Electric Picnic boss claims Laois farmers accept plan for Electric Picnic 2024 after harvest talks
Laois farmers have accepted a plan that would allow a earlier 2024 Electric Picnic, according to the festival organiser.
Local farmers had said it would be 'pure craziness' to move the event to the middle of August.
However, speaking at his press conference at the festival on Sunday, September 3, Melvin Benn, MD, of Festival Republic admitted that he had no idea that harvesting season would clash with the 2024 festival, brought back a fortnight to late August.
"Sometimes you explore things and they bite you on the a**e," he admitted.
"I didn't know it was harvesting season. I asked Tom (Cosby) and he didn't tell me. I met them again this morning, I met them almost every day this week. I've given them a plan on how to overcome it and they've accepted that plan.
"The grain store is right in the Main Street of Stradbally. Obviously that's challenging when the festival is on. Next year it will be at peak time," he said.
While the IFA issued a national statement opposing the new date of August 16th to 18th, Mr Benn claimed he received his own reply.
"I've been out on the pushbike cycling around. Tractor drivers were stopping me, telling me 'don't worry it will be fine'," he said.
"I’m not going to build the M25 but taking advantage of tracks and roads and access ways, we can do it. I’ve got great commitment from An Garda Siochána, they’re very supportive of it.
“One or two of them (farmers) are going to change their crop rotation and grow winter barley instead of malt barley. It’s actually pretty relaxed now.
“The fields that we’re using will just be in grass. I’ve been all around this bloody site and I know every little nook and cranny and every road. Tractor drivers were stopping me and saying ‘don’t worry Melvin it’ll be fine’. We’re all good,” he said.
He added that the Electric Picnic will revert to the normal time of year after 2024. Mr Benn said it was changed next year to ensure one particular 'decent' artist can be booked. He declined to say who the act is.
The IFA has yet to confirm if an agreement has been struck with the Festival Republic as outlined by Mr Benn.