'Funky nostalgia' to characterise Electric Picnic '08

Anarchy, funk, nostalgia, surrealism: that's how the organisers of Electric Picnic 2008 are describing this year's event at Stradbally Hall Co Laois.

This year's three-day festival will feature the first ever Irish show of the legendary Sex Pistols.

Another iconic and influential band playing a very rare show are My Bloody Valentine whose critically acclaimed 1991 album 'Loveless' was recently voted as the greatest rock and roll album of all time. This is their first show here in 17 years and one of only a handful of shows they are doing across the world this year.

Scottish Indie rockers Franz Ferdinand unveil their eagerly anticipated third album with what is also one of a handful of shows they are playing globally this year.

Funk legend George Clinton and his 30 piece P-Funk Allstars will be showing us a thing or two about how it's really done.

Christy Moore makes his maiden voyage to Stradbally to further broaden the eclectic palette of the Picnic. Also appearing will be new Motown sensation Duffy.

Electro pop act Goldfrapp are welcomed back this year showcasing their more introspective new sound and dance icons Underworld join the line up for the first time. Amongst the other upbeat party acts are The Gossip, Brazillian rock dance phenomenon CSS and the classic soul-tinged hip hop of Philadelphia's The Roots.

Music and art also have the opportunity to merge as major debates, hosted by broadcaster David McWilliams, will reflect on the political and cultural legacy 40 years on from 1968 - the high-watermark of 1960s counterculture - featuring some key figures from the era; the future of the Irish language and the state of the music industry.

There will be readings from top Irish and international authors, Salon du Chat "speed-debating", comedy news quizshows and a series of special one-on-one interviews, including one with Henry Rollins.

Fossetts Circus are also back, to celebrate their 130th year in the business. And putting the Picnic into Electric is the addition of a Cooking Stage in the Spoken Word area which will feature a Michelin-All-Star culinary cast headlined by Rachel Allen, Dylan McGrath (Mint), Kevin Thornton (Thorntons), Derry Clarke (L'Ecrivain).

Weekend Tickets are €240 / Family Camping Ticket is EU480 for 2 adults & up to 4 kids under 12 to access to designated Family Campsite. There are no single day tickets.

Organiser John Reynolds reckons their choice of venue for the festival has been key to it's success to date.