Thousands of revellers flocked to Electric Picnic in their shorts and sunglasses yesterday as the sun shone down as they made their way to their campsites.
Over 70,000 ticket holders are due to make their way through the turnstiles in Stradbally in Co Laois throughout the weekend for the 19th year of the annual festival.
Mullingar man Niall Horan and Billie Eilish were the opening headliners on Friday- drawing huge crowds to kick off the entertainment on the main stage.
King Kong Company and Kingfishr also took the main stage earlier on.
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Elsewhere at Electric Arena, Belters Only, Steve Lacy, Wet Leg and Irish singing sensation Jazzy were the top names on the bill.
MUNA led the line-up at the Rankin’s Wood stage, while Terminus Stage featured sets from I Hate Models and ANSBRO.
But the scorching sun was the big surprise star of the opening night, making a welcome change from previous wash out weekends that have dampened spirits in recent years.
The good news continues for those staying for the whole weekend, as temperatures are set to soar on Saturday and Sunday too, with highs of 22C forecast.
While there were some showers early on Friday as revellers set up their tent, they have been advised to lash on the sunscreen for the rest of the weekend, with Sunday in particular set to be a scorcher.
Weather expert Alan O'Reilly, who runs the popular Carlow Weather Twitter account, said: "Packing for @EPfestival Don't forget the sunscreen!
"Sunny spells and scattered showers Friday with a foggy start Saturday but once that burns off then plenty of sunny spells and Sunday will see plenty of sunshine too."
Roz Purcell, the 2 Johnnies, and radio hosts Emma Power and Fergal D’Arcy were among the stars spotted in Stradbally as the festivities kicked off yesterday as they prepare to present their RtE 2FM radio shows from backstage over the weekend.
Thalia Heffernan, Miriam O’Callaghan, Dermot Bannon, CNN’s Donie O’Sullivan and Una Healy are among others due to attend the event this weekend.
Miriam will host her annual “brunch” featuring political cabaret, debate and film talks with TV news reporter Donie, journalist Aoife Grace Moore, Helena Power and Stephen Kinsella on Sunday.
Elsewhere, Una will be performing as part of a choir alongside artists Erica Cody and Soule as part of the Irish Women in Harmony.
They will take to the main stage Sunday at 2.45pm - 3.30pm.
Fred Again, Paolo Nutini and Tom Odell lead tonight (Saturday night) line-up, alongside Mimi Webb, Irish breakout star Cian Ducrot, Pa Sheehy and Brad Heidi.
The Coronas, Inhaler, and The Academic lead the Electric Arena stage, while Nell Mescal, and Chasing Abbey will play the 3 Music Stage.
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