Electric Picnic 2019 has kicked off, with star turns from a homecoming Billie Eilish and Hozier, and Jarvis Cocker on the first day. Taking place from 30th August to 1st September in Stradbally, Co.Laois, Electric Picnic is Ireland's largest music and arts festival.
Photo: Darren McLoughlin.
By Eamon O'Neill.
Electric Picnic 2019 has kicked off, with star turns from a homecoming Billie Eilish and Hozier, and Jarvis Cocker on the first day. Taking place from 30th August to 1st September in Stradbally, Co.Laois, Electric Picnic is Ireland's largest music and arts festival.
Despite widespread predictions of adverse weather conditions, the rain held off as Electric Picnic opened its gates, with the sunshine making a very welcome appearance right through until nightfall. It was enough to set the scene for the great day of music, comedy, arts and more ahead.
Drawing a headliner-sized crowd for her first ever appearance in Ireland, it was Billie Eilish who amped up the festival atmosphere, electrifying with her early evening slot. Opening with a euphoric 'Bad Guy', the pop phenomenon wowed the EP crowd from the off, with tracks from No.1 album 'When We Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?'.
Getting the crowd, the singer acknowledged the rapturous response she was receiving saying; "This is my first time here. This is crazy."
Going on to pay tribute to her Irish roots,miss O'Connell said; "I'm part Irish dude. This is my home!".
Over in the Electric Arena meanwhile, Jarvis Cocker posed, preened, and prowled the stage as only he can, with new band Jarv Is... Playing mostly unknown material from their forthcoming debut, the Britpop figurehead later told eonmusic that he was surprised at how well the set was received.
Night one was crowned however, by a show stopping performance from Ireland's own Hozier. Returning to Electric Picnic following his unannounced guest spot with Mavis Staples in 2018, the Wicklow troubadour pulled out all the stops to ensure that the night belonged to him.
Electric Picnic continues on Saturday, with Duff McKagan, Four Tet, and The Strokes among the acts due to perform. Richard Ashcroft, Florence and the Machine, and more close out the festival on Sunday night.
Like this story? Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for regular updates & more of the same.
Check out our gallery from Electric Picnic dat one below. All photos by Darren McLoughlin.
Electric Picnic 2019 has kicked off, with star turns from a homecoming Billie Eilish and Hozier, and Jarvis Cocker on the first day. Taking place from 30th August to 1st September in Stradbally, Co.Laois, Electric Picnic is Ireland's largest music and arts festival.
Despite widespread predictions of adverse weather conditions, the rain held off as Electric Picnic opened its gates, with the sunshine making a very welcome appearance right through until nightfall. It was enough to set the scene for the great day of music, comedy, arts and more ahead.
Drawing a headliner-sized crowd for her first ever appearance in Ireland, it was Billie Eilish who amped up the festival atmosphere, electrifying with her early evening slot. Opening with a euphoric 'Bad Guy', the pop phenomenon wowed the EP crowd from the off, with tracks from No.1 album 'When We Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?'.
Getting the crowd, the singer acknowledged the rapturous response she was receiving saying; "This is my first time here. This is crazy."
Going on to pay tribute to her Irish roots,miss O'Connell said; "I'm part Irish dude. This is my home!".
Over in the Electric Arena meanwhile, Jarvis Cocker posed, preened, and prowled the stage as only he can, with new band Jarv Is... Playing mostly unknown material from their forthcoming debut, the Britpop figurehead later told eonmusic that he was surprised at how well the set was received.
Night one was crowned however, by a show stopping performance from Ireland's own Hozier. Returning to Electric Picnic following his unannounced guest spot with Mavis Staples in 2018, the Wicklow troubadour pulled out all the stops to ensure that the night belonged to him.
Electric Picnic continues on Saturday, with Duff McKagan, Four Tet, and The Strokes among the acts due to perform. Richard Ashcroft, Florence and the Machine, and more close out the festival on Sunday night.
Like this story? Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for regular updates & more of the same.
Check out our gallery from Electric Picnic dat one below. All photos by Darren McLoughlin.
