New acts added to Electric Picnic lineup

Electric Picnic has today announced several additions to its lineup for the September event in Stradbally, Co Laois.

Eels, Mercury Prize and Brit Award nominated Friendly Fires, legendary house and techno DJ Laurent Garnier, Mancunian post-punk veterans The Fall, along with Bonobo's first ever Irish show, Stornoway, Fight Like Apes and Channel One.

This year sees American rockers Eels release their eighth studio album, 'End Times', hailed as their "best record yet" by Uncut magazine.

Friendly Fires will be bringing their energetic live show to Electric Picnic along with their eagerly anticipated second album.

No stranger to Irish shores, Laurent Garnier is sure to attract a loyal following, showcasing his latest album 'Tales of a Kleptomaniac'.

Mark E Smith’s The Fall return to Stradbally having released their 28th album last week to massive critical acclaim with Mojo declaring it "the best album they have released in ages".

Downtempo Ninja Tunes’ act Bonobowill make their long-awaited first ever Irish appearance at Electric Picnic with an eight piece band.

Oxford five-piece Stornoway have been shortlisted for BBC’s Sound of 2010 poll, played a sold out UK tour and declared The Guardian's “new favourite band”.

Irish alternative rock band Fight Like Apes will be performing tracks from their second album which will be released the week of the festival.

In addition to the international, Electric Picnic will showcase the best local acts on the Cosby Stage. A Battle of the Bands competition will be held in Portlaoise to determine the most suitable act for the Cosby Stage and throughout the summer a series of heats will be held in various Portlaoise venues, culminating in a final which will determine who plays the Picnic this year.

A Ticket Installment Plan for this year’s Electric Picnic has been introduced to help recession-hit revellers.

The Electric Picnic festival is set to take place at Stradbally Hall, Co Laois on September 3-5.

Weekend tickets are available from Ticketmaster outlets nationwide and online at Ticketmaster.ie, priced at €240, not including service charges.