Electric Picnic 2005 WHAT? Festivals traditionally represent the wilder side of live music, all mud and thunder, but Ireland’s Electric Picnic is looking to establish itself at the Big Chill end of the market, labelling itself a "Boutique Music Festival". What that means in reality is less to do with fashionable retail outlets and more about providing quality facilities that aren’t overrun and overworked, to great success at last year’s inaugural event. This year the capacity has been raised but is still limited to 25,000 inside grand Stradbally Hall Estate. The line-up for the two-day event is also attracting attention with an eclectic mix of artists from Kraftwerk to Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds and Arcade Fire and a strong bill of DJs. The organisers have co-opted the famous Lost Vagueness collective from Glastonbury to bring their theatrical brand of entertainment to the fields of Co. Laois. In addition there will be a comedy tent, a chill-out area, a cinema area, and the usual food, drink and camping facilities. WHERE? Stradball Hall Estate, Co. Laois WHEN? Sat 03 & Sun 04 Sep 2005 WHO? Diversity is the key and the line-up features a great range of the old and new, from all the genres. The strange electronic sounds of Kraftwerk will be one of the highlights, along with fellow veterans, Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds. The Flaming Lips will keep the indie kids happy, Toots & the Maytals will bring their sunshine reggae vibes and hopefully the proper weather, while there’s seductive cabaret from Goldfrapp and Nouvelle Vague. On the DJ front the awesome Laurent Garnier will be entertaining his Irish fans once again, with Fatboy Slim, 2 Many DJs and Mr Scruff also taking up position behind the decks. The International Comedy Club Stage will be hosted by Des Bishop and Tommy Tiernan. More acts will be announced closer to the festival date. Full line-up HOW MUCH? Two days including camping €135 Two days €105 One day €62.50 All prices include booking fee but may be subject to an agents handling charge of €2. Available from usual nationwide outlets, www.ticketmaster.ie and 0818 719300 MORE INFO www.electricpicnic.ie