Electric Picnic 2023 Draws Crowds, Local Pride, and Concerns Over Waste
STRAFFAN, Co. Kildare – Electric Picnic 2023 concluded Sunday, leaving behind a trail of positive economic impact for the local community alongside growing concerns about post-festival cleanup. The annual music and arts festival, held in the grounds of Stradbally Hall, drew large crowds and featured performances from artists including Chappell Roan, while also highlighting the dedication of local volunteers.
The festival’s significance extends beyond entertainment, providing a substantial boost to the local economy and fostering community spirit. However, attendees’ disposal of camping equipment-notably tents-after the event has sparked disappointment among residents who value the festival’s presence in their town.
Siobhán O’Connor, a local resident, attended with her three children, Ally, Tom, and Lucy Fraser, to support their father, Michael Fraser, who performed with the Timahoe Male choir. O’Connor, a yearly festival volunteer, expressed pride in hosting the event, stating, “As locals we love having this. We are vrey proud to have this in our town.”
While attendees praised the festival experience, including Chappell Roan’s Friday night performance on the Main Stage, concerns were raised regarding the volume of waste left behind. O’Connor noted the issue of abandoned tents, suggesting, “If all these young people appreciated their tents, and brought them back next year, that would be better.”
Festival organizers have not yet released official figures on attendance or waste collected, but the issue of post-event cleanup remains a recurring challenge for the event and the surrounding community. The sentiment echoes a broader conversation about sustainability and responsible event practices within the festival circuit.
