The summer is coming to a close and the winter is quickly approaching over the horizon, but for many arts fans in Ireland this is the most exciting time of the year. Electric Picnic is just around the corner, and it is looking likely to be another whopper festival.

As with every year, there is plenty more to keep people busy across the weekend in Stradbally away from the music, with a whole host of arts, comedy, spoken word, and crafts tents and exhibits scattered around the site. But this is a music blog, so here is a selection of some of the musical acts that we feel you should make it your business to get to.

George Ezra (Sunday, Main Stage, 7-8pm)

When the dust settles on 2018, I think, much like 2017 will be remembered for the song New Rules by Dua Lipa, this year will be remembered for Shotgun. After three years without any new music from the English singer/songwriter, 2018 saw the release of his second album, Staying at Tamara’s, effectively launching Ezra back to the front of mainstream music.

Dua Lipa (Saturday, Main Stage, 8:45-9:45pm)

In the space of the past two years, the twenty-two year old Dua Lipa has become one of the biggest names in international music.

Dermot Kennedy (Saturday, Rankin’s Wood, 5:15-6pm) 

Just make it your business to make it to what is bound to be one of the best performances of the weekend.

R.S.A.G. (Sunday, Body & Soul, 1:15-2:15am)

The Kilkenny multi-instrumentalist Jeremy Hickey is one of the most highly esteemed musicians in Ireland at the moment, routinely churning out expertly produced songs that demonstrate all his talent. In a live setting, R.S.A.G. is a force of nature and always draws a huge crowd to their set at every festival.

Dowry (Friday, Other Voices, 6:10-6:40pm)

My first experience of the musical endeavours Éna Brennan was seeing her support singer/songwriter Maria Kelly in The Workman’s Club back in April. There was something compelling about the musicianship and sense of adventure on display that night,and it is sure to be no different over the weekend.

Delorentos (Friday, Electric Arena, 7:15-8pm)

After releasing one of the standoutYou albums of the year so far back in April, True Surrender, Delorentos have been busy playing shows around the country promoting the new album. Easily one of the best live acts in Ireland at the moment, their addition to the lineup a few weeks ago was very much welcomed.

Sigrid (Saturday, Electric Arena, 4:30-5:15pm)

From the moment that Sigrid announced herself on Later… with Jools Holland in May 2017 with a stunning performance of her hit single Don’t Kill My Vibe, it was clear that we were witnessing the beginning of something special. The burgeoning reputation of the young Danish singer/songwriter has only been enhanced by the string of quality singles that have been released since, and her set at the festival is bound to be unmissable.

Dan Elliott (Saturday, Play the Picnic Stage, 10pm)

Fresh from his first ever festival slot at this year’s Indiependence Music & Arts Festival, Elliott has been selected to headline the 2fm/IMRO Play the Picnic stage on the Saturday of the festival. A singer of emotional and wonderfully crafted folk songs, he is sure to be one of the highlights of the festival for anyone who manages to catch his set.

It’s going to be a magic weekend.

MK