Population of Laois expected to double this week

THE population of Laois is expected to begin to double over the coming week when an estimated 80,000 people start to descend on Stradbally for this year’s Electric Picnic.

Early Entry ticket holders are expected to arrive in Stradbally on Thursday morning and will be allowed access to the campsites from about 4pm that afternoon.

The expected crowd will provide a major financial injection into the local economy as local hotels, B&Bs, glamping and campsites have been booked out for months.

Since 2004, music lovers and festivalgoers have flocked to Stradbally to see some of the world’s best-known bands. Since then, except for a two-year break due to the Covid pandemic, the attendance has grown with the festival seen now as one of the best in Europe.

The music and arts festival is taking place from Friday to Sunday 29 to 31 August on the 600-acre site at Stradbally Hall with headline acts such as Hozier, Chappell Roan, Sam Fender, Fatboy Slim and Kings of Leon.

Apart from the mainstage, there are over 27 other stages, realms, areas and venues dotted around the festival field, offering a diverse range of experiences such as Freetown, Mindfield, Salty Dog, Spike Island, Greencrafts Village, Trailer Park Trenchtown, The Hazelwood and Transmission.

A plethora of other smaller stages will also be in almost every corner of the festival field and will provide an opportunity for smaller, lesser-known Irish bands and acts to showcase their music to the massive crowds over the three-day event. Indeed, several Laois bands and acts will be forming over the three-day festival as well.

The festival is not all about music though. It includes art installations, comedy, theatre, spoken word and a dedicated wellness area.

Festivalgoers can also enjoy food from Michelin star chefs, participate in works shops, debates and discussions and visit the many areas for quirky and humorous experiences.

There will be performances from theatre troupes and comedians in designated areas. You can also engage with poetry slams and podcasts. Have a round of golf on a nine-hole golf course. Take a dip in the onsite lake. Sing a bit of karaoke. Take part in holistic therapies, hot tubs and spa treatments. Or take time out in the Zen Gardens for quiet reflection and relaxation.

And if that wasn’t enough you can experience the Silent Disco, take time away from the maddening crowd, and dance the night away in a unique silent experience.