Get even more out of Electric Picnic 2015.
For many Irish people, Electric Picnic represents their version of musical mecca as the trip to Stradbally is greeted with levels of excitement that are unrivaled.
2015 promises to be another cracking festival with Florence and the Machine, Blur and Sam Smith headlining the main stage while Manic Street Preachers, Tame Impala, Villagers and lots more brilliant acts performing elsewhere.
Music is the main draw but there’s much more to Electric Picnic than the main stage and the more ‘well known’ arenas.
Check these out.
The Cosby Tent
If you’ve danced yourself clean and sang your voice raw then I definitely recommend having a few laughs at the comedy tent.
The list of acts that have previously played here reads like a ‘who’s who’ of famous comedians and this year has a line-up that’s excellent.
David O’Doherty, The Rubberbandits, Al Porter and Jarlath Regan are just some of the class acts that will tickle your funny bone. Trust me, it’s the perfect spot to relax and laugh.
Food, food and even more food
Running between different stages is enough to work up a healthy appetite so thank god that Electric Picnic has such a vast array of stalls, vendors and different cuisines.
Without a word of a lie, there’s so much food on offer here that Homer Simpson would even lose the run of himself. I’d crawl on my face to Laois for Pieminister alone.
The fun fair
Sometimes being an adult is terrible. I mean, you have responsibilities, a job and you can’t even go on the swings without people thinking that you’re a weirdo.
Thank god then for the fun fair at E.P because it’s perfectly acceptable to yell ‘higher, higher’ on the swings.
Body & Soul
Probably my favourite place to hangout and relax because this forest getaway has so much more going for it than just music.
If you fancy checking out some poetry, performers or brilliant pieces of art then this is for you., In fact, the people who design this chilled-out and enchanted haven deserve massive credit because I’ve never seen such attention to detail like this.
All this without mentioning the hot tubs, cafés, sculptors, painters, carpenters, weavers, welders, dancers and ringmasters. A must see.
Shane Gillen’s Magic Mush Room
Shane Gillen is a young, Irish magician who we’re big fans of on JOE. His Magic Mush Room is billed as a new immersive and experiential addition to Electric Picnic.
Once inside the tent you can enjoy his brilliant close-up magic, as well play games of ‘Fool the Magician’ – where you can guess how certain tricks are done.
Most intriguingly, you can ‘control’ a professional magician and pick-pocketer, Brian Daly from inside the tent via a live transmission as he roams around the arena. Plenty of opportunity to cause festival mayhem from afar.
Mindfield
Festivals are a brilliant place to grow your musical palette but why confine yourself to just some tunes?
Expand you mind by taking in some informative discussions on a variety of topics such as ; literary readings, political debate, performance poetry, inspiring talks and public conversations.
Every festival usually results in you making some new mates so I’d say go where you might meet some like-minds.
The brilliant Lisa Hannigan will be hosting an event here also.
The Salty Dog
Somehow a horde of Irish party animals hanging around a pirate ship at 3am that’s stranded in a field in Laois is the best craic imaginable.
No word of a lie, last year my friends and I stayed up until 4am just hanging around this place because there was so much fun on offer.
Avast me hearties and listen up, head here or else walk the plank.
Trenchtown
Hipster alert klaxon but this place is just as much a state of mind as it is a place to kick-back.
It’s almost like Kingston has upped sticks and settled in Laois because you’ll find an incredibly chilled vibe here with some authentic food, dance & performance.
FYI, the Jerk Shack might have the best chicken that you’ll get in Ireland and this place is always a good spot for some late night dancing.
The Inflatable Church
It’s one of those bizzare Electric Picnic traditions, maybe it’s there because people are afraid of missing mass or perhaps people feel the need to get ‘mock married’ after being swept up in musical euphoria.
Regardless of why it’s there, check it out because it’s brilliant craic.
Here’s me at it dancing with a priest. It made sense at the time.
Theatre of Food
One of the more recent additions to the Electric Picnic experience but it has proven to be incredibly popular with each passing year. Essentially, the best chefs from Ireland and around the globe, gather in one place to talk all things food.
Demos, quizzes, debates and performance shops featuring some truly mouthwatering food are all on offer here and it’s definitely worth checking out, you might even be able to nab some grub if you’re too broke for a burger!
3Penthouse
You don’t need to be millionaire to stay in a penthouse suite during Electric Picnic because 3 are launching a new additon this year. Their five-area penthouse will host a resident DJ and it seems like the perfect place to get off your feet and chill.
If you fancy beating your friends in a few playful games then Lawn Twister or giant Paint-Pong sound like they’re up your alley.
FYI, this place also has the one thing that all festival goers are desperately looking for. Phone chargers!
Looking to make this your best EP yet? Step into 3Penthouse, a five room imaginarium designed to take your Electric Picnic experience to the next level. Flex those creative muscles in ‘The Kitchen’, play in ‘The Garden’, dance to the best tunes in ‘The Living Room’ or get bird’s-eye view of your favourite act from The Balcony. Download 3Plus for more info.
LISTEN: You Must Be Jokin’ with Aideen McQueen – Faith healers, Coolock craic and Gigging as Gaeilge
