Stradbally hall scintillated Electric Picnic 2024 kicked off its Saturday episode. Friday was a tough act to follow - an opening day of insanely good acts punctuated by Noah Kahan's barnstorming Main Stage shut down.

Any weary heads and hearts were instantly cured by The Mary Wallopers' electrifying Main Stage set. The Dundalk outfit kicked things off with 'The Holy Ground', a rollicking shanty penned about a place in Cobh, Co. Cork where sailors would stop off on long voyages across the Atlantic. As their set drew to a close, the rambunctious folk sextet played Hamish Imlach’s 'Cod Liver Oil and the Orange Juice', followed by 'Eileen Óg'. Palestine By the end everyone in the crowd was up and dancing as the band closed with a supernova finale rendition of 'All For Me Grog'.

The Mary Wallopers at Electric Picnic. 08/17/24. Copyright Gary Ibbotson

Next up in Rankin's Wood, Cork rockers Cardinals took the stage for a pummelling set. "With devil may care swagger, Cardinals dealt an effortlessly cool yet high octane set, with one of the key novelties of the group being the addition of an accordion player. The crew were definitely more melody orientated than their Dublin post punk contemporaries, but that doesn't mean that they were unable to deal a heavy set when it's required, and it would be hard to imagine any rock n rollers leaving dissatisfied. With a Ramones-esque combination of warmth and pounding rock guitars, 'Roseland' was absorbed by the tent- which basked in the tune's heartfelt charm.

Soon after, a sizeable chunk of Galway and Mayo’s population descended upon the Electric Picnic's Main Stage to see The Saw Doctors. The band rapidly transitioned between songs, wasting no time with chat as their vintage-tinged sound inspired jiving in even the most uptight of spectators.

The Saw Doctors. Credit: Gary Ibbotson

Kasabian took the Main Stage not long after The Saw Doctors. The Leicester rockers didn't shy away from sharing their new stuff, which held its own in a live setting. The songs were groovy, experimental, and fun, with plenty of intense, synth-heavy atmospheres and wah-wah guitar solos anchoring down the fact that what’s happening was still very much a rock concert.

Kasabian at Electric Picnic by Jason Doherty

That being said, their big hits are big for a reason. The band kicked off their set with ‘Club Foot,’ and its iconic, badass distorted bass riff had fans singing along with fervour. ‘You’re in Love with a Psycho’ was similarly a crowd-pleaser, as was ‘Shoot the Runner’, which brought an epic, twangy action-film-score vibe to the stage. The gig culminated with the explosive ‘Fire,’ which lived up to its name, igniting several mosh pits around the main stage.

Then came a Saturday, and certainly a weekend, highlight with KNEECAP in the Electric Arena. In an unusual move for a band, the Belfast rap trio - Moglaí Bap, Mo Chara and DJ Provaí - weren't the first people to take the stage, but rather Lankum's Radie Peat who emerged onto the enormous stage- delivering her recent collaboration with KNEECAP, '3CAG'. Mosh pit etiquette was first and foremost among the crowd, with Mo Chara instructing the group on how to mosh, and it was need as massive pounding circles were established for 'Get Your Brits Out' and 'Fine Art'. Raucous, republican and life affirming; Electric Arena proved to be a sure fire festival highlight for any attendee.

KNEECAP @ Electric Picnic 2024, 17/08/24 Photo: Maya Solanki

The party kept going at the Smirnoff Stage, which truly asserted itself as an inclusive space for everyone, with the inclusion of a sign language interpreter. There was talent from at home and abroad throughout the day. Dubliner DART closed proceedings, and lived up to his name with a set which was fast-paced, brining attendees where they needed to be.

The Smirnoff Stage at Electric Picnic. Copyright Miguel Ruiz.

Back at the Electric Arena, Mike Scott showed that he still got it as the Waterboys showcased their cross-generational appeal. punters of all ages competing to get a glimpse of the acclaimed live act, whose unique brand of folk rock poetry wafted through a packed Electric Arena.

Saturday headliners Kodaline were up next on the Main Stage for a packed performance. The band are, by any means, a well-seasoned band, and even more experienced performers – it was confirmed the second they started playing. With the crowd sufficiently warmed-up, slightly dazed from the dreaminess of the set, Kodaline offered their hit single ‘High Hopes’, with surprise guest Cian Ducrot walking in for the second verse and sending the Main Stage into an absolute frenzy that proved the dedication of both of the artist’s following.

Kodaline at Electric Picnic 2024. Copyright Liam Murphy.

Soon after, Lankum kicked off a midnight set in the Electric Arena. The patron saints of doom folk - Radie Peat, Darragh Lynch, Ian Lynch and Cormac MacDiarmada - were joined onstage by honorary "fifth member" John 'Spud' Murphy and drummer John Dermody. They kicked things off with 'The Wild Rover', a mammoth wall of sound that descended further and further into heavenly sonic hell. Then came 'The New York Trader'. It was an astonishing rendition, each harmony braiding aural plaits in the fog above with MacDiarmada, in particular, giving a jaw-dropping performance on the fiddle. It was a set you hoped would never end, with Lankum constantly proving that not only are they one of the strongest trad folk outfits on the scene, but they're here for the long haul (and how lucky we are).

Lankum at Electric Picnic. 08/17/24. Copyright Gary Ibbotson

Calvin Harris brought it home on Saturday night. The Flying Scotsman Calvin proved why he’s been a serious heavyweight in the music industry for the best part of two decades, as he took control of the main stage at Electric Picnic 2024 as the second day headliner. His futuristic light show and high-octane litany of remixed pop hits, illuminated the Stradbally dusk and got the party going.