Tailbacks but fans rev up for Electric Picnic
THERE may have been tailbacks and traffic jams but the 55,000 music fans were still revved up for a monumental Electric Picnic weekend.
From early yesterday morning busloads of campers began pulling up at Stradbally, Co Laois, for three days of music, comedy, speakers and gourmet food.
While there weren’t many complaints among those in attendance, there was heavy traffic on the road to the festival.
Roadworks on the M7 and M8 also meant some travellers experienced tailbacks.
There were further delays on the M7 from J7 Kill past J10 Naas South, where a collision occurred. However plenty were savvy when it came to travel arrangements.
“We carpooled,” explained Vincentia De Barra from Cobh, Co Cork, who was at the festival with her two pals Amy McNicholas and Kate Lynch. “We had to get up at 6.30am.”
Ena Ryan (23) had arrived with friends from Prosperous, Co Kildare.
She was most looking forward to Dua Lipa today.
Meanwhile, Heather Robinson had made the journey from Tuam, Co Galway.
She said the traffic hadn’t been bad at all as she got a lift to Portlaoise before getting on the shuttle bus that was bringing revellers to the Picnic.
There was no stopping some picnickers either. Clare Slevins from Cabinteely in Dublin had broken her foot in three places and was on crutches.
“I’m still going to camp, my friends have the tent,” she said.
There was plenty of hustle and bustle around the Oscar Wilde campsite as people did their best to find an optimum
‘I’m still going to camp despite the broken foot’
location to pitch their tents. One group pitched a tepee – solely for their festival wares including baby wipes, food and drink.
Kate Duffy, from Vicarstown Co Laois, said that this weekend was her first big weekend with friends since having her second baby eight months ago.
Alana Walsh (18) arrived at the festival early from Tallaght.
She was well equipped with glitter and a bright tie-dye T-shirt. “The glitter can hide the bags under my eyes tomorrow,” she joked.
Meanwhile Abby O’Neill (18) from Drogheda, Co Louth, was ecstatic to be at the festival, saying the thoughts of it had helped her get through her Leaving Cert.
Kendrick Lamar was the main attraction, headlining the main stage last night.