Builders brave rain for Electric Picnic festival

Builders battled lashing rain and muddy conditions today to put the finishing touches to this weekend's Electric Picnic festival.

More than 32,000 revellers are expected to set up camp in Stradbally, Co Laois on Friday for the three-day circus of music, comedy and arts.

Despite far from picnic-perfect skies, organisers were confident the line-up of top bands and family-friendly events would keep spirits high whatever the weather.

Among this year's headliners are the Flaming Lips, Basement Jaxx, and Beach Boy Brian Wilson.

The festival also boasts homegrown talent from singer Lisa Hannigan and Co Kildare group Bell X1.

Organiser and promoter John Reynolds said this year's picnic had a child-friendly focus, with the family camping area's capacity now tripled to 1,500 places.

"It's a really important thing and it's something that we promote and want to nurture. It's something that we're very proud of," he said.

Young festival-goers can enjoy a children's play area, recycling workshops and acrobatic shows from LA-based art troupe the Lucent Dossier Experience.

Older revellers can take a break from the music in the specially constructed Body and Soul area, which promises aromatherapy, massages and a relaxing Peace Garden.

Mr Reynolds said the festival's eco-friendly aspects - from low energy lighting in the campsites to a wind-powered cinema - were also crucial.

"Every year we want to make it better and better and better" he said.

"It's just making little steps all the time, ultimately to get to a stage of carbon neutrality."

When asked if a contingency plan was in place in case of torrential rain, Mr Reynolds quipped: "We haven't got a roof over the site - the budget didn't go that far this year."

He added: "I think when people are in Europe and they've been to festivals they expect the odd shower. We've always been lucky with weather and I think we will be this weekend too."

Met Éireann are also forecasting drier, settled weather to move across the country on Saturday.

Now in its sixth year, the festival is held in the grounds of the 18th century Stradbally Hall.

Owner Thomas Cosby said he enjoyed the festival "in a funny sort of stress-managed way".

He admitted it was no easy task clearing up after the thousands of music fans evacuated the 450-acre site.

"It does look a bit shocking for a few days. After a week, we get back to some sort of visual normalcy," Mr Cosby said.

The festival's five campsites open at 9am on Friday morning, with revellers advised to arrive early to avoid traffic and queues.