A record 75,000 people flocked to Stradbally, Co.Laois this past weekend for the biggest ever Electric Picnic. Celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2024, this year's bash featured sets from acts as diverse as The Wolfe Tones and Kylie Minogue.
Photo: Press.
Taking place from 16th - 18th August, Electric Picnic 2024 followed on from 2023's event which saw Niall Horan come home to a hero's welcome, and The Script, The Killers and The Wolfe Tones close out the hottest Electric Picnic ever.
Although not as scorching, this year's Picnic was blessed once again with similar sunny weather, as over 100 acts took to its various stages, both inside, and outside its vast arena, from the main stage to Salty Dog, Spike Island, Freetown and beyond.
Kicking off on Friday night (16th August), Irish sensation Jazzy proved the perfect act to get Electric Picnic 2024 off in style, with her cool electro sounds and smooth vocals.
Following, disco queen Sophie Ellis-Bextor drew a huge crowd for her early evening slot. Kicking off with a funky 'Crying at the Discotheque'. the diva strutted, shimmied, and danced her way through an hour-long set that took in all of her biggest hits.
Although not as scorching, this year's Picnic was blessed once again with similar sunny weather, as over 100 acts took to its various stages, both inside, and outside its vast arena, from the main stage to Salty Dog, Spike Island, Freetown and beyond.
Kicking off on Friday night (16th August), Irish sensation Jazzy proved the perfect act to get Electric Picnic 2024 off in style, with her cool electro sounds and smooth vocals.
Following, disco queen Sophie Ellis-Bextor drew a huge crowd for her early evening slot. Kicking off with a funky 'Crying at the Discotheque'. the diva strutted, shimmied, and danced her way through an hour-long set that took in all of her biggest hits.
Sophie Ellis-Bextor at Electric Picnic 2024. Photo: Darren McLoughlin.
Greeting the crowd, the improbably tall singer declared; "we're going to have some fun this evening!", ahead of earworm 'Take Me Home'. Wearing a skimpy silver number with long colourful tassels, Sophie joked; "yesterday I was on my holiday, and I thought, I'll not change out of my swimsuit".
Going right back to the start of her solo career, the singer wished 2000 number one single 'Groovejet (If This Ain't Love)' a happy 24th birthday - at only a couple of days shy of its 14h August release date - before inevitable set closer 'Murder on the Dance Floor' sealed her infectious EP debut.
While Gerry Cinnamon brought a huge crowd on the main stage to hear his acoustic indie folk, NYC rapper Nas was providing the beats and rhymes as well as the coolest vibes of the night, in the Electric Arena.
Packing out the huge tent, the man born Nasir bin Olu Dara Jones drew a rabid response from the crowd. Kicking off with the hypnotic 'The World is Yours', from debut 'Illmatic', the New York performer focused heavily on the landmark release, with the rapper declaring; "Ireland, in 1994, I dropped my first album, 'Illmatic'. Let's take it to 1994", ahead of the Michael Jackson 'Human Nature'-sampling 'It Ain't Hard to Tell'.
Going right back to the start of her solo career, the singer wished 2000 number one single 'Groovejet (If This Ain't Love)' a happy 24th birthday - at only a couple of days shy of its 14h August release date - before inevitable set closer 'Murder on the Dance Floor' sealed her infectious EP debut.
While Gerry Cinnamon brought a huge crowd on the main stage to hear his acoustic indie folk, NYC rapper Nas was providing the beats and rhymes as well as the coolest vibes of the night, in the Electric Arena.
Packing out the huge tent, the man born Nasir bin Olu Dara Jones drew a rabid response from the crowd. Kicking off with the hypnotic 'The World is Yours', from debut 'Illmatic', the New York performer focused heavily on the landmark release, with the rapper declaring; "Ireland, in 1994, I dropped my first album, 'Illmatic'. Let's take it to 1994", ahead of the Michael Jackson 'Human Nature'-sampling 'It Ain't Hard to Tell'.
Nas at Electric Picnic 2024. Photo: Darren McLoughlin.
Over in Rankin's Wood, the sublime sounds of Villagers offered a change of pace, with the emotive inflections of Conor O'Brien simply mesmerising on opener 'That Golden Time'. Barely containing his unpredictable energy, O'Brien jogged on the spot throughout, with acoustic guitar hung high.
