Heavy rain holds up Oxegen revellers

Oxegen Festival 2007 has kicked off in earnest today (July 7) at the Punchestown Racecourse in Ireland.

Up to 65,000 revellers descended on the site after overnight rain forced promoters to impose a ban on all cars travelling to the festival.

The decision to close all car parks on site was made after heavy rainfall threatened to turn the concert site into a mud bath.

Organisers MCD urged drivers to use a free park and ride facility at Goffs. A free shuttle bus was also laid on for festival goers entering the site.

Among the bands set to appear on the Main Stage later are Muse, Kings Of Leon and The Fratellis.

Further performances will also come from Maximo Park, Interpol, Editors, Queens Of The Stone Age and Biffy Clyro.

Be sure to check back to for all the latest on Oxegen, T In The Park and Live Earth over the weekend.

Go to NME.COM/festivals for news, blogs and pictures live from both sites.