THE NATIVES of Stradbally in Co Laois are welcoming this weekend’s Electric Picnic like a much-loved relative returning for an annual visit.
Stradbally Residents’ Committee chairwoman Gillian Kennedy says people are looking forward to the three-day festival which starts today.
“It’s brilliant. We’ve never had any trouble and local people are keen to go along,” she says of the long-term relationship between the event and the village.
The 300 pairs of tickets provided by promoters for locals have been raffled and will raise €18,000 for local sporting, elderly, youth and other organisations.
Last year’s census measured the population of the village and surrounds at 1,626, but more than 20 times that number will descend on the Cosby Estate this weekend. And locals of all ages think it’s a good thing. “It’s absolutely fabulous – nearly as good as Las Vegas,” is the verdict of pensioner Pauline McEvoy. “The music always seems to be nice, and even though you hear it down here [in the village], it’s pleasant music,” she said, adding that the security is wonderful.
“I could have nothing only the height of praise for it,” she said, and like all local businesspeople, welcomes the economic boost. For the Court Restaurant, which her daughter Helen took over on her retirement, the Picnic is “a bit of a bonus coming into the quiet time.”
Publican Dick Dunne agrees but says it’s also a weekend when people come home to Stradbally. Some returnees are local, but many are involved with preparations which have been going on for weeks now.
“It’s a time of friendships renewed,” he says of the crew and customers who have been coming for nine years. Many will sit in the marquee for the big Sunday GAA games.
“Every year there has been absolutely no trouble. The people of Stradbally welcome the picnic with open arms because of the amount of different people they get to meet,” he says.
Christine Holohan says the tone was set with the first Electric Picnic, an event so small, campers stayed in residents’ gardens. “They were all very well behaved and they never left as much as a matchstick behind.”
Members of Stradbally Country Markets usually sell their wares in the Church of Ireland hall each Saturday, but this weekend their scones, cakes, soups, porridge and quiches will feed picnickers who enjoy a taste of home.
The baker’s dozen of artisans includes bakers, woodcraft and jewellery makers as well as producers of honey, vegetables and handmade chocolates.
“We are a shop window for what we do with our own hands,” says local woman Marian Condron, who is proud of last year’s surprise Bridgestone award for making the best use of local produce. But the greatest pleasure was perhaps seeing hungry concert-goers buy a quiche or apple tart, dispense with the foil plate and “eat it like a sandwich”.
FESTIVAL TIPS
* The forecast is good for the weekend but bring waterproof gear and wellies to prepare for the unpredictable Irish weather.
* With the possibility of the weather staying good, bring sunscreen as, despite clouds, there is still a chance of getting sunburned.
* Wear layers to prepare for high temperatures during the day but cooler temperatures at night.
* Set out early to give yourself plenty of time. Traffic and road closures are likely. Get to the site early to pitch your tent.
* Alcohol is limited to 48 cans per person. There will be an off-licence on-site for buying alcohol throughout the weekend. No glass is permitted on-site, only plastic bottles are allowed.