Closing out day one, man of the moment Noah Kahan proved an inspired choice of headliner. Taken aback by the Stradbally crowd who sang along to every word of opener 'Dial Drunk', the US folk pop star grinned from ear to ear before declaring; "holy shit, were headlining this bitch! I'm so far away from home, but Ireland is my second home. I'm honoured to be headlining this festival. I don't deserve it, but I'm honoured".
Donning a Gibson acoustic for 'New Perspective', his backing band battled it out with banjo and mandolin solos, revealing the Vermont native's country influences.
Closing out day one, man of the moment Noah Kahan proved an inspired choice of headliner. Taken aback by the Stradbally crowd who sang along to every word of opener 'Dial Drunk', the US folk pop star grinned from ear to ear before declaring; "holy shit, were headlining this bitch! I'm so far away from home, but Ireland is my second home. I'm honoured to be headlining this festival. I don't deserve it, but I'm honoured".
Donning a Gibson acoustic for 'New Perspective', his backing band battled it out with banjo and mandolin solos, revealing the Vermont native's country influences.
Noah Kahan at Electric Picnic 2024. Photo: Darren McLoughlin.
Day two (Saturday 17th August) saw The Saw Doctors promoted from the Electric Arena where they were in 2023, to the main stage for their early evening slot. Powering through their off-kilter anthems including 'Tommy K', 'I Usta Love Her' and 'N17', the Galway act proved 2024's returning heroes.
Massively risen in profile since their 2022 appearance thanks to the success of their self-titled, now Oscar-nominated movie, Belfast's Kneecap filled the Electric Arena to capacity. Festival organiser Melvin Benn meanwhile tipped the band for big things, predicting a continued rise for the three-piece.
Also making a return, were The Waterboys - last seen at EP in 2010 - while Calvin Harris brought the EDM vibes to his closing main stage set.
Sunday (18th August) saw comedian Dylan Moran taking on how communication has changed in his own irreverent way, in Minefields, before The Stranglers celebrated a return to the Picnic main stage. "Good afternoon Electric Picnic! It's ten years since we've been here, and it's nice to see some of you've never went home!", declared frontman Baz Warne before delving into the bands back catalogue for a filthy 'Nice and Sleazy', beautifully uplifting 'Always the Sun', and raucous 'Peaches',
Massively risen in profile since their 2022 appearance thanks to the success of their self-titled, now Oscar-nominated movie, Belfast's Kneecap filled the Electric Arena to capacity. Festival organiser Melvin Benn meanwhile tipped the band for big things, predicting a continued rise for the three-piece.
Also making a return, were The Waterboys - last seen at EP in 2010 - while Calvin Harris brought the EDM vibes to his closing main stage set.
Sunday (18th August) saw comedian Dylan Moran taking on how communication has changed in his own irreverent way, in Minefields, before The Stranglers celebrated a return to the Picnic main stage. "Good afternoon Electric Picnic! It's ten years since we've been here, and it's nice to see some of you've never went home!", declared frontman Baz Warne before delving into the bands back catalogue for a filthy 'Nice and Sleazy', beautifully uplifting 'Always the Sun', and raucous 'Peaches',
The Stranglers at Electric Picnic 2024. Photo: Darren McLoughlin.
While the moody David Kushner was strumming on main stage, alt diva Bambi Thug put on a flamboyant display in the Rankin's Wood tent. Declaring; "it's so nice to be home!", the ouija-pop performer wowed with hits including 2023 single 'Last Summer (I Know What You Did)'.
In a repeat of their 2023 feat meanwhile, "not just Ireland's, but the worlds greatest folk and ballads group", The Wolfe Tones drew one of the biggest crowds of the weekend, this time on the main stage. Kicking off with a rousing 'My Heart is in Ireland' the trad heroes were joined on stage by Olympian Kellie Harrington, introduced by banjo player Brian Warfield as "a great champion".
Going on to deliver a euphorically-received set, it was clear that on the year the band celebrate their sixtieth anniversary, they're more popular than ever.
In a repeat of their 2023 feat meanwhile, "not just Ireland's, but the worlds greatest folk and ballads group", The Wolfe Tones drew one of the biggest crowds of the weekend, this time on the main stage. Kicking off with a rousing 'My Heart is in Ireland' the trad heroes were joined on stage by Olympian Kellie Harrington, introduced by banjo player Brian Warfield as "a great champion".
Going on to deliver a euphorically-received set, it was clear that on the year the band celebrate their sixtieth anniversary, they're more popular than ever.
