2025's Electric Picnic saw a host of big names, rising stars, art, comedy, poetry and more as it returned to Stradbally, Co. Laois for its twentieth outing. Headlined by Hozier, Fatboy Slim and Kings of Leon, the festival took place from 29th - 31st August.
Photo; Press.
Twenty-one years on from its beginnings as a boutique one-dayer, Electric Picnic is now the biggest event of it's kind. Put simply, it's Ireland's Glastonbury; a colossal celebration of music, art, and culture spread across a sprawling estate where you never quite know what is around any corner.
EP's unique areas from Spike Island to Salty Dog and Freetown offer a labyrinth of things to discover, from art installations to hidden bars, nooks, and stages that across across the weekend take in everything from trad to reggae to sea shanties and tributes to Oasis, Queens of the Stone Age. and Nirvana. It's an overwhelming wonder of stimulation to the senses before even arriving into the main arena.
The arena however, is where all the main action happens, and taking the honour of opening up festivities on day one (Friday 29th August), America singer songwriter Conor Gray was the first to hit the main stage, going down a treat especially with the younger EPers, who sing along to every word.
In the sizable Electric Arena tent - Electric Picnic's second largest stage - The Academic raised the roof from the moment they hit the stage with a combustible 'Why Cant We Be Friends?'. Receiving a genuinely astonishing response, singer Craig Fitzgerald praised EP while touching on politics - as many artists would with a particularly hot topic this weekend - saying; "its great to be at a festival where you can play music and say 'Free Palestine' as well".
They may have had a packed tent, but it was dwarfed by the incredible crowds who flocked to catch Chappell Roan make her Irish festival debut. Having only ever played the relatively modest confines of Dublin's 3Olympia theatre back in September 2024, the American superstar commanded the 80,000-strong Picnickers in what was a real Billie Eilish moment - drawing a headline crowd for a headline-worthy performance despite being lower down the bill.
Over in the Electric Arena, Galway heroes The Saw Doctors drew a rabid response. Wasting no time in getting to business, the hits came in quick succession from the off, from 'I Useta Love Her' to 'Tommy K' to standout singalong 'The Green and Red of Mayo'.
It fell to Hozier however to close out the day. Now a global superstar, it was a thrill to see the homegrown talent headline what is the largest festival to take place in his own country. Greeting the crowd, having spent the later part of the year on the road across the USA, the Co. Wicklow native conceded; "it's good to be home", as his set kicked off. Taking in cuts from across his three-album career, the night ended with a pensive 'Take Me To Church' before a celebratory fireworks show sent the Picnickers off to the far reaches of the festival for more night time entertainment.
EP's unique areas from Spike Island to Salty Dog and Freetown offer a labyrinth of things to discover, from art installations to hidden bars, nooks, and stages that across across the weekend take in everything from trad to reggae to sea shanties and tributes to Oasis, Queens of the Stone Age. and Nirvana. It's an overwhelming wonder of stimulation to the senses before even arriving into the main arena.
The arena however, is where all the main action happens, and taking the honour of opening up festivities on day one (Friday 29th August), America singer songwriter Conor Gray was the first to hit the main stage, going down a treat especially with the younger EPers, who sing along to every word.
In the sizable Electric Arena tent - Electric Picnic's second largest stage - The Academic raised the roof from the moment they hit the stage with a combustible 'Why Cant We Be Friends?'. Receiving a genuinely astonishing response, singer Craig Fitzgerald praised EP while touching on politics - as many artists would with a particularly hot topic this weekend - saying; "its great to be at a festival where you can play music and say 'Free Palestine' as well".
They may have had a packed tent, but it was dwarfed by the incredible crowds who flocked to catch Chappell Roan make her Irish festival debut. Having only ever played the relatively modest confines of Dublin's 3Olympia theatre back in September 2024, the American superstar commanded the 80,000-strong Picnickers in what was a real Billie Eilish moment - drawing a headline crowd for a headline-worthy performance despite being lower down the bill.
Over in the Electric Arena, Galway heroes The Saw Doctors drew a rabid response. Wasting no time in getting to business, the hits came in quick succession from the off, from 'I Useta Love Her' to 'Tommy K' to standout singalong 'The Green and Red of Mayo'.
It fell to Hozier however to close out the day. Now a global superstar, it was a thrill to see the homegrown talent headline what is the largest festival to take place in his own country. Greeting the crowd, having spent the later part of the year on the road across the USA, the Co. Wicklow native conceded; "it's good to be home", as his set kicked off. Taking in cuts from across his three-album career, the night ended with a pensive 'Take Me To Church' before a celebratory fireworks show sent the Picnickers off to the far reaches of the festival for more night time entertainment.
