launched as a one-day event in 2004 with just 10,000 attendees and headlined by 2 Many DJs and Groove Armada, Electric Picnic has grown immensely over the past two decades. It has evolved into a major highlight of Ireland’s music and arts calendar, reflecting its expanding influence and popularity.

In order to minimise traffic delays as the festival approaches, gardaí are recommending attendees to take public transportation. Motorists are encouraged to use the gardaí’s interactive map for travel planning instead of relying on Google Maps. 

Weather-wise, Met Éireann predicts a dry weekend with temperatures reaching up to 22°C. The HSE will continue its drug-checking services, with analysis and safety warnings provided through the Electric Picnic app to ensure a safe experience for all. The festival has been scheduled two weeks earlier this year to accommodate one of the top artists performing.