Culture

Electric Picnic’s sideshows: from lake swimming to a UFO disco

Away from the headline attractions, there are a host of alternative treats at Stradbally

Dylan Kerr and Megan Russel dive into Electric Picnic at Stradbally lake. Photograph: Alf Harvey

Anna Joyce
Sat Aug 18 2018 - 05:00

The pulsating sound of music echoes in the air, the smell of food wafts across grassy fields, muddy terrain takes multiple wellingtons hostage, and there is enough glitter plastered across your face to rival a toddler at Disneyland. Nothing quite compares to a festival.

Electric Picnic is fast approaching, and while music and gastronomic delights are a given, what else is on offer to make your festival experience the best yet?

If you are lucky enough to have snagged a ticket, pack your swimming costume as Stradbally’s lake is open for business. Start the weekend with a splash or detox from the night before. All competent swimmers whether Olympic worthy or doggy paddlers are welcome to take a dip.

The Electric Picnic Comedy Tent will return to keep a smile on your face as you manoeuvre the memorable and unpredictable waters of festival life. Comedians such as Russell Howard, David O’Doherty, Jason Byrne, Milton Jones, and Alison Spittle will take to the stage along with MC Karl Spain.

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If you want to escape the crowds at the main stages, The Salty Dog is the ideal alternative. The rusty fishing trawler will transform into a stage for musicians to jam late into the night. Acts who will tread the boards of this fallen 40-ton French vessel include Galway Street Club, The Blizzards, Bionic Rats, Interskalactic and Cathy Davey. There will be six secret performances by the main arena acts, so keep your eyes peeled when visiting this maritime vessel.

Midnight dancing

For a midnight bop, Transmission has everything from music and lights to a UFO. It’s a psychedelic space where picnickers can let loose to the sound of thumping beats under light displays in the Stradbally woodland. DJs commanding the dance floor include DanceNasty, Furlong and Fitz.

For some alternative entertainment, The Jerry Fish Electric Sideshow is a pick’n’mix of musical pleasures and visual delights from circus, cabaret and burlesque to sideshow performers from across the globe. Acts will include drag performer Veda, burlesque performers The Pony Girls, Le Galaxie, and The Frank and Walters, as well as showman Jerry Fish himself. If that isn’t enough, rave into the night with the “Sideshow Disco” from midnight to 4 am, with musical talents such as Mother Club DJs.

During a weekend of music and debauchery, people need to wind down. Hazel Wood is a tranquil space of art, theatre, dance, storytelling, spoken word and music. Acts include storyteller Eddie Lenihan, a collaboration from graduates of The Lir academy, Dowtcha Puppets and Dance First Think Later with UCD Dance Society. Steaming cuppas and cold pints can be purchased at Hazel wood’s new indoor cafe, giving you an excuse to prolong your stay.

Get your tickets

If you’re reading this lamenting the lack of available tickets and weary of resellers, there may be a solution. The festivals Tour de Picnic charity cycle and run is back, with just a handful of spots left. If you venture from Tallaght Stadium on Friday down to the event, you snag a free ticket. The route is fully serviced by festival organisers, and there is a bus back after the weekend. On arrival you will be met with a beer, burger and massage. To take part, you must raise €395, all of which will go to various charities.

It is important to keep in mind that the grounds of the estate are usually home to animal residents. If you are attending this weekend, organisers ask you bin your rubbish to ensure furry friends won’t find any unwanted surprises in their dinner upon their return.