Hozier at Electric Picnic 2025. Photo; Darren McLoughlin.
Day two (Saturday 30th August) saw Dubliner Arron Rowe kick off the main stage on a bill that featured a vast array of music styles from predominately Irish acts. Accompanied only by only his guitar and a fiddle player, the troubadour's sound filled the arena, with his own 'Please Don't Hate Me' as well as trad classic 'The Old Triangle' received enthusiastically.
Even at this early-afternoon stage, the buzz in the arena was electric for Kneecap's 3.30pm slot. Arguably the hottest act in the world right now, the Belfast phenomenon drew an impossibly large crowd, on par with the biggest headliners in the festival's history.
Commanding the stage, the three-piece whipped the crowd into a frenzy with their politically-charged hip-hop anthems. Tracing their trajectory at Electric Picnic - which included a 2022 spot on the Rankin's Wood stage - Mo Chara proclaimed; "lads, we've been playing here for six years, and now we're on the main stage!", with bandmate Móglaí Bap adding; "I think this could be the best crowd we ever had".
Going on to comically refer to themselves as; "like the Wolfe Tones on cocaine", the controversial stars brought the house down with the pairing of 'C.E.A.R.T.A' and 'Get Your Brits Out'.
Thanking Electric Picnic for supporting the band throughout their meteoric rise while touching on some of the controversy that has recently surrounded them, Chara said; "we want to thank Melvin [Benn] who runs EP for booking us, because there are some festivals that want to cancel us".
Even at this early-afternoon stage, the buzz in the arena was electric for Kneecap's 3.30pm slot. Arguably the hottest act in the world right now, the Belfast phenomenon drew an impossibly large crowd, on par with the biggest headliners in the festival's history.
Commanding the stage, the three-piece whipped the crowd into a frenzy with their politically-charged hip-hop anthems. Tracing their trajectory at Electric Picnic - which included a 2022 spot on the Rankin's Wood stage - Mo Chara proclaimed; "lads, we've been playing here for six years, and now we're on the main stage!", with bandmate Móglaí Bap adding; "I think this could be the best crowd we ever had".
Going on to comically refer to themselves as; "like the Wolfe Tones on cocaine", the controversial stars brought the house down with the pairing of 'C.E.A.R.T.A' and 'Get Your Brits Out'.
Thanking Electric Picnic for supporting the band throughout their meteoric rise while touching on some of the controversy that has recently surrounded them, Chara said; "we want to thank Melvin [Benn] who runs EP for booking us, because there are some festivals that want to cancel us".
Mo Chara of Kneecap at Electric Picnic 2025. Photo; Darren McLoughlin.
In a complete musical contrast, rising soulful folk act Amble, who followed, brought a tuneful sense of chill to the main stage. Retaining a sizable portion of the crowd who had just watched Kneecap, in a comical moment, awestruck singer Robbie Cunningham commented; "fuck me, that's a lot of people!"
In what was a huge day for Irish talent, Inhaler may have suffered from following two hugely popular acts, with the crowd noticeably thinning, but none the less put in a stellar performance for those who remained. Now three-albums into a career that began with the release of 'It Won't Always Be Like This' in 2021, they continue to grow in stature.
Changing things up, song writer, producer, and bona fide musical legend Nile Rogers brought the good times with his band Chic, with a set that spanned the decades and some of the greatest songs in pop music history, from his own disco anthems to his work with Madonna, David Bowie, and Daft Punk. Having last played EP in 2018, Rodgers enthused; "We have a great history with Electric Picnic", he said; "years ago, when we were restarting the band, we played here", referencing their 2009 debut at Stradbally.
With a voice loaded with tone and character, Sam Fender then whipped up a storm, from Springsteen-esque opener 'Angel in Lothian' to closer 'Hypersonic Missiles'. Fully utilising the huge screens either side of the stage with some epic visual effects, the Tyneside tunesmith also employed pyro to enhance his performance.
With spirits high, it fell to Fatboy Slim to bring on the Saturday night party in style. As only one man and his decks, the former Housemartin may could have been up against it, but employing a stunning array of visuals that featured animations, art, and everyone from Great Thunberg to Bill Murray, Prince, and George Clooney, he proved one of the most exciting acts of the weekend. Mixing Underworld's 'Born Slippy' with and The Killers' 'Mr. Brightside' meanwhile, was a masterstroke.
