Electric Picnic 'our harvest' charity shops, community and businesses reap benefits

Lynda Kiernan
By Lynda Kiernan

Reporter

Published 11th Aug 2024, 19:52 GMT
Stradbally Main Street and some of the staff in local shops.placeholder image
Stradbally Main Street and some of the staff in local shops.

Stradbally Main Street businesses get set for a bumper festival week

Stradbally residents and businesses are getting set for the 20th Electric Picnic next weekend, expecting a bumper economic boost to what is fondly termed the 'little town' in Laois.

Hot on the heels of Stradbally Steam Rally over the August Bank Holiday, the town is a hive of action as setup of the vast festival continues on the 600 acre Cosby estate in the town centre.

The Leinster Express / Laois Live called in to some Main Street shops and also spoke to the Electric Picnic residents association.

In Vincent's charity shop the brightest and zaniest clothes are in the windows and hanging up outside, with a big vintage sign.

The manager is Sinead Moore.

"For us it's our harvest. It's where we make money. The builders on the site are all young people too and that's our target market. We've just held our annual vintage sale and it did great business.placeholder image
"For us it's our harvest. It's where we make money. The builders on the site are all young people too and that's our target market. We've just held our annual vintage sale and it did great business.

"We collect the wild crazy stuff all year round. Years ago it would have been put into recycling. On the weekend the people come in for sleeping bags and blankets.

"More young people shop in charity shops these days anyway, they want the one-offs and they are conscious of shopping sustainably too. 

"We will be open from 11am to 4pm on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday," Sinead said.

All the money made goes to help people in need locally, and they welcome donations of clothes too.

Up the road, Arthurs SuperValu does great business, particularly in one area.

"We stock up on alcohol and do lots of promotions. Each year we have to be in touch with the popular drinks, this year it's all the mixer cans because the crowds are definitely getting younger," shop manager Tanya Kearns said. 

"The hygiene products go really well too. They like artisan food, vegan food, we wouldn't have that much demand for it in the rest of the year. Pet food too, they seem to bring their pets with them," she said.

Barry Arthurs is co-owner with son Steven.

"It's a huge boost economically to the town in general. It gets very busy, we'd have double the staff on and security staff too," he said.placeholder image
"It's a huge boost economically to the town in general. It gets very busy, we'd have double the staff on and security staff too," he said.

Barry Arthurs and Tanya Kearns at Arthurs SuperValu.

Not everyone is so keen. One local older woman from a farming background gave her view.

"It's a week of continuous traffic, and confinement to your house. A lot of roads become one way. It starts this Wednesday and it lasts a week with stragglers leaving the following Wednesday, and workers leaving with the equipment. The harvest is a concern. And in any big event, criminals can come in under cover so you stay around your house," she said.

Ann Simpson, owner of Simpson's Gala gives her staff extra hours to cope with demand but they get one day off each to enjoy the festival.

"The festival goers very seldom misbehave, I don't find anyone shoplifting. I'm 27 years here, it's great for the area. This year they are setting up from mid June. Sure Stradbally is the hub of Laois, it has helped the town grow and have its own identity, the residents are very proud of their little town," she said.placeholder image
"The festival goers very seldom misbehave, I don't find anyone shoplifting. I'm 27 years here, it's great for the area. This year they are setting up from mid June. Sure Stradbally is the hub of Laois, it has helped the town grow and have its own identity, the residents are very proud of their little town," she said.

In Stradbally Pharmacy, they stock Electric Picnic branded bags for everything picnickers might want.

"Dioralyte is a top seller, ponchos, wipes, stuff for men too, earplugs for the kids. There's a great buzz around the town with it," says assistant Susan Moore who is from the town.

She has been going every year since Electric Picnic started. 

"I loved it when it was smaller but 2018 was brilliant too with Gerry Cinnamon and Dermot Kennedy. I live so close I can walk home, it's so handy," she said.placeholder image
"I loved it when it was smaller but 2018 was brilliant too with Gerry Cinnamon and Dermot Kennedy. I live so close I can walk home, it's so handy," she said.

Close by, DB Nails & Beauty are busy painting festival style nails for their clients.

"It's all a mix of colour, glitter, shimmer. We get customers coming from a few weeks before, we enjoy the vibe it brings to Stradbally every year," proprietor Lisa Bergin said.placeholder image
"It's all a mix of colour, glitter, shimmer. We get customers coming from a few weeks before, we enjoy the vibe it brings to Stradbally every year," proprietor Lisa Bergin said.

Stylist Anna Shatylo and proprietor Lisa Bergin at DB Nails & Beauty.

Catherine Murphy is chair of Electric Picnic Residents Association. They have spent three days this week handing out over 2,000 goodwill free day tickets given to people who live close to the festival. The closest residents pay €30, and further out pay €50, with the €30 donations all being saved up towards a project to build a community hall for Stradbally.

"It's all running smoothly, there's a great buzz, people are very happy to get their tickets. It is generous of Electric Picnic. Hosting the festival is just an accepted part of Stradbally now, people return to stay in the same houses for bed and breakfast and park their caravans, everyone gets a boost. The town is busier and you certainly can hear it all weekend, but I've never heard in 20 years of any trouble, there's always a great atmosphere," Catherine said.

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