Landowner hopes 'Electric picnickers' will save the day

For one man the Electric Picnic in the grounds of Stradbally Hall in Co Laois is more than just the last chance to savour the atmosphere of a Summer festival.

And as thousands of partygoers pitch tents on his land, Thomas Cosby, whose family own the estate, will be hoping he’s gone some way to meeting the cost of putting a new roof on the 200-year-old home.

The ancestral Cosby household is in need of constant upkeep and the Electric Picnic is one of many events lined up to draw in the crowds and much needed funds.

With the full line-up for the last outdoor bash of the summer finalised, organisers expect it will be a complete sell out bringing in money to help with the refurbishment of the stately home.

Headline acts Fatboy Slim, Royksopp and Flaming Lips lead are the main attractions on Saturday while Nick Cave, Two Many DJs and Mercury Rev round the party off on Sunday.

And two of the country’s top comedians Tommy Tiernan and Des Bishop return to the comedy stage with a host other funny men and women to keep spirits high even if the rains try to dampen things.

Most of the profits from the festival will go towards the upkeep of the family home, built in 1772. A re-roofing job is first on the cards and likely to keep the Cosby’s occupied for some time.

“We have a re-roofing project that will keep us going for the next two years. And then there’s the general upkeep,” he said.

Inevitably comparisons abound with another famous Irish landowner, Slane Castle’s Lord Henry Mount Charles.

But Mr Cosby insisted: “Everyone compares me to him, there has to be some sort of likeness, but I’m not doing it to be like him.”

Billed as a boutique festival, the Electric Picnic was a huge hit in its first year and was extended this year to a weekend event with around 20,000 partygoers expected to land, tents in hand, on the family estate.

The festival offers more than music and if the highs of the main stage and dance tent become too much the silent disco, bars, food stalls and chill out zones are all within easy reach.

Buses will run from Dublin and other major towns and tickets must be booked in advance. More information www.electricpicnic.ie.