Electric Picnic, one of Ireland’s most anticipated music and arts festivals, is set to kick off a little early this year. The festival will take place from Thursday 15 to Sunday 18 of August in its usual home of Stradbally, Co. Laois. Known for its incredible line-up of comedy and music, Electric Picnic will also feature a variety of other attractions to keep festival-goers entertained throughout the weekend.
One of the highlights of Electric Picnic is the Green Crafts area, a crafting haven where attendees can unleash their creativity and make unique handmade creations. The Trailer Park offers fun and games for all ages, while MindField hosts fascinating podcasts that cover a wide range of topics. This year, a new stage with ISL interpreters will ensure that everyone can enjoy the performances, and the Theatre of Food promises to be a culinary delight.
Returning for its 16th year under the curation of Samuel McKenna, the Theatre of Food aims to showcase the best of Irish food and drink. McKenna expressed his excitement about highlighting the country’s rich culinary culture during an on-site media preview. The weekend will feature Michelin star chefs, expert tips for cooking fish and chips, drink-themed theatre performances, sommeliers sharing their knowledge, and conversations with wine book authors.
A new addition to the Theatre of Food this year is the ‚Cluck-Off‘, a competition between Dublin competitors Chimac and Bahay to determine who serves the best fried chicken. McKenna described it as a showdown between Filipino and Korean flavors in the context of Irish cuisine, promising a delicious and entertaining event for attendees.
In another tent, food and drinks writer Aoife Carrigy will curate a celebration of Ireland’s drinks culture. Carrigy emphasized the diversity and quality of Irish beverages, moving beyond the traditional image of pints and crisps. The tent will offer a wide range of non-alcoholic options, including kombuchas, juice-based wine alternatives, sparkling mead, and international coffees.
Carrigy highlighted the global influence on Irish drink culture, mentioning Shannon from The Collector in Kinsale and Izz from Izz Cafe in Cork, who will showcase globally-inspired coffees. The goal is to capture the stories, experiences, tastes, and flavors that make up Irish drink culture, including international influences like Palestenian coffee being served in Cork.
As always, it’s important to drink responsibly and enjoy the diverse offerings at Electric Picnic. With a mix of music, comedy, crafts, food, and drinks, the festival promises to be a vibrant and unforgettable experience for all who attend.