Fancy Dress Friday returns to Oxegen!

Oxegen’s Fancy Dress Friday is back! With less than 1 week to go until the music event of the year, it’s time to start planning your costume!

Last year, fans got their fancy-dress-freak-on and sported some serious get-ups. We are daring you to out-do last year’s motley crew by donning your favourite costume on Friday 9^th July. The theme this year is ‘Oxegen Artist Look-A-Likes’.

Which Oxegen star do you think you could pull off? Fancy yourself as a bit of a Ke$ha or Liam Gallagher? Use artists like Slash or Beyoncé as inspiration and go for it

We’ll search high and low, in every campsite and every nook and cranny on Friday 9th looking for the most creative costumes. Our photographer will be on hand to capture the super-star new you. The ten best costumes will be posted to oxegen.ie after the festival, where fans will be able to vote for the winner.

Be brave, be bold and become your inner rockstar, because we’ll be looking for the funniest, most inspired, imaginatively attired festival-goers to give the coveted, ‘Best Costume’ title and tickets too!

So who will you go as?

Silent Disco

Silent on the outside, loud on the inside, The Silent Disco has been bringing aural pleasure to Oxegen fans since 2008.

From the first night of Oxegen and every night thereafter, rockers and ravers alike will be able to partake in the Silent Disco delirium.

And, for the first in festival history, there’ll be Silent ‘Slow Sets’ at hourly intervals throughout the night! So you might just get a little ‘curt’ if you’re lucky!

If you’ve never been before, this is how Silent Disco works:

Disco delinquents are given a set of wireless headphones and two separate DJ’s broadcast to them live via dedicated FM channels.

Each night there will be a running order of competing genres on each channel, eg: Classic Rock Anthems Vs Ultimate Dance Classics, the best of Irish Rock Vs the best of British Rock, RnB Vs Ultimate 80’s.

Remove your headphones momentarily to take in the amazing-ness of people moving romantically, alone, to silence!

The Silent Disco tent is not just excellent for the ears- you may also treat your eyes to a visual feast from noon each day of the festival.

Friday Folly allows you to breakfast with your favourite Family Guy cartoons. Would you choose Glee or Footloose, Dirty Dancing or The Sound of Music? Find out at Sing-along-Saturday.

Finally back by popular demand….Sunday Mass. Five classic Father Ted episodes followed by confession – down with that sort of thing, careful now!

All this and washed down with matinee movies running from 16.00 to 18.00, Saturday and Sunday, equals the perfect escape from hectic band schedules!

The Tribute Stage

The Tribute Stage is back on Thursday night in the Blue Campsite and will feature some of the best tribute acts playing a host of hits from your favourite bands on Thursday night in the Blue Campsite.

Following 3 Sold Out nights at Dublin’s Olympia Theatre as well as a compliment of Sold Out shows across the country in 2010, Man In The Mirror returns to Oxegen with a new and improved special show to mark the second anniversary of Michael Jackson. Man In The Mirror boasts a 5 piece ‘Live’ backing band, 4 backing singers, a 6 piece dance troupe, numerous costume changes, stage props and a spectacular visual display dedicated to ‘ The King of Pop’!

Definitely MightBe don’t share the back stage bust ups or sibling rivalry as the real thing but they do have a lot in common when it comes to reproducing the rousing anthems, stage presence and atmosphere of Oasis. They’ll play some of the biggest hits from all six albums, live favourites, B-sides and a couple of Noel’s acoustic numbers. When the boys start there’s no stopping them. As good as the real thing? Definitely MightBe!

Legend will be a celebration of the life and music of Bob Marley featuring an 11 piece band with brass section playing all of Bob Marley & The Wailers hits. If you are a fan of Bob Marley this is a show not to be missed for the biggest Reggae party of the year!

Campsite Funfair

Among the many hair-raising thrills will be two of Europe’s largest travelling slingshots with masts standing at 45 metres high – they’ll catapult the bravest fans to speeds reaching over 160Kph! Other attractions include boosters and a giant Ferris Wheel.

What’s the weekend all about but music, friends and breaking all the rules on the bumping cars or going that little bit too far and going on a ride you promised yourself you wouldn’t go near! But that’s OXEGEN!

Festival Food

As well as catering for a wide range of musical tastes, Oxegen also caters for a wide range of foodie tastes! You’ll never be far from delicious fare, whether in the campsite or in the main arena.
You can travel the world with your taste buds; we’ve got Indian, Persian, Italian, Spanish, Thai, Japanese and Mexican to name a few!

Wok ‘n’ Roll’s sizzling stir-fries are always a massive hit with Oxegen revelers or you can go to noodle heaven with Now & Zen – they also do some seriously good Tempura.
Thai and Vietnamese cuisine at reasonable prices comes courtesy of the award winning Saba. Also capturing the full, authentic Thai flavour is one of Dublin’s top eateries, Blue Orchid.

