Electric Picnic Live Report: The Saw Doctors draw crowds of all ages to packed out Electric Arena set

As the closing evening of Electric Picnic really kicks off, Picnickers flocked back to the Electric Arena for a highly anticipated set from The Saw Doctors. And when I say flocked, I well and truly mean it - by the time yours truly managed to get anywhere near the tent, it was very clear the big screen outside would have to do.

The renaissance of Irish trad is more clear from this weekend than ever before. Arial photos showed crowds, larger than ever seen before at the festival, gathered at The Wolfe Tones earlier in the day, with a majority of the group clearly sticking around the tent to make sure they secured a good spot for the oncoming act.

The Saw Doctors by Abigail Ring

Arriving on stage in true Irish rock-trad style, The Saw Doctors were greeted by rapturous applause from every angle. From the band's first track, more and more people joined onto the crowd, with absolutely no age limit in sight. Kids and their parents shared warm embraces, friends danced together, and a couple just behind me spent the set jiving in wonderful style.

The accordion belted out incredible melodies as lead singer Davy Carton's smile almost prevented him from lashing out the hits.

Tracks like 'Green and Red of Mayo', 'Tommy K', and 'Clare Island' had festival goers dancing, 'I Useta Lover', 'N17', and 'Joyce Country Ceili Band' had Picnickers screaming along as far as the eye could see.

The Saw Doctors by Abigail Ring

Despite The Script taking to the Main Stage right as the band ended, fans stayed put right until the last notes of the act.

While I love a bit of rock-trad on a night out, I wouldn't have said I was a massive fan of The Saw Doctors, but by God am I now converted. Between incredible saxophone solos, fans proudly showing off their county colours, and the clearly delighted band members, the set was one of the weekend highlights for sure.

The Saw Doctors by Abigail Ring

Seeing the pure joy from everyone surrounding me brought me incredible happiness. In my opinion, these lads, as well as The Wolfe Tones, were very deserving of a main stage slot!