Electric Picnic 2024: Kennedy, Kings of Leon, and Kneecap Define a Festival of Moments
Stradbally, co Laois – Electric Picnic 2024 is drawing to a close after a weekend packed with standout performances and surprising collaborations. From a nostalgic set with The Cranberries featuring special guests Dermot Kennedy and David Gray, to the politically charged energy of Kneecap, this year’s festival delivered a diverse and memorable experience for the 80,000 attendees.
The festival saw a particularly poignant moment on Saturday with the performance of Irish rap trio Kneecap, comprised of Liam O hAnnaidh, naoise O Caireallain, and JJ O Dochartaigh. Known for their provocative lyrics, advocacy for the Irish language, and pro-Palestine stance, the group drew an enormous crowd – reportedly the largest of their career.
“I don’t think there was anybody anywhere else at the Picnic except watching Kneecap,” remarked festival organiser Melvin benn of Festival Republic. “Almost the entire audience seemed to be there,wich was a fairly big statement of intent… not just a statement of love of the music but something greater.” Benn was notably surprised and appreciative of the band’s on-stage acknowledgement of his support for their freedom of expression, a contrast to the restrictions they face in the UK. O hAnnaidh is currently facing a terrorism charge in London related to an alleged display of a Hezbollah flag during a november 2024 gig, a case his lawyers are seeking to have dismissed.
Beyond Kneecap, benn highlighted the “insanely good” performances of Chappell Roan, making her Irish debut, and Hozier, who returned to the festival after a seven-year absence as a now-established global superstar.”To be able to see both of them three times in the last 10 days was great,” Benn added.
Tonight, Kings of Leon will headline the main stage, bringing the 2024 festival to a close.
Looking ahead to next year, Benn confirmed that two of the three headliners are already booked, and while he remained tight-lipped on specifics, he assured attendees that “not much will change as this is really good.” The festival will maintain it’s current capacity of 80,000.
Source: Press Association.
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