Succulent Sushi and Sashimi can be savoured at Yumi, the clue is in the name! Indulge in some amazing Indian food at Kumara or The Spice Hut. We also have Dublin’s most popular kebabs on offer from Zaytoon, along with other Persian delights.

Say adios to hunger with either Spanish paella from Paddy Paella (loving the name) or Mexican nachos, burritos and tacos from the scrumptious Taco Man.
If we haven’t tickled your fancy yet, there’s more to come from the traditional to the downright medieval. Fish and Chips, a festival must, comes courtesy of London’s much-loved Seacow – their chunky chips and wicked dips are unbeatable. You’ll need your baby wipes after wolfing down Wing It’s incredible Chicken Wings.

You’ll also have your choice of some of the best gourmet burgers in Ireland at Oxegen this year. Captain Americas, Real Irish Burger and Gourmet Burger Kitchen are all on site.

Yes, of course the sun will shine! While you bask in it, enjoy the open-air barbeques at Fireworx; it will happen! Chow down like you’re in medieval times with the delicious spit roasted pork on offer from Eat Fat Pig and The Welsh Hog Company, while Food To Eat have juicy spit roast chickens.

You can’t beat a big wholesome plate of pie and mash- Pure Pie’s are handmade using only the best ingredients while the delectable Pieminister will be keeping fans well fed in the VIP area.

You can opt to stay super healthy at Oxegen with The Food Fayre’s range of healthy and organic cuisine, it’s as tasty as it is wholesome.

Domino’s Pizza are back at Oxegen for the second year running, ding-dong! Domino’s was hugely popular last year and their pizzas are incredible fresh out of the oven! Other yummy pizza outlets include The Stone Baked Pizza Company, Pizza Base and Pizza King.

Names you know! Well-known brands gracing the festival this year include O’Briens, Subway, Abrakebabra, Chick King and Bagel Factory.

Feeling a little jaded? For a quick pick-me-up, grab a gourmet coffee at Coffee Express or Real Coffee or de-tox with Fresh juices and smoothies, available from Boost Juice, Shakeout provides multi-flavoured milkshakes.
If you fancy a quick snack between bands, Rainbow Delight’s olives, nuts and nibbles will keep you going when you don’t have time for something more substantial. However, Maple Moose’s yummy crepes and waffles should satisfy even the sweetest of tooth while giving you a much needed sugar rush!

Stay chilled at Oxegen with Heineken

We all know there’s nothing quite like cracking open an ice cold can of beer at a festival. Watching the condensation run down the side; the feel of cold metal against your hand; the cool liquid bursting to get out and that delicious first thirst quenching mouthful.

To help make sure every beer you drink at Oxegen feels like this, Heineken are installing giant Cold Rooms in the campsites for you to check in your Heineken cans to be chilled to perfection in only 90 minutes for free!

When you arrive at Oxegen, keep an eye out for our team who will be on hand with wheelbarrows to carry your Heineken to the closest Cold Room location, if you don’t come across them, don’t worry, you can drop in up to a crate yourself anytime throughout the festival till 2AM. Remember there will be no cans for sale at the Cold Rooms, so you can bring your own from any off licence near or far.

90 minutes is all it takes for your Heineken ready to be served extra cold. Your fingerprint will be your receipt which means no one else can get your chilled Heineken. You can collect your deposited cans from 12pm to 2am all weekend long from the same cold room location they were deposited in.

Heineken Greenspace

Heineken’s Greenspace returns to the festival once more, promising eclectic, surprise DJ sets and audio visual performances from some of Oxegen ‘11’s biggest international names. Full DJ line-up and updates are available by free texting ‘GREENSPACE’ to 50015 throughout the Oxegen weekend.

Greenspace also offers panoramic views of the festival on the open air terrace as well as Oxegen’s coldest pint with Heineken Extra Cold served on tap.

The Hot Press Signing Tent

Cast your mind back to a simpler time, when being ‘friends’ with someone meant you could meet them over a pint; hug them when they were starting a new job; or just look at them in complete adoration.

It’s different at the Hot Press Signing Tent! You might be ‘friends’ with your musical heroes online but in the Signing Tent, Hot Press brings you face to face (without the book). This is the real, personal deal…

We’ve had Paolo Nutini, Jared Leto and his 30 Seconds To Mars combo, The Frames, Brody Dahl, The Charlatans, Bell X1, Ash, Wild Beasts, Newton Faulkner, Cathy Davey, Ocean Colour Scene, Therapy?, The Coronas, Villagers, Mundy and Joshua Radin – among dozens more – sign copies of Hot Press, as well as on bums and tums and other parts of fans’ anatomy over the years!

Penneys POP UP SHOP

Ireland’s favourite store, Penneys is due to make waves at Oxegen this year in the form of a Pop Up Shop. They will have all your festival fashion covered, come rain or sun so make sure to drop into the pop up shop.

