As the last rays of the summer sun shines on Stradbally, 55,000 picnickers will descend on the 600 acres of rolling fields at Stradbally Hall to soak up music, comedy, spoken word and much more.
Electric Picnic is ever appreciative of the support from the residents of the village and surrounding areas and believes in giving back to the local community, showing their gratitude by saying thank you.
EP organisers have provided funds to Youth Work Ireland Laois to help keep their afterschool programme going.
Youth Work Ireland Laois is the only group that provides youth support to the entire county of Laois; The After School Programme was launched last year and is the newest initiative at Youth Work Ireland Laois.
It has space for 30 children per day and is made up of children from fifth and sixth class. Three afternoons a week it provides a unique space for these children, where they can have something to eat, do their homework, make new friends, and have fun!
As well as donating to the organisation, Electric Picnic have given five very talented children from the programme an active role at the festival to give them an experience like never before, with art, music and spoken word performances in The Hazel Wood area and the Art Trail.
Melvin Benn Festival Director of Electric Picnic said: “Today’s young people are tomorrow’s teachers, carers, leaders and visionaries. It’s important to encourage and guide young people to achieve their goals and dreams as best they can.
“Electric Picnic appreciates how the residents in Stradbally and the wider Laois community help contribute to an amazing event every year. Youth Work Ireland Laois does a tremendous job of providing support to young people of all ages. So it gives me great pleasure to be able to donate these funds.”