In what was a huge day for Irish talent, Inhaler may have suffered from following two hugely popular acts, with the crowd noticeably thinning, but none the less put in a stellar performance for those who remained. Now three-albums into a career that began with the release of 'It Won't Always Be Like This' in 2021, they continue to grow in stature.
Changing things up, song writer, producer, and bona fide musical legend Nile Rogers brought the good times with his band Chic, with a set that spanned the decades and some of the greatest songs in pop music history, from his own disco anthems to his work with Madonna, David Bowie, and Daft Punk. Having last played EP in 2018, Rodgers enthused; "We have a great history with Electric Picnic", he said; "years ago, when we were restarting the band, we played here", referencing their 2009 debut at Stradbally.
With a voice loaded with tone and character, Sam Fender then whipped up a storm, from Springsteen-esque opener 'Angel in Lothian' to closer 'Hypersonic Missiles'. Fully utilising the huge screens either side of the stage with some epic visual effects, the Tyneside tunesmith also employed pyro to enhance his performance.
With spirits high, it fell to Fatboy Slim to bring on the Saturday night party in style. As only one man and his decks, the former Housemartin may could have been up against it, but employing a stunning array of visuals that featured animations, art, and everyone from Great Thunberg to Bill Murray, Prince, and George Clooney, he proved one of the most exciting acts of the weekend. Mixing Underworld's 'Born Slippy' with and The Killers' 'Mr. Brightside' meanwhile, was a masterstroke.
Fatboy Slim Headlines Electric Picnic 2025. Photo; Darren McLoughlin.
The Sunday morning at Electric Picnic usually sees the crowd come down following the Saturday night party, and 2025s's final day proved no exception. With a group of pirates singing sea shanties in Salty Dog, and the local Timahoe Choir providing singalongs on the main stage, the final day eased in as the faithful came around from their hangovers and lack of sleep.
The big news of the day however, was the early morning announcement that 2022 EP headliner Dermot Kennedy would join Noel and Mike Hogan of The Cranberries with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra, as the brothers united to perform the band’s iconic songs for the first time in eight years.
With excitement reaching fever pitch, the orchestra and band ambled onstage with little fuss, with an understated Noel saying simply; "we're going to play a few of our old songs".
Most agree that there's no replacing the late Dolores O'Riordan, and in utilising "our friend" Kennedy, the brothers' avoided unwanted comparisons that might otherwise have arisen, and instead simply focused on the band's incredible songs.
Poignantly opening with 'This is the Day', it was 'Linger', three songs in that really benefited from the orchestral treatment, elevating it to new heights. It wasn't all low key however, and 'Salvation' caused a wave of excitement that continued until the closing euphoria of 'Zombie'.
Kennedy, meanwhile, proved an inspired choice to front the one-off. With Noel noting that he had remained quiet throughout the set- perhaps out of respect that it wasn't his gig - he finally said a few words. "I just wanted to say to Noel and Mike and everybody associated, that I'm humbled and flabbergasted to be up here", he confided, humbly; "It means an awful lot to me, so thank you".
The big news of the day however, was the early morning announcement that 2022 EP headliner Dermot Kennedy would join Noel and Mike Hogan of The Cranberries with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra, as the brothers united to perform the band’s iconic songs for the first time in eight years.
With excitement reaching fever pitch, the orchestra and band ambled onstage with little fuss, with an understated Noel saying simply; "we're going to play a few of our old songs".
Most agree that there's no replacing the late Dolores O'Riordan, and in utilising "our friend" Kennedy, the brothers' avoided unwanted comparisons that might otherwise have arisen, and instead simply focused on the band's incredible songs.
Poignantly opening with 'This is the Day', it was 'Linger', three songs in that really benefited from the orchestral treatment, elevating it to new heights. It wasn't all low key however, and 'Salvation' caused a wave of excitement that continued until the closing euphoria of 'Zombie'.
Kennedy, meanwhile, proved an inspired choice to front the one-off. With Noel noting that he had remained quiet throughout the set- perhaps out of respect that it wasn't his gig - he finally said a few words. "I just wanted to say to Noel and Mike and everybody associated, that I'm humbled and flabbergasted to be up here", he confided, humbly; "It means an awful lot to me, so thank you".
Dermot Kennedy with Noel and Mike Hogan of The Cranberries at Electric Picnic 2025. Photo; Darren McLoughlin.
