Picnic's eco-friendly efforts honoured

The Electric Picnic has won an international award for its eco-friendly efforts, it was revealed today.

The three-day boutique event in the grounds of Stradbally Hall, Co Laois has picked up a Greener Festival Award and ranks alongside the most environmentally aware festivals in the world.

Among the green initiatives were carpooling, recycling stations, reusable cups, solar powered cafes and compost toilets.

Promoter John Reynolds, from POD Concerts, said a ’sustainability team’ was set up to look at how the festival’s environmental impact could be reduced.

“We are delighted that our efforts have been recognised by A Greener Festival,” he said.

Other winners were four Australian events Bluesfest, which was highly commended; Falls Festival; West Coast Blues n Roots Festival; and Southbound.

Two American events also won awards for outstanding efforts, the Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival and the Rothbury Festival.

Electric Picnic has already been ranked as one of the top 20 festivals in Europe.