IT’S THAT TIME of year again. Stradbally is preparing itself to welcome over 55,000 people into a tiny farm so they can all sing and dance together for three days.

Does it get any better than this? This morning, DailyEdge.ie and a rake of other media outlets took to the golf buggies to boot it around the campsite as construction was taking place.

We were there again to tackle the essential questions. How’s the bee situation? Is there a Boojum cart yet? (no), and what the f*ck is that dude doing in that trailer?

Ok, we don’t know the reason for that, but here’s what we do know.

1. The site is extremely bumpy right now

My ass may have sat on leather that MAY escort Simon Le Bon around the campsite, but damn if it doesn’t kill me now. Trekking it around the site in a golf buggy is fun for the first few minutes, but take my advice and walk. Refuse any offers of a rickshaw to your tent (Just Eat appear to have loads), you’re gonna have a bad time.

2. The mud situation is looking bad

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but it’s muddy already. My boots were proper destroyed and it was definitely at ‘sludge’ scale in some parts, despite a decent day. Sure look, bring some wellies, be grand.

A screenshot of mudwatch in action.

3. The Salty Dog got a bit of a face lift

She was looking a bit auld, in fairness. The area has a whole new two-storey structure apparently ‘strewn from stolen timber’ and given a lick of paint. OK guys way to admit to theft, but we can’t not love you.

4. The Doughnut craze has made its way to Stradbally

Yes, but the standard is so much higher. So much. The Donut Cart served up these pieces of deep fried heaven. Look out for him over the weekend.

5. The Red Bull Soundome will be actual euphoria at 3am on Sunday morning

LOOK at this thing. It looks like a massive fumigation tent, but don’t be fooled. Inside, there’s a dome with a serious sound experience.

Here’s some of the technicalities:

Integrated into the hubs of a precision-engineered steel geodisc dome are 42 perfectly-calibrated speakers that deliver a complete ambisonic environment. Feel the sound move around the Soundome and deliver the kinetic force of sub woofers from beneath your feet.

Can I say, in plain terms, it will blow your little can-drenched mind.

6. There’s a new, actual restaurant

The Hot House is a new addition to the trailer park and some of the food has serious notions.

You can get the likes of Lobster bisque, steamed wild mussels in leeks and cider, halloumi lollipops with mint, olive, pistachio and pomegranate dressing, and they even call french fries French Fritz. Delicious.

7. The 3 Disco is gonna have some of the best craic all weekend

We were treated to a live lip-sync of some serious 80s hits, but that’s only a taster of what’s to come. MOST IMPORTANTLY, you can charge your phone here. Hint hint.

 8. Drake may or may not be appearing

Festival director Melvin Benn wasn’t spilling any intel on the Drake-Giggs situation. People have been speculating that he might show up, but all Melvin had to say was:

You’ll have to ask him yourself.

If we could, we would, Melvin.

9. Casa Bacardi has some kind of medieval theme

Have they gone all Game of Thrones? It kinda looks like it.

10. Mud watch TWO

Yep, still muddy. But fear not, the forecast is good. So far.

11. The Mad De-Programming Machine does exactly what it says on the tin

It deprogrammes humans. Allegedly. We didn’t see any scientific proof. There’s an extremely cute dog there though who is mad for the pets though, so maybe you can look past the lads trying to drain your mind of outside influence.

12. The main stage is way smaller than you’d think

Irish lads Chasing Abbey gave us a song on the mainstage, but it’s actually pretty tiny when there isn’t a massive crowd in front of it.

13. Yes, sorry, it’s still riddled with bees

Twice, a bee tried to sting me. GOOD LUCK.

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