Tiernan to raise chuckles in Stradbally

Controversial comedian Tommy Tiernan is to headline the comedy tent at the Electric Picnic, it was confirmed today.

Tiernan, who gets married this weekend to his manager Yvonne McMahon, will be centre stage at the Stradbelly Laughs in what will be his only Irish festival performance this year.

He will be one of four Perrier Award winners, or its equivalent, playing the festival.

Fellow winner and also Navan native Sean Hughes was the youngest ever winner of the award back in 1990. Canadian Phil Nichol won the award in 2006 and Australian Brendon Burns won the following year. Also playing the festival will be Steve Frost's Improv All Stars which have been described as the world's greatest Improv troupe.

The show features five current masters of Improv, notably Frost, Andy Smart, Steve Steen, Richard Vranch and Ian Coppinger.

The Electric Picnic takes place at Stradbally in Co Laois between Friday, September 4th and Sunday, September 6th. Among the music acts featuring this year include former Beach Boy Brian Wilson, Madness, Orbital, The Flaming Lips and Florence and the Machine.

The festival will also introduce for the first time a keep fit section. Military instructors will be on hand from Bootcamp Ireland, dance teacher Jane Shortall's will showcase the Cardio Dance Tribute to the King of Pop - Michael Jackson. There will also be outdoor yoga.