Entertainment

Electrifying entertainment: The Electric Picnic in Co Laois

It may be sold out, but for those lucky enough to have got their hands on tickets to this years Electric Picnic Festival in Stradbally Hall, Co Laois, Jenny Lee takes a look at the eclectic mix of music and arts on offer

Cathy Davey will be performing her new album at this September's Electric Picnic
Cathy Davey will be performing her new album at this September's Electric Picnic Cathy Davey will be performing her new album at this September's Electric Picnic

LCD Soundsystem, Lana Del Rey, The Chemical Brothers, New Order and Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds head a stellar line up at this year's Electric Picnic.

The eclectic three-day event offers much more than music, from comedy, interactive theatre and shadow puppetry to cinema screening, tarot card reading and poetry.

LCD Soundsystem frontman James Murphy is no stranger to Electric Picnic, having treated festival-goers to his DJ-set last year.

This year, revellers can look forward to some meaty synth anthems underscored with self-deprecating lyrics delivered in Murphy's true deadpan style.

In her first Irish festival appearance, US songstress Lana Del Rey will glide onto the main stage at this year's Electric Picnic.

The Born to Die singer will perform her acclaimed cinematic ballads and twisted fantasies of love and devotion for the Stradbally crowd, ensuring that she is Shades of Cool above the rest.

This year, dance dynamos The Chemical Brothers return to the Electric Picnic for the third time where they will no doubt Picnickers with their much-loved electronica.

And hoping to banish that Blue Monday feeling after the Picnic are synth pop pioneers New Order.

Emerging from the ashes of Joy Division to firmly establish themselves as one of the most era-defining bands of the 1980s, following last year's Music Complete album New Order continue to impress festival crowds even without founding member Peter Hook on the bass.

Madcap Welsh indie rockers Super Furry Animals reformed last year after a five year hiatus and are sure to boast inflatable monsters, flamboyant costumes and surprises during their set at Electric Picnic.

And, fresh from unveiling their 10th studio album Painting With, Stradbally will be welcoming Baltimore-bred Animal Collective for their inaugural Picnic performance.

Now in it's 12th year, Electric Picnic has been described as Ireland's version of Glastonbury.

Once again expanding its horizons to include a programme of 'otherworldly goings-on' this year's Festival boasts a newly discovered woodland haven.

The Hazel Wood area will offer mesmerising storytelling immersive hauntings, shadow puppetry, visual art and much, much more.

Irish singer-songwriter Cathy Davey will perform her brand new album, The Pattern, in its entirety on the Friday night from midnight.

"Because this album was written in the forest, I had fairly unrealistic notions of its first performance being in the woods," says Davey.

"But Electric Picnic have made it happen – I'm beyond excited. Maybe some of the creatures in the album will make an appearance."

Also appearing in Hazel Wood is the The Melting Pot ensemble orchestrated by Siobhra Quinlan, which fuses opera, art song, instrumental and chamber music and the world’s oldest family circus Fossetts will add to the festivities.

The Body&Soul village is a haven for the musically adventurous and sonically curious. This year, there is bravery and brilliance across all stages, from Island Records’ favourite Whilk & Misky, whose blend of brooding electronics with guitar and throaty vocals fuses folk, electronica, techno and the Blues, to the psych-influenced rock and blissful melodies of Dublin based Overhead, The Albatross.

By day or by night, Body&Soul is a place to wander and explore, with unexpected surprises around every corner and enchanted nooks and crannies to hide away in.

The DJs in the trees also return, while live music, pop-ups and installations enchant below.

And, for those who need revitalised, you can't beat a visit to the Immerse Spa or Zen Gardens.

:: Electric Picnic Music and Arts Festival runs from September 2 to 4 at Stradbally Hall, County Laois. For full line-up visit Electricpicnic.ie.