World record "rock the boat" challenge planned for Electric Picnic

Electric Picnic Banter Group have teamed up with Save Our Sons and Daughters (SOSAD) Ireland to attempt a world record.

Picnickers are invited to take part in the largest 'Rock the Boat' dance ever attempted.

This exciting event promises a night of 90’s throwback tunes, amazing prizes, and guaranteed great craic, all in support of SOSAD Ireland. 

This famous dance best known for its appearance at weddings and parties, involves participants sitting in rows and miming the rowing of a boat to the tune of the 1973 hit song "Rock the Boat."

The current world record for the largest 'Rock the Boat' dance is held by an Irish group, achieved by the Carrick Carnival Committee in Carrick-on-Shannon in 2013.

Electric Picnic aims to bring this title back with your help, while also raising funds and awareness for SOSAD Ireland, a leading mental health and suicide prevention charity offering a nationwide service.

The attempt will take place on Thursday, August 15th at 8pm in Terminus, with Electric Picnic organisers calling on all ticket holders to take part.

"We'd like to encourage anyone who is going to Electric Picnic to join in, both for the craic and to raise awareness around mental health," said Shirley McKay, coordinator at SOSAD Laois.

"We sincerely want to thank all on the Electric Picnic Banter Page for choosing SOSAD as one of their worthy recipients with the funds raised of this record attempt of the world's largest Rock the Boat," Ms McKay said.

"We are thrilled to host this incredible event at Electric Picnic and invite everyone to join us in breaking the world record for the largest 'Rock the Boat' dance," said Dave Lawlor, Public Relations and Social Media Coordinator for SOSAD Ireland.

"Not only will this be a fun and memorable experience, but it’s also a fantastic way to support the vital work of SOSAD Ireland. We are a community and volunteer-led organisation, with no HSE or state funding so we rely on fundraisers, big and small, from corporate partners and local communities to keep operating and expanding our essential services," said Mr Lalor.

For those attending the festival, AIR (Assistance, Information & Response) Hubs will be located across the campsites and open 24 hours a day to provide additional support to festival goers.

Two of those Hubs will be run by SOSAD Ireland and their team of 38 volunteers. These hubs ensure everyone has access to the help they need throughout the festival weekend.

SOSAD Ireland is a charity committed to providing care and support to those affected by suicide and various mental health struggles.

With services across Ireland, both in person and remote. SOSAD offers crisis intervention, counselling, and support groups to help individuals and families in their times of need.

In 2023, SOSAD Ireland offered just under 20,000 hours of FREE-of-charge counselling services. They also operate a freephone helpline 1800 901 909, available 24/7, 365 days a week, and an online messaging service available from 8pm until after midnight every day.

We look forward to seeing you there, ready to 'Rock the Boat' and make history!