Picnickers pack up for the return to reality

IN THE words of Soul II Soul’s 1989 club classic, it was back to life, back to reality for the thousands who awoke in a field in Co Laois with sore heads, soaking clothes and smelly wellies this morning.

They will trek through wet fields loaded with tents, sleeping bags and air beds. It’s tough, but most will say it was worth it.

Electric Picnic finished last night, with 90s indie heroes Pulp closing events. As in previous years, ‘the Picnic’ has proved a massive success. The rain eventually made an appearance on Sunday, but revellers were treated to some sun on Saturday, giving them the chance to enjoy the full scope of the festival’s unique offerings.

People aged two to 62 were there, and camp sites were packed with revellers out to have a good time.

Canadian collective Arcade Fire warmed up the main stage on Saturday night for veteran dance act Chemical Brothers. Last night, it was Underworld and American band Beirut sandwiched between Pulp and 70s funksters The Family Stone.

For many one of the musical highlights of the weekend was the Trinity Orchestra’s performance of Daft Punk’s Discovery. Others might say it was the late night disco in the woods, the Body and Soul arena or even the Rubberbandits performing of Horse Outside at the Electric Arena.

However, Electric Picnic is about much more than just the music, and the extras did not disappoint. An eclectic selection included food, a funfair, a circus, hot tubs, and even an inflatable church where couples could get hitched.

In great demand, too, was the Vodafone mobile phone tent, where revellers who could not bear being cut off from the outside world queued at length to get some life back into their phones.

In these tight times, he experience may have been expensive at €240 for a weekend ticket, but what price can you put on a soggy weekend in Laois surrounded by your friends, warm beer and great music?