Performers gear up for Picnic gig after showcasing talent in Electric Youth Grand Final in Portlaoise

It was a fantastic evening of entertainment at the Youth Work Ireland Laois Electric Youth grand final in the Dunamaise Arts Centre where acts battled it out for the chance to perform on the Hazlewood Stage at this year's Electric Picnic. Electric Youth, a celebration of creativity and talent for young people aged 14-24, hosted the competition at the Portlaoise venue on Friday, August 9. CONTINUE READING BELOW PHOTO

Now in its fifth year, Electric Youth is a collaboration between Youth Work Ireland Laois, Electric Picnic, LOETB and Creative Ireland. The event showcases the transformative power of music, arts, and youth work, highlighting its positive impact on the lives of its young participants.

Electric Youth provides a platform for young artists, musicians, singers, and poets to showcase their skills and passions. Many of these young people are self-taught and are performing to an audience for the first time.

The winners that secured the four places to perform at the Picnic were The Porter Boys Social Club, Becca Mitchell and Oisin O’Reilly, Cillian Brennan and Forge.

Falling Apples, Jamie Orr Band, Tara Phelan and Lucy Hood also performed during the competitive finale. 

The young performers will now take to the stage at Electric Picnic which runs from August 16 to 18 in Stradbally. Photographer Alf Harvey was in Dunamaise Arts Centre to capture it all. Click next or use the arrows to see all the photos.