Ireland’s premier music celebration, Electric Picnic, has unveiled its initial headline performers for the 2026 edition, featuring an impressive crossover of international and homegrown talent. British virtual band Gorillaz will command the main stage on Saturday evening, while Dublin’s critically acclaimed post-punk ensemble Fontaines D.C. will bring the festival to a powerful close as Sunday night headliners.
The announcement, made on Monday, also confirmed Irish pop sensation CMAT among the featured artists set to grace multiple stages at the country’s largest music and arts gathering. The preliminary lineup further includes Swedish songstress Zara Larsson, British grime icon Skepta, alongside emerging acts Sombr, Wunderhorse, Role Model, and Geese.
Since its modest inception in 2004 with a mere 10,000 capacity, Electric Picnic has evolved into a sprawling three-day extravaganza featuring multiple performance areas and attracting top-tier international talent. The 2026 installment is scheduled to run from August 28th to 30th at the picturesque Stradbally Hall estate in County Laois.
The festival has grown exponentially over two decades, with attendance figures reaching approximately 80,000 enthusiasts in 2025, cementing its status as Ireland’s definitive cultural happening that seamlessly blends musical performances with diverse artistic expressions and experiential installations.