Could Kilkenny create a localised Electric Picnic?

Electric Picnic, where do I begin? Fun, mad, irresponsible, unmissable! It’s the music festival that has all that and much more...

Since its birth in 2004, its popularity has become unmatched in the Irish music calendar. What other festival could attract Sam Smyth, Florence and the Machine or Kylie Minogue to a field in County Laois?

The flash cities of London, Berlin and Paris are a far cry from the smell of cow dung in Stradbally where lobsters and fine wine are put to one side and burgers and fizzy drinks come to the fore. Just how do the poor popstars cope?

Well, the answer to that will probably never be fully uncovered but even the world’s elite musicians and popstars cannot deny there is something uniquely special about the concept of cans, good music and dear friends coming together in a casual, upbeat atmosphere. A simple but yet such a successful formula and while how it has become such a beast of an occasion may leave you bewildered, equally it’s hard not to question why other counties haven’t jumped on the gravy train?

Here in Kilkenny, we pride ourselves in being the festival capital of Ireland. From arts to comedy, economics to trad, not to mention so many others, Kilkenny City and its surrounds has been the mecca for festival goers for many years, but while the county leads the way consistently, it also strives to revolutionise.

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So, where better than with the generation of tomorrow? Kilkenny’s inclusive festivals are its greatest strength and weakness. From eight to 80, there’s very little on offer that isn’t suitable for all the family. But, what about the party hungry youth?

So many of the key ingredients are at our disposal to provide a city centre music festival in Kilkenny. Bars, restaurants, cafes and open spaces are all on our doorstep in a walkable city that provides the perfect blend of urban and rural Ireland. Where could be better?

In recent years there has been much frustration amongst the local community at the lack of progress in developing a third level campus in Kilkenny City. Why? Well, primarily it’s felt in many circles that an ever growing urban location like Kilkenny should have third level education for its young people. But education aside, such a development would allow a vibrant mid-week night-time economy to develop in our city for much of the year.

However, instead of moaning and groaning and waiting for such an announcement like a young boy waiting for his mammy to buy him the lollipop he so craves, we could be pro-active and creative. After all, we have many intelligent and driven people driving an already successful local festival scene. Add in a vast array of local talent and the pictureesque Kilkenny Castle Park grounds and a dream may become reality: ‘KilkennyFest’.
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Hectic bank-holiday weekends on the streets of the city consistently illustrate the great demand there from young people to stay in Kilkenny. Countless concerts in Ballykeeffe Amphitheatre and a number of high profile gigs in UPMC Nowlan Park over the years have created a great sense of occasion in the city which have lasted well into the night!

Admittedly, with such events, sometimes anti-social behaviour can occur, but they also bring great economic benefits, not to mention the pride it instills in us knowing our home patch is a desired destination. Surely at least once a year we could utilise our attractive city for a weekend bonanza rather than one off events?

Challenges politically, practically and financially are a certainty and Kilkenny is far from being on a losing trail, but we must strive to be better and as rural locations capitalise on the open air and space they have at their disposal, why should we not break new ground and exploit our unique city, which — if local politicians are to be believed — strives to be a city without the hustle and bustle and congestion of many of our counterparts.

Such a festival may not be announced today or tomorrow but like any good team we must plan for the future and while we must applaud other festivals and locations, Team Kilkenny plays to win!