Kneecap Shines at Electric Picnic Despite Rain on Day Two

Kneecap, the Belfast hip hop trio, delivered a standout performance at the Electric Picnic festival on September 3, 2023, despite heavy rain falling on Stradbally, Ireland. The sold-out festival attracted around 80,000 attendees, many of whom braved the weather wearing raincoats and carrying umbrellas to support the group, known for their hit “Get Your Brits Out.”

As the rain poured, festival-goers gathered to see Kneecap take the main stage, following performances from renowned artists such as Hozier and Chappell Roan. The trio has recently garnered attention for their outspoken views on political issues, particularly their support for Palestine, which has resonated with many fans.

Shortly before their set began, Kneecap shared a promotional video on social media, expressing their excitement to perform on the main stage. Lead vocalist DJ Próvaí addressed the audience, saying, “Lads, we’ve been playing here for about six years, but now here we are on the main stage! Tiocfaidh ar f la!” The crowd erupted in cheers, celebrating the band’s journey from performing for a modest audience to headlining a major festival.

Festival Republic’s managing director, Melvin Benn, highlighted the significance of Kneecap’s participation. He stated, “Musically, you know they are fantastic, but in terms of what’s going on in the world, it’s really important that they are here, adding their voice.”

The festival atmosphere remained lively despite the weather, with performances from popular headliners Sam Fender and Fat Boy Slim drawing large crowds later in the evening. However, forecasters predicted that the rain would continue, with Met Éireann warning of further showers and breezy conditions for the following day.

In response to the weather, Alan O’Reilly from Carlow Weather advised campers to ensure their tents were well secured to prevent water from entering. He emphasized the importance of proper tent setup to avoid any inconvenience during the festival.

Additionally, festival-goers were cautioned about the risks associated with high-strength MDMA pills circulating at the event, which could contain up to 300mg—three times the typical adult dose. The HSE (Health Service Executive) has set up a team on-site to provide drug-checking services and to educate attendees about the potential dangers of substance use.

The HSE’s social media account urged festival-goers, “It’s safer not to use drugs at all. You can never be sure of the contents or purity.” Up to 50 volunteers collaborated with the HSE to ensure the safety of attendees through this life-saving initiative.

As day two of Electric Picnic unfolded, the spirits of festival-goers remained high, with the thrilling performances of artists like Kneecap serving as a reminder of the vibrant music scene in Ireland.