Their impromptu guerrilla style retail experience will service festival goers
with everything from the ‘essentials’ to the weather dependent to the downright festival ‘must haves’. Situated within the confines of the main arena,

Pennys will trade from 12pm each day and until 1am on Friday and Saturday and 12amon Sunday.

www.facebook.com/PenneysIreland

Captain Morgan

Captain Morgan will be partying with fans at Oxegen. This is the first time Captain Morgan has attended Oxegen and it’s also his debut on the festival scene. The Captain will have his own dedicated party tent featuring daily shows, and live entertainment. The Captain area will also have a bespoke ship shaped bar serving a variety of Captain Morgan mixes.

PINK PAMPER HAIR & BEAUTY COMES BACK TO OXEGEN 2011 GET FESTIVAL CHIC!

After the success of the Pink Pamper Salon at last year’s Oxegen it’s back again and comes exclusively to the blue campsite and for its first year to the green campsite.

The staff at Mandika Salon in Naas will be glamming the hordes of festival weary punters at affordable prices throughout the weekend.

If you prefer to come and “do it yourself” straighten irons and hair dryers are available to rent for your convenience.

We will provide hair & beauty treatments to ensure you are festival chic over the weekend.

If you wish to add a bit of theatre to your look, you can choose from one of the numerous dramatic flash eyelashes available which includes free application or maybe some smoky eyes by the pamper team.

The Pink Pamper will be situated beside the showers at the blue campsite and beside the showers at the green campsite.

Prices start from €10. The salon will be open on from Friday through to Sunday for all your pampering needs. This year no bookings will be taking, it will be a first come first serve basis.

More info on Facebook

Ox Box Stage to host hit movies and Propaganda DJs!

The Ox Box Stage in the Blue Campsite will be keeping campers entertained throughout the festival with a mix of amazing DJ sets and smash hit films.

The UK and Ireland’s biggest and best indie night Propaganda is back to rock the Blue Campsite at Oxegen 2011. Last year, Propaganda made a sensational debut at Oxegen, playing to over 10,000 people every single night of the festival.

Propaganda will play the OX Box Stage in the Blue Campsite from 2pm-5am Thursday and from 10pm Friday, Saturday and Sunday to keep the party going well into the early hours!

It’s going to be a busy weekend for the Propaganda DJs, as they will also be putting in a major appearance at the Heineken Green Spheres tent. They’ll close the Heineken Green Spheres tent on Saturday night after Brandon Flowers. It looks set tol be the biggest Indie extravaganza ever seen!

Plus at the special request of Oxegen artists, the Propaganda DJs will be back to service the VIP Section through the medium of music all throughout the weekend! Propaganda will also be selecting the tunes during the change-over times on site across the entire weekend, so expect to be dancing to some seriously decent choons, even when the bands aren’t on stage.

The massive OX BOX cinema screen in the blue campsite will also show a range of brilliant movies from 4pm-10pm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Films include Avatar, The Social Network and The Hangover!

OX BOX STAGE SCHEDULE

Thursday
2pm – 2am: DJs

Friday
12pm: The Life of Brian
2pm: The Social Network
4pm: Avatar
10pm- 5am: DJs

Saturday
12pm: The Hangover
2pm: This is Spinal Tap
4pm: The Life of Brian
10pm – 5am: DJs

Sunday
12pm: The Hangover
2pm: The Life of Brian
4pm: 24 Hour Party People
10pm – 5am: DJs.

Campsite Bars

Oxegen fans rejoice, this year’s festival sees the introduction of campsite bars. Buy your pre-chilled and competitively priced beverages onsite! The bars are situated close to the main entrance of both the Blue and Red campsites.

The bars have been introduced as a direct result of feedback from fans.

Just like all the bars in the main arena at Oxegen, the new campsite bars will open their doors for business at 12 noon each day and cease trading at 10pm each night.

You can purchase six packs or trays of Heineken, Coors, Fosters and Stonehouse Cider. All products will be pre-chilled.

And, if you purchase Heineken, you can store your beer in the Heineken Campsite Cold Rooms. You can drop your crate into a Cold Room at any time throughout the festival until 2AM, completely free of charge.

The prices are in line with high street off licence prices. Check out the product list and prices for the campsite bars below.

Please note, you must be over 18 to purchase alcohol and ID will be required.

Reach Out.com

Following the success of last year’s Pimp My Tent campaign.. ReachOut.com are going to Give it Welly at Oxegen!

Fashion forward festival goers can Give it Welly in style this weekend thanks to ReachOut.com the online service for  young people, dedicated to taking the mystery out of mental health.

The ReachOut.com team will be on hand with spray cans at the ready to give your wellies the ultimate graffiti make over for a small donation.   Each person to “Give It Welly” will go into a giant welly draw for a chance to win two enviable VIP tickets with Tipi camping for Oxegen 2012.  “Give ItWelly” promises to be a vibrant array of colour and creativity, bursting with pre-festival energy.

ReachOut.com is an online service for young people, dedicated to taking the mystery out of mental health, removing  taboos and bringing mental health issues out into the open. The “Give ItWelly” campaign aims to strike a chord with festival-goers, to raise awareness and funds for this vital online resource.