Festivalgoers could be hampered by rain at the Electric Picnic today as the hottest summer in years fades away. But the gloomier weather predictions are unlikely to dampen the spirits of more than 32,500 people flocking to Stradbally estate in Co Laois for the festival, which runs until tomorrow.
The exodus of fans to the 600-acre estate began yesterday, with AA Roadwatch reporting heavy congestion on all routes leading to Stradbally from yesterday afternoon.
There were long tailbacks, in particular on the N7 and N8 into Stradbally from Dublin and Cork, and Abbeyleix was described as "a nightmare".
While most fans were expected to have arrived at the site last night, considerable traffic on the same routes is also expected today. Bus Éireann is running special services to the site from Dublin and Galway and tickets for all coaches running yesterday quickly sold out.
Groove Armada top today's music fest, with performances eagerly anticipated from a large number of other acts on seven stages, including The Frames and New Order. The Pet Shop Boys, Basement Jaxx and Josh Ritter will be among the bands providing the musical entertainment tomorrow.
The festival is offering a diverse range of other attractions and soccer fans have been assured that they will be able to watch the match between Germany and the Republic of Ireland live on screen at the picnic.
There will be performances from top comedians David O'Doherty and David McSavage, among others.
The arts group Madagascar Institute has travelled all the way from Brooklyn in the US to Stradbally to build a juice blender from scrap metal and power it with jet engines.
