80,000 FANS GIVE IT SOME WELLIES

More than 60 artists rock up for mega event; Party-goers dodging showers for three days

- MOLLY McNIFFE

MORE than 80,000 hardy music fans didn't let the rain and the mud dampen their spirits as they celebrated Electric Picnic's 21st birthday in style at the iconic Stradbally Hall.

Brave “picknickers” donned wellies and ponchos as they danced and partied with cocktail cans and sparkles across the sprawling 600-acre site in Co Laois at what is now Ireland's biggest music and arts festival.

They came from across the country, the UK and Europe to soak up the atmosphere as more than 60 bands and artists lined up for the mega event.

Yet, the rain didn't seem to bother the party-goers, who travelled to the midlands for the three-day music extravaganza.

They had begun queuing as early as Thursday morning to set up their tents. Many spent hours later trekking in sodden conditions from the main arena to distant camping zones - while trying to dodge the showers.

Ella Reynolds, 22, from Howth, Co Dublin, said: “Even though the weather is miserable, it’s just great to be in such a fun place with all your friends. It’s nostalgic to be back again every year.”

Homegrown singer-songwriter Hozier took to the main stage on Friday, the opening day of the acts, and had the crowd, which ranged in age from late teens to late seventies, begging for more.

He praised the Irish for their support of Palestine and started “Free, free Palestine” chants among the adoring crowd.

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