THE last, and the best, big musical bash of the summer, this year's Electric Picnic has, on paper at least, one of the best festival line-ups ever. At the first-ever EP last year, this self-styled boutique festival, proved that there is more to an outdoors music event than teenagers doing formation-puking around you and watching indie drones doing their "if it's Saturday, it must be Dublin" routine.
While you don't have to be of a certain demographic group to enjoy the festival, the line-up does suggest a certain type of music fan - knowing, yet funky and ever open to going off-road musically.
Taking place on Saturday, September 3rd and Sunday, September 4th, the first day features eclectronic giants, Kraftwerk, alongside one of the bands-of-the-year, the coruscating Arcade Fire (do not miss them). Throw in band-of-the-moment Goldfrapp, the brilliant live experience that is Asian Dub Foundation, as well as Fatboy Slim, The Flaming Lips, Doves and Röyksopp, and you have a near perfect line-up.
Day two features Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, alongside the delightful neo-psychedelia of Mercury Rev with the Human League, Soulwax (and 2 Many DJ's), Bob Mould and De La Soul also in the mix.
A comedy tent will feature Tommy Tiernan, Des Bishop and a few dozen more, while the most wonderful Lost Vagueness people have got it together enough to leave the general Glastonbury area and come over to spread "unconditional love to the masses". Difficult to describe, but Lost Vagueness features most everything from Mills and Boon recitals to bingo to The Laundrettas Pyjama Party. There will also be lessons in chivalry. Which is always handy.
There is very much a Glasto feel to EP this year, so much in fact it has now been nicknamed Electric Picnicbury. Another Glastonbury attraction at the festival this year is The Silent Disco, which allows people to carry on enjoying themselves after the noise curfews kick in.
The food and drink possibilities have been hugely expanded since last year and if you're staying overnight you now have the opportunity to rent a "Podpad". A big hit on the festival circuit - and pictured far left - these are made from wood and come pre-decorated. They really do bring a nouveau-Mosney feel to the proceedings.
It all takes place over 600 acres on the Stradbally Estate, Co Laois (about 50 minutes in a T-bird sports car from Dublin) and the ticket prices are €62.50 for one day or €105 for two days - including camping.
The telephone booking number is 0818-719300 and everything else you could possible want to know about can be found at www.electricpicnic.ie
