The dark clouds which loomed over Punchestown Racecourse all morning finally opened this afternoon, prompting many revellers at the Oxegen to take cover in the festival campsites and performance tents.
Met Éireann had predicted that as much as 30mm of rain might fall this afternoon, however, by 7pm the deluge had slowed and festival goers were again migrating en masse from the campsite to the concert area.
Those fans who did brave the rain were offered sympathy by many of the artists who took to the stage this afternoon.
James Morrison appealed to the Gods for the rain to stop before paying tribute to his audience.
"You guys are awesome. It has been raining all day annd you're still so happy. That's what festivals are all about."
US rockers The Eagles of Death Metal declared they were going to "bring the sunshine", before launching into a cover of Stealer's Wheel hit Stuck in the Middle with Youand The Gaslight Anthem singer Brian Fallon took a brief break from the bands set to declare: "You guys look super out in the rain."
The Kings of Leon, Bloc Party, The Pet Shop Boys and Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds are due to take to the festival's stages later tonight.
Minsister for Communications Eamon Ryan was present to examine the eco-oriendly elements of the festival, which this year is aiming to be carbon neutral. He presented awards to the winners of an Oxegen video competition that aimed to promote sustainable living.
Mr Ryan said he was delighted to be present at the event and to promote environmental activities, but that his visit was not simply for formal reasons.
"I couldn't come to Oxegen without seeing some bands," he said. "I was lucky to be able to see Squeeze from the side of the stage. I loved every minute of it."
Gardaí this afternoon said there had been 47 arrests so far at the festival, mainly for public order, drugs and traffic offences.
They are currently investigating an alleged assault at the festival, which resulted in a man being taken to hospital.
The incident happened at approximately midnight in a festival car park. It is understood that four or five people became involved in an altercation during which the 28-year-old man sustained a wound to his neck after being struck by a bottle.
He was taken to St James’s Hospital where his condition is described as stable.
A man has been arrested in connection with the incident and is being held at Naas garda station.