Tommy Byrne of The Wolfe Tones at Electric Picnic 2024. Photo: Darren McLoughlin.
Keeping the celebration of Irishness in the air, there was a spirited arrival from singer song writer Tom Grennan, who bounded onto the main stage decked in an Ireland football jersey. Giving a shout out to relatives in Co. Offaly, the likable showman declared; "I was told by my cousins 'if you've played Electric Picnic, you've made it!"
Over in the Electric Arena, ball of energy CMAT was met with euphoric screams from the packed-in crowd. Playing all the hits from her brace of Irish number one albums, the Co. Meath singer left many thinking that a main stage slot must surely follow in the coming years.
Over in the Electric Arena, ball of energy CMAT was met with euphoric screams from the packed-in crowd. Playing all the hits from her brace of Irish number one albums, the Co. Meath singer left many thinking that a main stage slot must surely follow in the coming years.
CMAT at Electric Picnic 2024. Photo: Darren McLoughlin.
And so it fell to pop princess Kylie Minogue to close out the twenty year celebrations. So instantly recognisable that only her first name appeared on the Electric Picnic poster - as has been on her album sleeves for the last two and a half decades - the singer delivered a world class display of perfect pop, flanked by a throng of dancers.
Opening with the title track from her latest release 'Tension', Kylie went on to delve into all corners of her career, from SAW hitmaker - 'The Locomotion' - to her indie phase - a brilliantly dark and twisted 'Confide in Me' - and pop royalty rebirth - 'Spinning Around'.
Greeting the crowd, the Australian confessed; "I'm having an absolute moment! This is incredible!", before adding; "We have history I'm so happy to be creating with you tonight."
Shifting from the seductive - 'In Your Eyes' - to the trancey - 'Slow' - to the anthemic - 'Can't Get You Out of My Head' - her set was a masterclass in pop perfection.
It wasn't just about the hits however, and debuting new single 'The Edge of Saturday Night' live, for the first time anywhere in the world. Kylie brought on DJ The Blessed Madonna for a roaring run through the house anthem.
Closing out with a celebratory 'Love at First Sight', Minogue's performance was one that deserves to go down as one of the great Electric Picnic headline sets.
Commenting on two decades of the festival, organiser Melvin Benn told eonmusic; "when we first started, we had a vision, and actually I'd say, by and large, where we are now is where that vision is. I don't know if we anticipated it being as big and as popular as it is, but it feels great. More importantly, it's become one of Europe's major, major festivals, and artists want to play it. I mean, you're in a little town, in Stradbally in Ireland, and the artists just can't wait to get here".
Electric Picnic 2025 returns to Stradbally on 29th – 31st August 2025. Tickets go on sale at 9am Wednesday 21st August. The Loyalty Scheme and General Admission tickets will be available along with Family Camping, Campervan and Caravan tickets.
Opening with the title track from her latest release 'Tension', Kylie went on to delve into all corners of her career, from SAW hitmaker - 'The Locomotion' - to her indie phase - a brilliantly dark and twisted 'Confide in Me' - and pop royalty rebirth - 'Spinning Around'.
Greeting the crowd, the Australian confessed; "I'm having an absolute moment! This is incredible!", before adding; "We have history I'm so happy to be creating with you tonight."
Shifting from the seductive - 'In Your Eyes' - to the trancey - 'Slow' - to the anthemic - 'Can't Get You Out of My Head' - her set was a masterclass in pop perfection.
It wasn't just about the hits however, and debuting new single 'The Edge of Saturday Night' live, for the first time anywhere in the world. Kylie brought on DJ The Blessed Madonna for a roaring run through the house anthem.
Closing out with a celebratory 'Love at First Sight', Minogue's performance was one that deserves to go down as one of the great Electric Picnic headline sets.
Commenting on two decades of the festival, organiser Melvin Benn told eonmusic; "when we first started, we had a vision, and actually I'd say, by and large, where we are now is where that vision is. I don't know if we anticipated it being as big and as popular as it is, but it feels great. More importantly, it's become one of Europe's major, major festivals, and artists want to play it. I mean, you're in a little town, in Stradbally in Ireland, and the artists just can't wait to get here".
Electric Picnic 2025 returns to Stradbally on 29th – 31st August 2025. Tickets go on sale at 9am Wednesday 21st August. The Loyalty Scheme and General Admission tickets will be available along with Family Camping, Campervan and Caravan tickets.