Orbital confirmed as Electric Picnic headliners

The long-awaited line-up for this year’s Electric Picnic was revealed tonight with a stellar mix of acts for music fans.

Electronic dance act Orbital – who are reforming this summer – Basement Jaxx, Madness, and MGMT were among the headline acts lined-up for the boutique music and arts festival.

American indie groups Flaming Lips and Fleet Foxes, Irish band Bell X1 and seminal 70s act Chic will also entertain revellers at Stradbally Hall in Co Laois in the first weekend in September.

Declan Forde, of Pod Promotions, said while Orbital is one of the biggest names, Chic will be the surprise package.

“Not as many people know their name as know their hits, Everybody knows Le Freak, Good Times and Everybody Dance,” said Declan, who has booked every act for the festival since 2004.

“It’ll be a massive show, a big production with 10 of them on stage with various visuals, a brass section and backing singers.

“It’ll be something like Grace Jones last year, it’ll be the surprise of the festival.”

Declan said as the international aspect of the festival has grown, it’s made it easier to attract an array of acts.

Mercury prize winner Klaxons, political folk rocker Billy Bragg, and Belgian mash-up kings 2 Many DJS are also booked.

But despite becoming one of the most popular festivals in Europe, organisers have vowed to keep the event to an intimate 35,000. Tickets go on sale through Ticketmaster on Friday.

A three-day pass including camping costs €240, while a family pass for two adults and four children is priced at €480.

Unique aspects of the festival – like the comedy tent, body and soul village, and spoken word tent – will also be expanded, they said.

Meanwhile a host of Irish bands will be announced in the coming weeks and months.

Despite the credit crunch, organisers are optimistic its fan base will stay loyal.

“I would like to think Electric Picnic has a special place in certain people’s hearts and that this might be the one escape for a weekend,” added Declan.

“There are still shows selling out every weekend in the O2.

“Certainly demand is going to be down. We sold out over four months in advance in the last two years so we have a fair bit rope.”