All you need to know ahead of the festival

Over 80,000 people are expected to attend this year’s Electric Picnic festival at Stradbally, County Laois.

Acts such as Hozier, Sam Fender, Kneecap and Kings of Leon will all perform at Ireland’s largest festival for a mix of music, arts and culture between Friday and Sunday.

From humble beginnings in 2004 with just 10,000 capacity, Electric Picnic has grown into a three day multi-stage event and attracts some of the biggest artists in the world.

Going this weekend? Here’s what you need to know.

Electric Picnic takes place from Friday to Sunday at Stradbally Hall, County Laois.

Gates to the campsite opened for early entry pass holders at 14:00 local time on Thursday but general admissions can gain entry from 09:00 on Friday.

Gates close at 13:00 on Monday.

With three days of music there’s certain to be something for all tastes.

Headlining are Irish singer-songwriter Hozier, who plays on Friday night from 22:30.

Acclaimed English musician Sam Fender performs on Saturday from 21:30 and American rockers Kings of Leon close the main stage on Sunday night at 22:30.

Other acts playing on the main stage on Friday night are American synth-pop star and this year’s best new artist according to the Grammys, Chappell Roan. She’s on the main stage between 20:00 and 21:30, and Conan Gary is on from 18:00 until 19:00.

The Electric Arena sees Irish folk-rock legends The Saw Doctors playing at 21:00 on Friday while Scottish electronic producer Barry Can’t Swim closes the stage at 22:45.

Saturday sees Belfast rap trio Kneecap, fresh from their performance at Tennent’s Vital in Belfast on Friday night, playing the main stage at 15:30.

Nile Rodgers brings his disco and funk to Electric Picnic at 19:45 while Fatboy Slim will keep the party going with a post headliner set from 23:30.

Other notable acts in the Electric Arena on Saturday are Irish singer songwriter Maverick Sabre (17:45), Newry’s DJ Mark McCabe (22.00) and Dublin rock band The Coronas who headline the stage at 23.30.

Sunday sees the always popular David Gray on the main stage at 17:15 before Limerick’s Kingfishr (19:00).

Becky Hill brings her dancefloor pop to the festival at 20:45 before Kings of Leon close this year’s festival.

The Electric Arena sees Irish dance-pop singer Jazzy taking to the stage at (19:30) before the Kooks bring their indie pop anthems to County Laois at 21:00.

Scottish DJ Ewan McVicar then brings his blend of house, disco, funk and techno to close the arena at 22:30.

All tickets for Electric Picnic are sold out. Tickets for the event went on sale last summer and were gone within hours.

An Garda Síochána (Irish police) have warned people to be “extremely cautious” when trying to buy tickets through any third party sellers for the event.

They are investigating alleged incidents of online fraud believed to have occurred in recent weeks and say it is important that people exert a great degree of caution if attempting to purchase tickets through any third-party.

A Garda spokesperson said: “It is likely that they will not materialise and in fact, do not exist and advise never to send cash through any app in advance.”

The long sunny summer days look to have come to an end for this year’s festival.

Friday will be a breezy day with a mix of sunny spells and heavy showers with temperatures of 16-19 degrees.

Unsettled conditions continue throughout the weekend with heavy, regular showers forecast with mostly moderate winds.

Bring those wellies and ponchos.