Top 10 Acts to See at Electric Picnic

CMAT and Van Morrison Lead Headliners

According to critic Suzanne Keane, CMAT enters the festival following a major winning streak for her third album, EURO-COUNTRY, which secured the RTÉ Choice Music Prize for Irish Album of the Year and the Ivor Novello Award for Best Album, alongside a BRIT nomination for International Artist of the Year. Keane notes that the Dunboyne singer brings big songs and theatrical performances back to Stradbally as a major live draw. Meanwhile, critic Alan Corr reports that Van Morrison arrives fresh from touring his latest album, Somebody Tried to Sell Me a Bridge, with a festival-fit band likely to pull from both his classic catalog—such as “Moondance,” “Have I Told You Lately,” and “Gloria”—and deeper cuts like “Vanlose Stairway” and “Foreign Window.”

Rising Acts: Shane Boose and Bleech 93

According to critic Harry Guerin, 21-year-old Shane Boose—performing under the mononym sombr—brings a winning debut album, I Barely Know Her, and recent tracks including “Homewrecker,” “Potential,” and “My Body Isn’t Ready” to his Friday night set. In parallel, critic Dan Hegarty identifies UK-based Irish band Bleech 93 as a prime candidate for a mainstream breakthrough, noting that the group has sold out their entire tour for the rest of the year and recently released the single “Figure 8,” which features an edge reminiscent of Stone Temple Pilots and Compulsion.

Fontaines D.C. and Geese Bring Rock Innovation

According to critic Alan Corr, Fontaines D.C. arrives at Stradbally having announced their fifth album, Dopamine Chamber, featuring new songs like “Marianne” and “Six Shot Morning.” Corr reports that the band is embracing gothic grandeur alongside synthesizer, marching drums, samples, and strings reminiscent of 1960s Italian pop. Sharing space on the lineup, fellow rock act Geese—fronted by Cameron Winter—has exploded into the mainstream following their breakthrough 2025 album, Getting Killed, delivering what Corr describes as a combustible and chaotic sound blending tenderness and frazzled freak-outs.

Gorillaz and JADE Expand Festival Pop and Electronic Appeal

According to critic Alan Corr, Damon Albarn’s virtual cartoon band Gorillaz will bring their 25-year catalog and latest album, The Mountain, to the open spaces of Stradbally, playing hits like “Clint Eastwood” and “Feel Good Inc.” Alongside them, critic Suzanne Keane notes that former Little Mix singer JADE makes her Stradbally debut following her debut solo album, That’s Showbiz Baby!, which reached the UK Top 3 and earned her a BRIT Award for Pop Act, promising a maximalist set of pop, disco, and choreography.

Florence Road and The Stunning Represent Irish Indie and Heritage

According to critic Suzanne Keane, Bray four-piece Florence Road arrives following a remarkable rise that included supporting Olivia Rodrigo, Wolf Alice, and The Last Dinner Party, with their summer track “Hanging Out To Dry” marking them as one of Ireland’s fastest-rising indie bands. Closing out notable heritage acts, critic Dan Hegarty highlights The Stunning, whose 1980s and 1990s staples like “Brewing Up A Storm” and “Half Past Two” remain woven into Irish culture, following up recent years of live performances with last year’s single “Stand Up In This Wicked World.”

Frequently Asked Questions

When and where does Electric Picnic take place?

According to festival previews, Electric Picnic takes place from August 28th to 30th at Stradbally in County Laois.

How many people are expected to attend Electric Picnic?

Organizers expect 80,000 music fans to attend the festival over the weekend.

How many performances are scheduled for the festival?

The event features over 800 performances spread across 50 stages.