The Laois County Council said they will not grant permission to hold annual Electric Picnic Festival this year, amid fears of Covid pandemic. The festival usually takes place in Stradbally in Co Laois every summer. The decision to deny license is after considering the latest public health advice from the Health Service Executive (HSE), the council made it clear in a statement released yesterday.
The organizers were optimistic about the event to take place on a later date in September when majority of the people get vaccinated by then. But it is unlikely to happen now and there are strict orders from the government to restrict the number of people to a maximum 500 for outdoor events where more than 5,000 people normally attend. It was anticipated that almost 70,000 spectators would be attending the Electric Picnic Festival this year.
Earlier the local councillors raised voice against holding the festival this year. “The local community as a whole will not be happy with this decision but I would be of the opinion that most of them will be happy with it.” Fianna Fail councillors Paschal McEvoy responded to the Journal after the council’s decision. “There will be a loss to the local economy but money is one thing but your health is paramount and that overrides any other concerns.” he added.