More than 80,000 revellers descended on Stradbally in Co Laois as the 20th edition of Electric Picnic got underway on Friday.
From the moment the gates opened at 9am, a steady stream of attendees poured through the car parks, first timers and veterans alike.
That was on top of those who had wisely opted for early entry — with the festival organisers announcing on Thursday night that five of the seven main campsites were already full.
Festival organisers announced on Thursday night that five of the seven main campsites were already full. Picture: Niall Carson/PA
There is plenty for everyone to enjoy in Stradbally Hall across the weekend including a very strong domestic showing.
Hozier closed out the first evening of the festival with an as-always excellent set. The performance came just one week removed from his appearance at Reading and Leeds, which caused controversy when the BBC opted not to air it, citing a “mutual agreement”.
As she did at Reading and Leeds, pop sensation Chappell Roan got the main stage crowd dancing their hearts out prior to Hozier’s arrival.
Cork is well represented across the weekend too, with Biig Piig’s rise in popularity seeing her awarded a slot in the Electric Arena on Sunday afternoon.
She’ll be followed directly by everyone’s favourite podcasting duo, Kevin Twomey and PJ Kirby, as they bring a live episode of I’m Grand Mam to Stradbally.
A view of the stage setup and crowd watching Chappell Roan performing on the main stage at Electric Picnic on Friday. Mobile Phone image supplied from crowd.
On the comedic side of things, Chris Kent flies the Rebel flag on a stacked line-up with Dara Ó Briain, Jarlath Regan, and Foil Arms & Hog receiving the top billing.
Other Irish highlights across the weekend will include festival mainstays The Coronas and The Saw Doctors, rising star KhaliKid and the most talked about act of 2025 in the form of Kneecap.
The trio filled the Electric Arena in 2024 and have been rewarded with a slot on the main stage on Saturday afternoon, which is sure to attract thousands.
The action officially got underway on Friday but anyone lucky enough to get early entry on Thursday were treated to a range of entertainment.
In 2024, an attempt was made to break a world record for the number of people doing the ‘Rock the Boat’ dance in aid of So Sad Laois.
This year, it was the turn of the iconic routine of Whigfield’s Saturday Night.
For those unable to remember or co-ordinate themselves in time for the record, other areas were open for business.
As is tradition, The Wednesday Gang opened things up in the pirate-themed Salty Dog, while the two front men of IspÃnà na hÉireann launched the Spike Island area with a session including banjos, bodhrans and plenty of ruaille buaille.
The weather forecast for the weekend could put a dampener on things though.
There were light showers on Friday morning, but Saturday has the risk of a washout.
According to Met Eireann, rain will be widespread through Saturday morning, heavy and possibly thundery at times with localised flooding possible and accompanied by fresh to strong and gusty southerly winds.
Here’s hoping all the tents have been pegged down!
Festivalgoers on the first day of the Electric Picnic festival at Stradbally in Co Laois. Picture: Niall Carson/PA
Cody Greaney and Niamh O’Mahony, from Abbeyfeale, Limerick, at Heineken® House at Electric Picnic in Stradbally, Laois. Picture: Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile
Shannon Supple from Limerick poses for a photo at the Electric Picnic festival at Stradbally in Co Laois. Picture: Niall Carson/PA
Performers at the Trailerpark Arena at the Electric Picnic festival at Stradbally in Co Laois. Picture: Niall Carson/PA
Roia Martin at the Electric Picnic festival at Stradbally in Co Laois. Picture: Niall Carson/PA
Eadaoin Fitzmaurice, Cathair Curran, and Robyn Courtney at the Three Charge & Chill area at Electric Picnic 2025. Picture: Brian McEvoy
Eva Maher, Ross Sheehy, Cara O’Connell, and Roisin Corrigan at the Three Charge & Chill area at Electric Picnic 2025. Picture: Brian McEvoy
Fans watch Conan Gray at the Electric Picnic festival at Stradbally in Co Laois. Picture: Niall Carson/PAÂ 
Young music fans from Port Laoise enjoying Conan Gray performing on the main stage at Electric Picnic on Friday. Picture: Larry Cummins
Maynooth family Sharon and Shane Vaughan, with children Hailey and Sophie, enjoying Chappell Roan at Electric Picnic. Picture: Larry Cummins