This year's Electric Picnic line-up is off the charts but what those who are new to the festival may not realise is that some of the most unforgettable moments happen far away from the main arena.
The big name acts and some of Ireland's finest musical talent will be rocking their socks off on the Main Stage, Electric Arena, Little Big Tent and Cosby Stage but as the night wears on, those in the know will take a little detour to find some very special surprises a little farther afield.
Body And Soul
The Body And Soul area is pretty much a festival within a festival and is home to three stages: The Upstage, Earthship and the Body And Soul Main Stage. This is the place to go and chill out during the day while enjoying some amazing handpicked acts and get up to a little mischief by night.
You will be constantly surprised by what you stumble upon here, with everything from bubbling hot tubs to music-filled tipis, acoustic sessions, yoga and massage, theatrical performances and the fabulous Zen Gardens.
The full musical line-up is
here.
Trailer Park
From burleque performances to the eclectic line-up of the Caravan Stage, the Trailer Park is exactly what it says on the tin and includes The Foot Hospital for those who want to sink their tired feet into a hot seaweed bath. Dublin Vintage Factory and Betty Bangs will be on hand to provide trailer park makeovers (think false lashes; quiffs; gum and beauty spots) and wheel out rails of vintage clothing so you can find the new you.
Jimmie Lee's Juke Joint will serve up authentic gumbo while out back someone makes light work of a washboard (performances include Whistle, Crow Black Chicken, Prairie Dawgs, Old Town Rounders and the extraordinary Eric Butler and the Revelators).
There's a ton more stuff but we'd be here all day so moving on to....
Salty Dog
The Salty Dog is somewhat of an institution at Electric Picnic, where this 40-tonne French trawler provide a stage for The Minutes, Booka Brass Band, Pearl TN, Stephen James, Corner Boy, Deep Down Detox, Alien Envoy, Cathy Davey, Bronagh Gallagher, Sean’s Walk and Marie Therese, alongside The Pete Pamf Sextette, Terri Hooley (Good Vibrations), The Districts and King Kong Company.
Trenchtown
Now in its sixth year, the Jamaican Village in the woods of Stradbally heralds another exciting music bill of Irish and international artists hot on the reggae, ska, dub and dancehall music scene.
Better still, the new 'Barefoot Diner' serving authentic Caribbean cuisine and offering a taste of the culture Trenchtown pays homage to. Open from 5pm Friday, the set dinner menu is served until 10pm offering three courses of culinary delight while Sunday Brunch serves up hearty share platters to be savoured with friends.
The menus are
here and it sounds AMAZING!
From Casa Bacardi to the Electric Ireland Power House, there is loads and loads more to see so check out www.electricpicnic.ie for all the details.
Electric Picnic takes place at Stradbally from 29 to 31 August and is SOLD OUT so if you've already got your tickets, we'll see you there!