Highlights of Kneecap's performance at last weekend’s Electric Picnic are now available to view worldwide on the TG4 Player.
The Galway-based Irish language station aired coverage of the music festival in Stradbally, Co Laios, and viewers can now watch the Belfast/Derry rap trio’s Saturday evening Main Stage performances of their new single Sayōnara as well as H.O.O.D and The Recap.
Presented by Síomha Ní Ruairc and John Sharpson, the TG4 player is also airing a 90-minute highlights version of their full programme, Beo ón Electric Picnic, including a backstage interview with Moglaí Bap and DJ Provaí, who reflect on Kneecap’s journey from their early days playing the An Puball Gaeilge at Electric Picnic to the Main Stage.
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The programme also aired highlights of the line-up from the Collchoill (Hazelwood) and Puball Gaeilge stages, with performances from Amble, IMLÉ, Eve Belle, John Spillane, The Fógues, Byro, David Geraghty (BellX1), The Donnys, Dysania, Caolan Ryan, Lisa Murray, Lost West, performing Dreams by The Cranberries.
Executive producers of TG4’s EP coverage, Cian Mac Cárthaigh and Carol Gunner of 84-Ochtó4 Productions, had pitched the idea of bringing Electric Picnic to TG4 viewers to Festival Director Melvin Benn, who was supportive of the Irish language and of showcasing the Hazelwood/An Chollchoill and An Puball Gaeilge stages, which give Irish-language performers a unique platform.
When Anton Cullen, who runs the Hazelwood stage, heard about the project, he became instrumental in bringing it to life, granting the crew access to the site and helping them establish a pop-up studio at Hazelwood.
"Beo ón Electric Picnic was a very special programme to produce," says Mr Mac Cárthaigh. "None of this would be possible without the incredible support we got from Festival Director Melvin Benn and from Anton Cullen.
"The Hazelwood was the perfect setting to base the show from - it's a special place with a wonderful energy. I'd like to thank the whole team who worked around the clock to make sure this show was made to the highest quality. It was a pleasure to be there with them."
TG4's Commissioning Editors Dearbhaile Flynn and Donncha Mac Con Iomaire added: "The under-35s who have Irish close to their heart are a vital audience for TG4. The collaboration with Electric Picnic was a brilliant opportunity to celebrate the energy, creativity and vibrancy of that audience at one of Ireland's most exciting cultural gatherings.
"It was brilliantly produced by 84 Productions who went above and beyond to deliver a programme of such high standard on a tight timeline. We are very grateful to Electric Picnic for giving us great access and hope to continue working with them in the future."
The broadcast also included contributions from Mr Benn, acoustic sessions, interviews, and conversations with organisers, artists, and festival goers.
