Electric Picnic is back from 28th-30th August, and if you’re one of the lucky 80,000 people heading to Stradbally, we are well jel.
From line-up and bus tickets to packing tips and survival hacks, here’s everything you need to know before the big weekend (you’re welcome x).
Tickets
This year’s festival is currently sold out, BUT if you do want to go and didn’t nab a ticket in time, keep an eye on Ticketmaster Ticket Exchange, Ticketmaster’s official platform for resale tickets. EP has stressed that this is the only platform to safely purchase resale tickets, and they even put a whole guide together to help people avoid being scammed.
By using Ticketmaster’s official platform, you’ll avoid possibly making a verrrrry spenny mistake. Or at least make sure you’re buying off someone you trust.
Arrival Times
General campsites open at 9am on Friday, 28th August. If you have an Early Entry ticket, you can gain access from 2pm on the Thursday (FYI this is a separate ticket to your weekend one).
The general campervan campsite is open from 12pm on Wednesday, 26th August.
If you’re living it up glamping, or in one of EP’s premium accommodation options, make sure to check your booking details for your arrival information.
Getting There
Marathon Coaches are running buses from Dublin to EP all weekend. It’s usually €60 for a return ticket, but they’re currently selling for €40 on their website – thank you Marathon x
If you’re busing it from outside of Dublin, TravelMaster are running buses to EP from across Ireland, with over 50 pickup points nationwide. Buses are running on Friday, 28th August and return on Monday, 31st August. Tickets are €40–€80, and can be purchased on their website.
If you’re hitching a lift, the pick-up and drop-off location for the festival is located in PUDO (Pick Up and Drop Off) off the N80. Pedestrian access into the site is via the PUDO gate. This is in the same location as in previous years and can be used by parents, friends, taxis and registered minibuses & coaches.
NB: Do NOT rely on Sat Nav or Google Maps once you get close to Stradbally Hall, as there will be road closures and diversions in place around the event site. Instead, be sure to follow event traffic signage to get you there without the drama.
Things You Can’t Bring
Disposable vapes are BANNED girlies – sorry. EP has put them on its list of prohibited items for this year’s festival, and any that are found will be confiscated, so make sure to leave them at home.
Cash is also a big no-no, with all EP vendors operating as cashless only for this year’s festival.
As usual, no glass is allowed, so make sure you pour that vodka into plastic bottles because saying goodbye to your drink at security is NOT the vibe.
For a full list of prohibited items, check out EP’s list here.
Line-Up
Ouuuuuu this is a good one, and if we don’t end up getting a ticket (on the official resale site, of course 👀) we are going to have MAJOR FOMO.
You’ll have to wait a liiiiiiittle longer for the all important stage times though. The festival usually releases the full schedule closer to the weekend, so keep an eye on official updates here so you can plan your must see acts.
Tip: When the stage times are out, make sure to screenshot the times and locations of all your fave acts.
Packing Checklist
While we won’t know the exact forecast until closer to the weekend, one thing’s for sure – be prepared for ALL seasons (LOL, Ireland).
Layers (will be your best friend – incl. warm hoodies)
Raincoat
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
ID (Garda age card, passport or driving licence)
Portable power banks (Penneys have some in store at the moment)
Baby wipes
Dry shampoo (K18 dry shampoo is the best FYI – it’s spenny, but worth the splurge)
Hand sanitiser
Toilet roll or packet of tissues (just to be on the safe side)
Sanitary products (if required)
Makeup and makeup remover (obvs)
Skincare (optional, fair play to you)
Small mirror
Eye patches (to hide all evidence of the night before)
Hairbrush, bobbins and clips
Towel, shower gel, flipflops (if you’re not just baby wiping it)
Toothbrush & Toothpaste
Deodorant (under 250ml if it’s an aerosol)
Lip balm
Black bags (for dirty, wet clothes etc)
Wellies (a good pair)
Boots (or runners)
Socks (incl. thick and fluffy socks)
Extra Socks (you can never have enough)
Undies
Your finest pair of Penneys pyjamas (eye mask and ear plugs optional)
Handwarmers (genius, if you ask me)
Zip lock bags (for anything you don’t want destroyed if it rains)
Reusable water bottle
Bum bag (cause who wants to be carrying around a handbag at a festival!?)
Blister plasters
Bank card (so you’re not relying on your phone battery for Apple Pay)
Painkillers (antihistamines, electrolytes…)
Camping equipment (depending on your setup, deets below)
Food (protein bars, fruit, bread, crisps, cold-brew coffee…)
Alcohol
aaand in case you didn’t know, Boots is the official Health & Beauty partner for this year’s festival, and they’ve put together a beauty box with festival essentials from brands including Fenty Beauty, The Ordinary, Benefit and Medicube.
You can grab the official Boots x Electric Picnic Beauty Box for just €59 (worth €234.75) – yes, pleeeeease!
If you don’t have a good pair of wellies, you can always invest in a pair of Hunters. The original tall ones are currently €140 in Brown Thomas (these are only available online though, so make sure to order in time).
Tip: If you’re driving, keep a spare change of clothes in the car for emergencies, or for the journey home.
Camping
If you’re camping in one of the general campsites, please invest in a good tent girlies, you won’t regret it. BUT, if you are going to risk a cheapo tent, at least bring some duct tape for when it all goes south.
Of course you’ll have a sleeping bag (we assume 👀), but don’t forget an extra blanket and pillow, a mat to sleep on, and perhaps a camping chair for all the campsite sessions.
A torch is also a good shout if you don’t want to waste your phone battery while searching for extra cans in the dark.
Tip: If you find yourself drunk in a field with low battery, you will be soooo happy that you made a meeting point with your friends. We advise making a meeting point in the campsite AND in the arena. Don’t get us wrong, we LOVE a side quest and making new festival friends as much as the next person, but it’s not ideal when finding your mates becomes the main event.
Now all that’s left to do is pray for sunshine, pack the glitter, and prepare for the BEST weekend ever.
See you in the fields (hopefully) x
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