One of the big selling points of Electric Picnic over the last ten years has been the variety of offbeat activities and distractions it has offered attendees who want to take a break from the music stages. Here are some of the already announced curiosities for those who are lucky enough to be spending this weekend down in Stradbally.
Futureproof, Newstalk’s award-winning science show, will be doing a live show from the Picnic. It will be an hour of live Science Comedy Improv with Dermot Whelan, Maria of Twisted Doodles and Billy Bragg. It's all taking place at The Science Gallery tent on Saturday the 31st at 4pm, and it promises to be enlightening.
What else is going to be happening down at the Picnic?
Electrical Maze by Donnacha Cahill – everyone loves a good maze, and Electric Picnic will offer one with a unique twist – it will be designed from repurposed washing machines. It’s keeping with a general ‘green’ vibe that will be running through the festival, including...
Leave No Trace green campsite – if you’re keen to protect the environment, you can sign up for a dedicated green campsite. If you do so, you’re pledging to leave nothing behind, instead taking advantage of the provided recycling and compost facilities. The EP team will provide tips & advice to anyone keen to enjoy a completely clean festival.
Mindfield – sticking with a socially conscious theme, a team of graffiti artists will be creating a massive mural over the course of the weekend, in solidarity with the women fighting for human rights, equality and freedom in Europe.
Salty Dog – okay, so technically the Salty Dog functions as a music stage as well, but it’s become something of an Electric Picnic institution. If you haven’t been down to the site before, it’s worth having a gander at the unique image of a 40-tonne shipwreck planted in the middle of the woods.
Body & Soul – another EP institution, but this one has been around since day one. It remains the central hub for art, theatre and general experimentation. The Peace Pagoda and Trailer Park will also be offering a selection of creative randomness, the former turning into a beanbag haven when night falls.
Art pieces – as ever, there’ll be installations and artwork scattered all over the gaff. Two worth seeking out: Jodi Coyne’s Bog Bolgs and Liosa’s Red Loves Rain, the latter promising the sight of 50 red umbrellas suspended across a walkway.
