Sun breaks through as Oxegen gets under way

Oxegen 08 got under way this evening and as it did the sun came out.

Scottish singer-songwriter Amy MacDonald arrived on stage bang on time at 5pm and started proceedings with her breakthrough single Poison Prince.

A larger crowd attended Dublin indie band The Future Kings of Spain who have built up a loyal following on the back of their well-received debut album Nervoussystem. Mid-day through their set, the sun came out prompting a cheer which echoed around the arena at Punchestown Racecourse.

Promoters MCD say their concerted drive to get fans to come by public transport has been a success. Of the 31,468 festival goers arriving at Punchestown yesterday, 22,685 used public transport or the park and ride facility.

The blue car park which fans use to access the blue campsite is now closed and those with passes are advised to use the two free park and ride facilities located at Goffs. About 4,500 fans turned up last night for AC/DC tribute band Hells Bells and Stone Roses tribute band The Complete Stone Roses.

Despite overnight rain, the campsite has held up well to recent rainfall and only a light drizzle has fallen this afternoon.

Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources Eamon Ryan is due on site at 7pm to inspect the Green campsite and the festival's plans to be carbon-neutral this year.

Among the early acts are the Future Kings of Spain, Dirty Epics, God is an Astronaut, Leopard and Burns.

Gardaí have confirmed that they are investigating an alleged sexual assault in the staff camping area involving two people who are working at the festival.

Among the groups limbering up back stage were rising Dublin indie stars The Kinetiks who were due to the Green Room at 6.15pm. Nominated for the 2FM/Meteor Hope For 2008 Music Award, The Kinetiks are undaunted by the prospects of playing in front of their biggest audience - the Green Room has a capacity for 9,500 fans.

Lead singer Gaz Harding (23) said: “We're not nervous, just looking forward to it. Obviously the tent is massive. We're going to go and do what we do and hope that everyone will be blown away and we can go out and have a great night afterwards.”