Next on the main stage, adopted Irish son David Gray dispensed with the suspense and build up, opening his set with his biggest hit, 'Babylon'. "We're off the leash in County Laois, so what could go wrong?!", he declared, as the afternoon slot which was weighted heavily on his breakthrough 'White Ladder album, commenced. With the hypnotic 'My Oh My', Soft Cell cover 'Say Hello, Wave Goodbye', and a trippy 'Please Forgive Me' following later, the Manchester-born multi-instrumentalist also brought on singer Talia Rose for duet 'Plus & Minus'.
Over on the 3Music stage, one of the most invigorating acts of the festival was causing a riot with his improvisational EDM. There's a fine line between unhinged and entertaining, and Marc Rebillet straddles it precariously. The one-man Loop Daddy is a sheer force of nature, and making the most commanding entrance since Nicholas Cage on the Wogan show in 1990, the New York resident rushed the stage without fanfare, dressed only in a pair of blue boxer shorts.
His off the wall antics and manic disposition may be incredibly entertaining, but they belie his truly amazing abilities as a musician. Looping beats, keys, vocals, and more on the spot, the first forty-five minutes of his set were entirely off the cuff, with an epic ten minute jam on the refrain of 'County Fuckin' Laois' setting the scene.
Inviting a member of the audience up on stage to participate, and looping her into the act, Ribellet praised the lady named Frances stating; "that's the energy I'm looking for", before urging the audience to "Turn it up to Francis" in his next song.
Taking requests towards the end of his hour-long stint, that included a hilarious run through viral hit 'Get Up', Marc's energetic performance proved of the most memorable of the weekend.
Over on the 3Music stage, one of the most invigorating acts of the festival was causing a riot with his improvisational EDM. There's a fine line between unhinged and entertaining, and Marc Rebillet straddles it precariously. The one-man Loop Daddy is a sheer force of nature, and making the most commanding entrance since Nicholas Cage on the Wogan show in 1990, the New York resident rushed the stage without fanfare, dressed only in a pair of blue boxer shorts.
His off the wall antics and manic disposition may be incredibly entertaining, but they belie his truly amazing abilities as a musician. Looping beats, keys, vocals, and more on the spot, the first forty-five minutes of his set were entirely off the cuff, with an epic ten minute jam on the refrain of 'County Fuckin' Laois' setting the scene.
Inviting a member of the audience up on stage to participate, and looping her into the act, Ribellet praised the lady named Frances stating; "that's the energy I'm looking for", before urging the audience to "Turn it up to Francis" in his next song.
Taking requests towards the end of his hour-long stint, that included a hilarious run through viral hit 'Get Up', Marc's energetic performance proved of the most memorable of the weekend.
Marc Rebillet at Electric Picnic 2025. Photo; Darren McLoughlin.
With the three days almost at an end, it fell to Kings of Leon to bring Electric Picnic 2025 to an end. Rolling onto the stage to the laid back tones of 'Rainbow Ball', the foursome were at their best in the lower gears, with 'Revelry' and 'On Call', early highlights.
Focusing on smash hit album 'Only By the Night' as well as latest set 'Can We Please Have Fun', the Tennessee indie heroes thrilled the EP crowd with 'Use Somebody', and - predictably - 'Sex on Fire' causing the greatest stir.
And with that, EP25 was done. Speaking at a press conference earlier in the day, organiser Melvin Benn commented that the festival is locked in for an extended period with landowners, revealing that the long-term future of EP is secure.
Commenting on plans for 2026 meanwhile, he added; "We don’t stand still at the Picnic, there will always be changes. There’s a few little bits that I want to change and with headliners, we have two of the three nights booked and we are in a really strong place with that.”
Electric Picnic returns to Stradbally on 28th – 30th August 2026. Tickets go on sale at 9am Wednesday 3rd September. For latest updates, visit electricpicnic.ie.
Check out our gallery from the festival. All photos by Darren McLoughlin.
Focusing on smash hit album 'Only By the Night' as well as latest set 'Can We Please Have Fun', the Tennessee indie heroes thrilled the EP crowd with 'Use Somebody', and - predictably - 'Sex on Fire' causing the greatest stir.
And with that, EP25 was done. Speaking at a press conference earlier in the day, organiser Melvin Benn commented that the festival is locked in for an extended period with landowners, revealing that the long-term future of EP is secure.
Commenting on plans for 2026 meanwhile, he added; "We don’t stand still at the Picnic, there will always be changes. There’s a few little bits that I want to change and with headliners, we have two of the three nights booked and we are in a really strong place with that.”
Electric Picnic returns to Stradbally on 28th – 30th August 2026. Tickets go on sale at 9am Wednesday 3rd September. For latest updates, visit electricpicnic.ie.
Check out our gallery from the festival. All photos by Darren McLoughlin.
