Wexford band The Wires at Electric Picnic

By Dan Walsh

Local Wexford band The Wires will perform at this year’s Electric Picnic Festival.

The young band secured their spot by winning the inaugural CultureHead Battle of Bands competition, overcoming eight other bands chosen from an open call across County Wexford.  

As part of their prize, band members Conor Keating, Corey Walsh, and Luke Mulvany will open the festival on the ArtLot Stage at the sold-out event on Friday afternoon, August 28.  

This local initiative, supported by Creative Places Enniscorthy, provides emerging musicians from Wexford County the chance to showcase their talent at Ireland’s largest music festival.  

Commenting on the prize, Bryan Steacy of Outrage Entertainment, who hosted the competition, said: “This year’s competition was highly competitive. A huge congratulations to The Wires, who have truly earned their place at this year’s festival. We can’t wait to see their set, and it will no doubt lead to further opportunities for the band.”  

The Wires are a three-piece alternative and hard rock band from County Wexford, known locally for their energetic live performances. Speaking about the announcement, band member Corey Walsh remarked; “We’re absolutely buzzing to be heading to Stradbally in August, a major thank you to the organisers’ for supporting local talent and to all of our supporters who came down to see the competition. We were up against some amazing Wexford bands, so a big thank you to the judges for voting for us.”  

The ArtLot is Electric Picnic’s alternative visual arts and performance space, located in the woods of Stradbally Hall. Speaking at the announcement, co-founder of the ArtLot stage John Kenny congratulated the band: “We’re delighted to partner with Creative Places Enniscorthy and Outrage Entertainment to provide this opportunity to local bands in Wexford.

Electric Picnic is a world-class festival, and it should reflect the world-class artists emerging right here in our own backyard. When a homegrown band earns that stage through merit and community support, it sends a powerful signal to every young musician watching.”