Picnic plays up friendly name

The promoter of this year’s sold-out Electric Picnic said the friendly reputation of the festival reduces the risk of public order disturbances and anti-social behaviour.

At a garda press conference in Portlaoise, promoter Melvin Benn said he did not anticipate difficulty at the event, but said security staff are briefed and prepared should any incident arise.

It is the first time in several years the Co Laois event has sold out, and Mr Benn admitted he is concerned about counterfeit tickets.

He said a barcoding system will ensure that no one carrying a forged ticket will make it past the gate.

He warned people to avoid buying anything they may have doubts about because they will be refused entry if their ticket turns out to be counterfeit.

In all, 32,500 weekend tickets have been sold, and a further 2,500 revellers will attend on Sunday.

It is the 10th year of the festival and Mr Benn confirmed he has agreed a contract with Thomas Cosby, the owner of Stradbally Hall and estate, to hold the event there for the next 10 years.

Mr Benn said reduced prices and a new ticketing structure which rewarded those who attended the event in the past led to the festival selling out last week, with 85% of tickets sold this year going to people who have previously attended the festival. Some people came up with ingenious ways of proving their attendance.

One woman sent in photographs of herself and her daughter taken in front of the main stage over several years and this qualified for a reduced entry price, he said.

Superintendent Yvonne Lundon said Portlaoise gardaí have prepared a comprehensive policing plan in to deal with anti-social behaviour, drug use, and any other criminal activity.

She told those planning to attend the Electric Picnic to see Electricpicnic.ie for a list of do’s and don’t’s and advice on this year’s traffic arrangements, which will be similar to last year’s plan.