Sun shines on Electric Picnic

The sun has now come out to greet revellers at the Electric picnic music festival, who are slowly coming to life once more after yesterday's escapades.

Last night's smattering of light rain did little to quell the mood of the 32,000 fans, who quickly dismissed any notions that Friday night would act as a settling-in period for the three-day event in Stradbally, Co Laois.

Mercurial Icelandic avant-garde queen Bjork provided one of Friday's highlights, with an understated set that had the hardcore fans very much in mind.

Ignoring many of the chart hits for which she is best known, including 'It's all so Quiet' and 'Big Time Sensuality', Bjork instead showcased many songs from her new album 'Volta', as well as some little-known past album tracks, one of which was sung entirely in Icelandic.

The fans' loyalty was rewarded at the end of the night however, as Bjork built up to a techno frenzy with skillfully reworked versions of 'Wanderlust' and 'Army of Me'.

For her encore, the pixiesque songstress told the Irish audience: 'I think you will understand the lyrics', before launching into a pulsating version of 'Declare Independence'.

British DJ Norman J, playing later in the Bacardi B-bar, was not blessed with the same historical know-how however, cheerfully telling the assembled groovers that they were "the best crowd in the UK", as metaphorical lead balloons looked on in horror from above.

Many of the larger stages closed by midnight, but there remained plenty of options for those who resisted the lure of an early night, with DJ Derrick Carter in the Bodytonic Arena the biggest draw.

The usually laid-back Body and Soul enclosure also saw large, enthusiastic crowds, and is certainly one to look out for in the coming days.

Tonight sees the long-awaited return of The Beastie Boys, following a 10-year hiatus from Irish shores.

Big crowds are also expected for dance music kingpins The Chemical Brothers, who will have an almost captive audience, starting their set on the Main Stage at the midnight watershed point.