Electric Picnic 2025 returns to Stradbally this August (29th - 31st) with one of its strongest line-ups to date. Spanning global headliners, homegrown talent and a new wave of emerging artists, this year’s edition promises something for every kind of music fan.

As one of the crown jewels of the music festivals in Ireland calendar, Electric Picnic continues to set the standard for unforgettable live experiences. With the weekend fully sold out, festivalgoers can expect packed stages, standout moments, and a mix of the familiar and the unexpected. Whether you're a long-time attendee or making your first trip down, these ten acts should be high on your list.

Must-See Headliners at EP 2025

1. Hozier

Celebrating the 10th anniversary of his landmark debut album - Hozier, Hozier returns home for a powerful headline set. Following the global success of Too Sweet in 2024 and the special anniversary vinyl reissue of Hozier, this year marks a full-circle moment for the Wicklow-born troubadour.

Expect a transcendent performance that spans soul, blues and poetry, with an audience ready to sing every word. From Take Me to Church to Francesca, Hozier’s headline appearance is set to be one of the defining moments of EP 2025.

2. Sam Fender

British breakout Sam Fender brings raw storytelling, guitar-driven power and indie-rock gravitas to Stradbally. Across his three albums — Hypersonic Missiles, Seventeen Going Under and the newly released People Watching — He has built a powerful connection with fans by pairing raw vulnerability with stadium-sized anthems. Songs like Seventeen Going Under and Dead Boys showcase his ability to balance intimate storytelling with explosive guitar-driven energy.

Known for live shows that are both emotional and electrifying, Fender is one of the UK’s defining voices of his generation and a headliner built for moments like Electric Picnic.

3. Chappell Roan

Viral sensation turned critical favourite, Chappell Roan is redefining what it means to be a pop star in 2025. With unapologetically theatrical visuals and razor-sharp lyricism (Good Luck, Babe! Red Wine Supernova), she brings camp, emotion and energy to every performance.

Her Electric Picnic debut is likely to be one of the weekend’s most talked-about sets.

4. Inhaler

With three albums under their belt, Dublin’s own Inhaler have quickly graduated from promising newcomers to one of Ireland’s biggest exports. Their rise has been marked by sold-out tours and a knack for crafting indie-rock anthems that connect on a massive scale. Tracks like It Won’t Always Be Like This and Love Will Get You There showcase their ability to balance youthful urgency with polished, arena-ready sound.

As heirs to a legacy but carving out their own path, Inhaler’s set at Electric Picnic is set to be both a celebration of their journey so far and a statement of what’s still to come.

5. Kneecap

Belfast rap trio Kneecap have become one of Ireland’s most electrifying and politically charged live acts. Known for their ferocious energy, witty Gaeilge-meets-English lyricism, and uncompromising cultural commentary, they’ve built a reputation as a group that turns every performance into a full-throttle experience.

Their appearance at Stradbally will be nothing short of incendiary.

 Must-See Live Performances at EP 2025

6. Self-Esteem

With three acclaimed albums — Compliments Please, Prioritise Pleasure and this year’s A Complicated Woman — Self Esteem (Rebecca Lucy Taylor) has redefined what empowering pop can sound like.

Her live shows are bold and unflinchingly honest, blending choreography, striking visuals and powerful choruses into performances that feel both defiant and deeply cathartic.

7. Confidence Man

Few acts embody festival chaos quite like Confidence Man. The Australian duo transform every stage into a technicolour party, fuelled by outrageous costumes, tongue-in-cheek dance routines, and euphoric tracks like Boyfriend and Feels Like a Different Thing.

Their Electric Picnic set promises to be pure spectacle. Expect a sweaty, joyous explosion of fun that will have the crowd dancing from start to finish.

8. Suki Waterhouse

Actress-turned-singer-songwriter Suki Waterhouse has built a fast-growing reputation for her dreamy, cinematic pop. Tracks like Good Looking and OMG carry a nostalgic shimmer, while her latest work dives deeper into atmospheric, emotionally layered soundscapes.

Her set at EP 2025 offers a chance to see an artist at a fascinating point in her evolution, poised between cult favourite and mainstream breakthrough.

9. Black Country, New Road 

Since reinventing themselves after the departure of their original frontman, Black Country, New Road have become one of the most compelling live bands of the era. Their shows are built on vulnerability, intensity, and the sense that every performance is unique and unrepeatable.

At Electric Picnic, expect sprawling art-rock soundscapes, shifting instrumentation, and a set that feels less like a gig and more like a communal, emotional journey.

10. Nile Rodgers & Chic

Few artists can match Nile Rodgers’ catalogue: disco classics, pop icons, and some of the most recognisable riffs in music history. With Chic, he brings a setlist that runs from Le Freak to Good Times, along with the countless hits he has written for others, from Bowie to Daft Punk.

This is festival euphoria at its purest, a nonstop dance party led by one of the greatest living legends in music.

11. King Kong Company 

King Kong Company have become an Irish festival institution. Their reputation comes from high energy performances, a strong fanbase, and a stage presence that makes every show feel like a celebration. They are firmly established as one of the ultimate late night acts.

At EP 2025, their set will deliver the energy and atmosphere that have made them a regular highlight of the Irish festival circuit.

12. Barry Can't Swim 

Blurring electronica, jazz and house into a lush, emotive sound, Scottish producer Barry Can’t Swim creates dance music that resonates as much as it moves. Tracks like Sonder and God Is The Space Between Us are layered, melodic and deeply affecting.

Expect a set that’s as much about groove and release as it is about atmosphere and nuance.

Keep Up to Date for Electric Picnic 2025 with The Record Hub

Electric Picnic 2025 is officially sold out, confirming its place as one of the most anticipated events of the year. With a line-up packed with major headliners and breakthrough talent, this year’s festival is expected to deliver across every stage.

If EP 2024 was anything to go by, this year’s festival is set to raise the bar once again. Alongside world-renowned headliners, Electric Picnic shines a spotlight on homegrown irish artists, whose energy, creativity, and storytelling capture the heart of Ireland’s music scene and make the festival experience truly unforgettable. For a look back at some of the most iconic editions, explore our feature on Electric Picnic Through the Years: Our Most Memorable Line Ups.

To stay informed in the lead-up to the weekend, follow The Record Hub for the latest updates. From exclusive artist features and behind-the-scenes insights, we’ll keep you connected to everything happening before, during and after the festival.