Picnic fit for the Royals

Meath will be well represented at Electric Picnic this weekend, as ‘Dunboyne Diana’ CMAT is one of many great local acts at Ireland’s biggest music festival.

From comedy to trad, a number of Meath artists will make the trip to Stradbally, Laois, this weekend, from debutants to returning favourites.

For those heading to the festival, each day will host at least one Meath-local to check out.

Fíona Ní Gaoithín & Emma Ní Ghabháin present Síoga Tine - Friday, Serenity Gardens, Croí, 15:00

Navan pair Fíona Ní Gaoithín and Emma Ní Ghabháin grew up alongside one another and will now bring their ‘homecoming immersion’ Síoga Tine to Laois after a successful All Together Now appearance.

Posting about the upcoming performance on Facebook, Fíona said Síoga Tine is “A nourishing little reset amidst the festival. A space to come away for a while, to rest, receive, reconnect, unravel and just be.

“We’ll be working with holy waters, our voices, sound, song, chant, poetry, our love of teanga [language], ritual and Emma’s beautiful handmade oils. There’ll be moments to sing together, moments of quiet and silence, and moments to listen and receive.”

The Wednesday Gang - Thursday, Salty Dog, 20:40 and Friday, Salty Dog, 12:30

Born out of mid-week trad sessions in Boyle’s of Slane, The Wednesday Gang have now played their way to festival stages all around the country. The seven-piece trad band are no strangers when it comes to the Salty Dog stage at the festival, and will get two opportunities to rock it this week.

Their performances cut no corners as there likely won’t be a still person in the audience once the excellent cocktail of musicians play their first note.

Coscán - Friday, The Hazel Wood, An Chollchoill, 15:15

With over 27 years of experience, Meath’s Coscán have become a recognisable name in the Irish trad scene, playing all across the country and on the continent. The four-piece band will be bringing their lively performance for Stradbally for the fourth time with original music, such as 'The Flame of Slane', and fan favorite songs.

This year, the band will be joined by award-winning banjo player, Brian Kelly. “He’s a fantastic player, we’re really looking forward to having him on stage in Stadbally,” whistle player and vocalist Harry Long said. “He brings something different to the band.”

“The first time we played EP, it was exciting - we had no idea what to expect. This time, it’s still as exciting but it’s more familiar, so we can relax and enjoy it. The Hazelwood Stage is a place where there’s a wonderful atmosphere. A lovely, natural vibe created by the audience and playing in the middle of the forest.”

Fred Cooke - Friday, Comedy Arena, 18:50

Kells comedian Fred Cooke was first introduced to Irish audiences in the 90s thanks to appearances on and . Now, decades later, his blend of chuckle-worthy storytelling and musical abilities continue to make audiences laugh.

A well-respected performer in the Irish comedy scene, the Meathman tends not to disappoint on the biggest stages, and his set at Electric Picnic on Friday will likely be no different.

Ria Rua - Friday, Salty Dog, 20:45

Ria Rua, real name Clare Martyn, will take her hard-hitting lyrics and grungy style to Stradbally on Friday. The alt-pop up-and-comer is known for her fiery performances which are certain to take audience members at EP along with her for the ride.

"We're very passionate and intense," the singer and drummer said. "It's high energy, and a bit chaotic and unexpected... Playing EP has been a goal of ours from the beginning - it's a right of passage. We're over the moon with excitement!"

Out on Bale - Friday, Trailer Park Stage, 21:00

Navan trio Out on Bale will be making their Electric Picnic debut on Friday, just a couple of years after being brought together for a St Patrick’s Classical School Christmas concert in an unlikely start to their music career.

The three clicked quickly with one another and have now played in venues across the country. Their performances feature a variety of genres, as the musicians may jump from trad, to country, to pop, and they will be looking to make a big splash in Laois on Friday.

Blake McGarry, vocalist and guitarist for the band, said, “I was absolutely jumping around when I heard the news, we were all buzzing. It’s a surreal feeling.” The singer from Kilberry then added that the reaction from their fans was a real hard-hitting moment for them. “There’s hundreds of messages coming in. Everyone’s being so supportive. We’re trying to put together a special set for them.

“We would’ve never dreamt of this when we started. We give 110% every time we perform to give back to the crowd, hopefully they’ll give back to us, too.”

Davy Dunne Band - Saturday, Survivor Stage, 12:00

Navan's Davy Dunne Band will be hoping to provide a memorable set to those in attendance on Saturday, as they will get the chance to shine on the much-loved Survivor Stage. As the stage hosts tribute performances of artists and albums, the Navan performers will be doing a set dedicated to Bob Dylan.

Namesake member Davy said ahead of their performance, "It's going to be a unique take on some of Bob Dylan's classics", as the band are in high anticipation for their EP debut.

CMAT - Saturday, Main Stage, 21.00

Dunboyne’s CMAT continues to strut her way into stardom, as she becomes the first Meath artist to be listed as an Electric Picnic headliner. On Saturday, she will co-headline with alternative rock band, Gorillaz.

Making her third appearance at the festival, the ‘Euro-Country’ singer will undoubtedly draw in her biggest crowd in Laois to date on Saturday.

Barry Bolger - Saturday, ArtLot (Main Stage), 22:30-23:30

Meath Man Barry Bolger will be filling the ArtLot Main Stage on Saturday night with sounds of trance and techno as he is returning to the venue after an appearance last year.

Having played alongside notable names in the Irish dance scene, and coming off appearances at Luminosity Beach Festival after parties in the Netherlands, Barry will undoubtedly get feet moving with his rhythmic set.

Le Boom - Saturday, Rockshore Stage, 00:30

Those looking for some nighttime Meath entertainment may look no further than Navan duo Le Boom. Brothers Andy and Christy Leech are known for their high-energy performances, and their shows have earned the reputation of being totally unique and highly memorable.

The pair will bring their Irish-inspired rave to the Rockshore stage on Saturday, as they look to continue their incredible upward momentum. “Andy’s first time on a festival stage was at EP three years ago, up until then he was just a fella in a tent,” the band said. “We haven’t been able to get him off the stage since. EP is always a special one for us.”

Michael Fry - Sunday, Comedy Arena, 18:25

Navan Comedian and content creator Michael Fry, real name Matthew Dineen, will take his talents to the Comedy Arena on Sunday for a 25-minute set.

Rising to fame through online sketches and parodies, the former St Pat's student has since earned himself on-screen appearances in the likes of Derry Girls, as well over 200,000 combined followers online.

Those in attendance can expect a lot of laughter, as the comedian often pokes fun at Irish culture, politics, and current affairs.

Dylan Moran in conversation - Sunday, Mindfield (Manifesto), 12:00

Navan comedian, writer, actor, and artist Dylan Morgan is no stranger when it comes to performing on a festival stage, making appearances all over Ireland and the UK. On Sunday, he will take his place at the Mindfield for a ‘conversation like no other’.

The Meath man is known for his dry and dark sense of humour, but will swap out his comedy set for an in-conversation event as one of the stage’s heavy hitters.

Did we miss anyone? Email donal.long@meathchronicle.ie with details.