As if on cue, the grey clouds that had loomed so threateningly over the site since this morning have finally given way to rain. Hotpress.com has descended upon Oxegen festival and already we are knotted of brow and soggy of foot. Anyone who decided to adhere to festival high fashion dictates is sorely disappointed (particularly the yeti-boot wearers).

Festival organisers were obviously banking on good weather, hence the opening of good timers Hal at the Main Stage. Given the circumstances, they’ve amassed a rather impressive audience for their first festival appearance - it appears that a long career as one of Ireland’s quintessential ‘festival’ acts awaits them (hell, they even managed to get in a birthday request). High point so far is their rendition of ‘Keep Love As Your Golden Rule’ – wise words indeed for this weekend.

The rain has also resulted in an impromptu migration of sorts to both the New Band Stage and the Dance Arena, and so Life After Modelling and Aran McMahon have amassed a new army of unlikely followers.

Spotted in the backstage bar already include Snow Patrol, Alan Lee (ex-Turn), BBC Radio 1 DJ Colin Murray, and various other musicians - many for which an early tipple is all in a day’s work.

Rain of shine, it doesn’t really matter…first timers and festival veterans alike; prepare to be Oxegenated…

Tanya Sweeney