Picnic-goers have chance to get festival fit

LAZING about, tapping your feet and sipping beer are usually the extent of a festival goers’ activities. Not for much longer.

Promoters behind Ireland’s only boutique festival have decided to give punters an extra push this year by introducing a little exercise into the fun. Just a little.

Instead of laying about, gobbling burgers or downing lager, music lovers will have the opportunity to get festival fit.

Visitors to Electric Picnic this year are being encouraged to sign up to bootcamp and get fit with military style techniques.

Revellers will be asked to “get down ‘n’ gimme 20” under the watchful eye of real military personnel, getting involved in a mixture of circuits, exercises, running and games.

Really keen exercisers will also be able to have a go at mimicking the great King of Pop, Michael Jackson, by joining in the Picnic’s “cardio dance tribute”. The event will see possibly hundreds of festival-goers moonwalk and dance to Jackson’s greatest hits.

Outdoor Yoga is also being put on for festival goers, with an opportunity to attend special innovative classes just for picnickers.

Bootcamp Ireland’s team were going through their paces yesterday while slick Michael Jackson mover Don King was doing the moonwalk like the King of Pop himself.

Last minute preparations are being made for bands, artists and campers going to the festival which kicks off in Stradbally, Laois on September 4, 5 and 6.

Beach Boys’ Brian Wilson, pop group MGMT, dance giants Basement Jaxx and Orbital are to play several stages among a host of dozens of other acts.

The newest addition to Electric Picnic also includes Mercury Prize nominated Florence and the Machine.

www.electricpicnic.ie