Electric Picnic 2025 Draws 40,000 as Campsites Hit Capacity

The Electric Picnic festival in Co Laois saw a remarkable surge in attendance this year, with approximately 40,000 people arriving on the first night, a significant increase from last year’s 20,000. By 8:45 PM on Thursday evening, popular campsites such as Jimi Hendrix, Ginsburg, Andy Warhol, Janis Joplin, and Samuel Beckett had reached full capacity, as reported by the Electric Picnic app. To accommodate the growing number of attendees, organizers opened overflow sites including An Gaeltacht, Eco, Poets, and the gender-inclusive Glitterball.

Despite the festival’s success, some attendees expressed frustration regarding the management of the Gaelic campsite. Róise Éilis from Wexford and Liadhán Nic Cormaic from Galway voiced their concerns about the influx of non-Irish speakers in An Gaeltacht. Éilis noted, “We saw two girls come in last night and ask if there was any space – as Gaeilge – and obviously because it was ticketed they weren’t accepted, but then it was kind of a free-for-all today.” Nic Cormaic echoed these sentiments, describing the situation as disappointing, particularly for a site that traditionally fosters a sense of community.

With temperatures expected to drop to nine degrees Celsius and forecasts predicting downpours, festivalgoers are bracing for wet conditions. Those arriving later in the weekend, such as Rachel Hockney and Lauren Hayes, experienced significantly less congestion, arriving shortly after noon with no traffic delays.

Amid the anticipation of heavy rains, festival attendees are adapting their wardrobes. Orla Murray from Galway shared her secret for staying warm: “The secret to staying warm is plenty of clothes and plenty of gin and tonics.” She, along with fellow attendee Fiona Monaghan, noted that traffic was manageable, allowing them to enjoy the festival atmosphere. Monaghan, now attending for the fourth consecutive year, remarked on the vibrant energy across generations, stating, “It’s great to see the buzz and the energy from teenagers right up to folk like ourselves who have been around a little longer.”

The Electric Picnic continues to be a hallmark of cultural celebration, attracting a diverse crowd eager to engage in music, art, and community spirit, all while navigating the challenges of weather and logistics. As the festival unfolds, it remains to be seen how organizers will address the evolving dynamics within the campsites and the experience of attendees.