Review: Arcade Fire, Main Stage

Atmosphere : A ridiculously excited crowd hoping to relive the band's magical 2005 set. This time they're on the Main Stage

Atmosphere: A ridiculously excited crowd hoping to relive the band's magical 2005 set. This time they're on the Main Stage. Stradbally expects. An old school cinema Plan B-esque screen announces 'Arcade Fire Coming Soon'.

High: An instant one. Opening with Wake Up. Boom.

Low: Further back in the crowd it felt as though the sound could have been louder than it was.

Quote: "The first time we played Electric Picnic, it pretty much changed our lives. So we wanted to come back to say 'thank you'." - Win Butler.

Verdict: Balloons billowed through the air as one of Ireland's favourite bands took to the stage with intention. One Canadian in the crowd was moved to singing her countrymen's national anthem to her friends. Ready To Start excelled amongst material from The Suburbs, but it was the stock hits from Funeral that proved Arcade Fire's worth on the night.

Stars: ****

Una Mullally

Una Mullally

Una Mullally, a contributor to The Irish Times, writes a weekly opinion column