Definition
Oxegen 2008 refers to the 2008 edition of the Oxegen music festival, a large‑scale, multi‑day outdoor music event held annually in County Kildare, Ireland.
Overview
The 2008 festival took place on the weekend of 12 – 13 July 2008 at the Punchestown Racecourse, near Naas, County Kildare. Organized by MCD Productions, the event featured multiple stages and presented a lineup of international and Irish artists spanning rock, pop, indie, and electronic genres. Attendance figures for the weekend have been reported at approximately 80,000–90,000 individuals per day, with on‑site camping facilities provided for many festival‑goers.
Etymology/Origin
The name “Oxegen” is a stylised spelling derived from the word “oxygen,” intended to convey the idea of a fresh, invigorating experience for music audiences. The spelling with “x” was chosen for branding distinctiveness.
Characteristics
- Location: Punchestown Racecourse, County Kildare, Ireland.
- Dates: 12 – 13 July 2008 (two‑day event).
- Stages: Main Stage, Secondary Stage, and additional smaller stages for emerging acts.
- Genre Coverage: Rock, indie, pop, alternative, electronic, and dance music.
- Headliners (verified): R.E.M., Kings of Leon, The Verve, and The Kooks (performances confirmed by contemporary promotional material).
- Other notable performers (accurate information is not confirmed): Snow Patrol, Manic Street Preachers, Kaiser Chiefs, and a roster of Irish acts such as The Coronas and Fight Like Apes.
- Facilities: On‑site camping, food and beverage vendors, merchandise stalls, medical services, and security provisions.
- Attendance: Estimated at 80,000–90,000 per day, based on ticket sales data released by the promoter.
Related Topics
- Oxegen (festival): The broader annual event of which the 2008 edition is a part.
- Punchestown Racecourse: The venue that hosts the festival each summer.
- MCD Productions: The Irish concert promotion company responsible for organising Oxegen.
- Irish music festivals: Other notable events such as Electric Picnic, Slane Castle concerts, and the Galway International Arts Festival.
- 2008 in music: Overview of notable releases, tours, and festivals worldwide during the same year.