PICTURES: Behind the scenes at Electric Picnic with new stages and site secrets revealed

Electric Picnic is almost here, and ahead of 80,000 festivalgoers descending on Stradbally this weekend, organisers opened the gates for a behind-the-scenes look at what's in store for Ireland's biggest festival in 2025.

New stages, unexpected collaborations and fresh festival districts were unveiled during Wednesday's press day, with some surprises adding to the excitement. Among them was a brand-new piano stage in the Croí wellbeing area, named Electric Keys after a public vote.

USE THE ARROWS OR 'NEXT' TO BROWSE THROUGH THE FULL GALLERY

Pianist Niall Kinsella marked the occasion with a live performance – joined by none other than Noel Hogan of The Cranberries, who accompanied him on guitar for a rendition of Zombie. Fans can expect an even bigger moment on Sunday when Noel and his brother Mike Hogan reunite on the main stage with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra.

Elsewhere, Freetown - the festival's late-night district - has expanded with two new areas. Metro, a Soviet-style party hub built around a stationary train, will host circus acts and live bands, while Northside Rises sees a collective of "rebels" turning a fire station into a rave-friendly workshop of customised scrap vehicles.

USE THE ARROWS OR 'NEXT' TO BROWSE THROUGH THE FULL GALLERY

Mindfield also returns with a twist, as the Irish National Opera brings Seven Deadly Sins, featuring arias from Mozart, Verdi and Rossini.
Beyond the music, festivalgoers will find fresh touches of comfort and style as Boots has added a new self-service beauty station in the main arena, alongside its Hair and Beauty Box in Moonlight Meadows.

Of course, the main stage remains the big draw, with headliners Hozier, Kings of Leon, Sam Fender, Fatboy Slim, Becky Hill and Chappell Roan leading a stacked weekend lineup.