Electric Picnic 2021 has been cancelled. The dramatic news was confirmed this afternoon, as all hope of a 2021 event was finally extinguished. It represents a serious blow to the huge number of music industry operatives who would have benefitted from the event – including thousands of Irish musicians and bands, as well as the PA, stage, lighting and production firms who make the event happen ever year.

"We would not be able to do the festival justice this close to show day,” a statement issued by Festival Republic, who run the event states, "and it would be unfair to ask ticket holders who’ve stood by us throughout this pandemic to come to EP and not get the full experience they are used to and deserve.”

People who bought tickets are being offered the option of a full refund. However, they can also choose to hold onto the ticket, which will be valid for the event in 2022. The statement also confirms that Electric Picnic will return to its traditional slot at the turn of the month – meaning that in 2022 it will take place on the weekend of September 2 to September 4.

Here is get full text of the statement from the festival organisers, Festival Republic:

"Hi everyone,

We wanted to update you all on the most recent news we have regarding Electric Picnic 2021.

As many of you are aware, we asked Laois County Council to reverse the decision on EP being cancelled this year. Unfortunately, they have not yet done so and we have now run out of time.

Regrettably, we have no other choice but to cancel this year’s edition. We would not be able to do the festival justice this close to show day, and it would be unfair to ask ticket holders who’ve stood by us throughout this pandemic to come to EP and not get the full experience they are used to and deserve.

We will be offering all ticket holders an option of a full refund including booking fees. Please contact Ticketmaster directly who will process your refund as soon as possible.

Please contact them within the next 30 days.

If you prefer, you can retain your ticket and carry it over to next year. If you choose this option instead of a refund you don’t need to do anything, just hold on to your ticket.

For more information on this please email [email protected] and we will do all we can to assist.

We look forward to seeing you all in Stradbally next year, the 2022 edition will revert back to the original weekend on September 2nd-4th, 2022.

– Your EP Team.