Electric Picnic, Ireland’s premier music festival, has finalized its lineup for the upcoming event, adding several notable acts to its already impressive roster. The festival, scheduled to take place in Stradbally, County Laois, from August 28 to 30, will welcome a mix of established stars and emerging talent. Among the new additions are Damien Dempsey, Belters Only, Mick Flannery, Kyla Cobbler, The Undertones, Hermitage Green, and Darren Kiely. These performers join a headlining list that includes Sombre, Gorillaz, CMAT, and Van Morrison, marking another milestone in the festival’s ongoing evolution. The festival, now in its 22nd year, continues to expand its scope beyond traditional music offerings. It has grown significantly since its inception in 2004 as a small, intimate gathering into a large-scale event attracting over 80,000 attendees. This year’s edition promises a diverse array of performances, with more than 800 acts scheduled across 50 stages spread across the 600-acre festival site. Popular stages such as Trailer Park, Croí, Salty Dog, Providencia, and Fish Town will once again draw crowds eager to experience the unique atmosphere of the festival. Among the highlights of the new lineup is CMAT, whose critically acclaimed third album EURO-COUNTRY earned both the RTÉ Choice Music Prize for Irish Album of the Year and the Ivor Novello Award for Best Album. The Dublin-based artist is anticipated to deliver a powerful performance, drawing on the emotional depth and theatricality that have become hallmarks of her live shows. Similarly, Van Morrison, known for his enduring influence and legendary status, is expected to captivate audiences with a set featuring classic tracks like Moondance, Have I Told You Lately, and Gloria. His recent tour of European jazz festivals suggests he is in fine form, ready to engage with the festival’s enthusiastic crowd. Sombre, a rising star in the indie music scene, is set to open the festival on Friday, August 28. Known for their dynamic performances and genre-blending sound, the group has built a reputation for electrifying live shows. Meanwhile, the festival’s Saturday lineup features a stellar cast including Gorillaz, CMAT, and Zara Larsson, each bringing their distinct style and energy to the main stage. Fontaines D.C., one of Ireland’s most celebrated bands, will close the festival on Sunday, offering fans a chance to witness their evolving sound and enigmatic frontman Grian Chatten in action. Beyond music, Electric Picnic offers a rich cultural programme, with comedians such as Cork’s Kyla Cobbler joining the line-up. Other comedic talents include Mario Rosenstock, Reggie Watts, Deirdre O’Kane, Vittorio Angelone, David McSavage, Bernard O’Shea, and Mike Rice. The festival also features a variety of other activities, including food stalls, art installations, and interactive workshops, making it a comprehensive entertainment destination. This year’s festival also marks the culmination of a special initiative led by main stage sponsor Three Ireland, which opened auditions for up-and-coming musicians to perform alongside Tinie Tempah on the main stage. Over 2,500 entries were received, and four talented acts, MIMI Lane, Rian McCauley, Youngiz, and Imani Jade, were selected to share the spotlight with the British pop star. This effort underscores the festival’s commitment to nurturing new voices in the music industry. As the countdown to the festival begins, excitement is building among fans and performers alike. With a carefully curated lineup and a wide range of experiences, Electric Picnic is poised to deliver yet another unforgettable celebration of music, culture, and community in Stradbally.
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