Rain, mud and sleeping under the stars; it's all part of the festival experience, folks. And music -- don't forget the music. So, with one of the biggest festivals in Europe taking place this weekend at Punchestown, let's take a look at what Oxegen 2011 has to offer in the way of thrills, sounds, and first-class international talent. And, who knows, maybe the sun might make an appearance, too. Fingers crossed . . .

Who: Queen B

Where and when: Main Stage, Sunday at 8.25pm

Ah, Beyonce -- the wonder woman of live entertainment. She's a real rock star, this chick; a booty-shaker, volume-raiser, powerhouse of a performer. Glastonbury loved her. So did the critics. And if past performances are anything to go by, Oxegen could be hers for the taking.

>The National

Who: Brooklyn-based indie giants

Where and when: Vodafone Stage, Sunday at 8.40pm

It's difficult to tell which way this one will go. Front man Matt Berninger and his troops aren't exactly Oxegen material. But hey, they're one of the greatest live bands in the world, and still touring last year's excellent High Violet. Here's hoping for the best.

>The Strokes

Who: Everyone's favourite dysfunctional rock band

Where and when: Vodafone Stage, Friday at 9.30pm

A handy tip for bands who take a break for five years? At least try to come back with a strong album. Yep, New York-based five-piece The Strokes delivered a real stinker with Angles. Thankfully, the guys have some strong material to fall back on. A tad overrated, but strong nevertheless.

>The Black Eyed Peas

Who: Techno-fused hip-hop outfit. From the future, apparently . . .

Where and when: Main Stage, Friday at 11.15pm

Oh dear. Things got a little too weird on that last album, right? Somewhere along the way, the Peas forgot how to write a good tune. Still, there are plenty of hits to choose from (I Gotta Feeling, Where Is the Love, Pump It, etc). Besides, Fergie and her boys know how to put on a show. Watch out for the lasers. And the shameless product placement.

>Arctic Monkeys

Who: Sheffield lads with guitars and attitude

Where and when: Main Stage, Saturday at 9.40pm

Suck It and See? What a terrible name for a record. And don't get me started on the front cover. But whatever about their recent output, the Monkeys have at least two good albums in their repertoire (the first pair, obviously). They're hardly the most exciting live act in the world, but it's the songs that'll keep everyone happy. Hopefully.

>Foo Fighters

Who: American rock'n'rollers.

Where and when: Main Stage, Saturday at 11.25pm

It's been a long time since Dave Grohl showed his face in Ireland. Too long, actually. But let's not worry about time spent apart. Instead, let's focus on the wonderful Saturday night ahead when a fully rejuvenated Foo Fighters (guitarist Pat Smear is back in the fold) bring the curtain down on day two at Oxegen.

>Beady Eye

Who: Oasis minus Noel

Where and when: Main Stage, Saturday at 8.05pm

What's a band to do when their chief songwriter walks out on them after 18 years? Well, if you're Liam Gallagher and co, you could change your name, retreat to the studio and record a surprisingly decent collection of songs. Indeed, this lot aren't half bad. A solid live act, too. Just don't expect Wonderwall. Or any Oasis material whatsoever.

>The Naked and Famous

Who: New Zealand's answer to MGMT

Where and when: 2FM Hotpress Academy Stage, Friday at 9.10pm

Responsible for one of last year's catchiest singles (the magnificent Young Blood), this interesting five-piece from New Zealand have yet to take over the world, but there's no better place for crunchy electronic grooves and sweetly arranged pop melodies than a festival tent on a Friday night. Don't worry, there's no stripping of the clothes involved -- it's just a name.

>Coldplay

Who: The world's second biggest band

Where and when: Main Stage, Sunday at 10.25pm

Remember Arcade Fire's Friday night headline performance last year? Me neither. Probably because the Jigga-man himself, Mr Jay-Z had just delivered one of the greatest sets of the weekend; a real showstopper in every sense of the word.

With Beyonce (Mrs Z) set to rock the main stage shortly before Coldplay finish off the weekend, you can't help but feel as though Chris Martin and the gang have a hefty task ahead of them. Still, the band that people love to hate rarely disappoint. Expect sing-along anthems, thunderous beats, and confetti. Lots and lots of confetti.

>The best of the rest . . .

The Script (Friday; another homecoming for the Irish pop trio)

Slash (Sunday; former Guns N' Roses axe man)

My Chemical Romance (Friday; US cartoon rockers)

Plan B (Saturday; soulful British hip hop), Manic Street Preachers (Sunday; Wales' finest, still going strong)

Brandon Flowers (Saturday; Killers' frontman out on his own)

Primal Scream (Sunday; performing seminal album Screamadelica in its entirety)

Glasvegas (Friday; Scottish indie outfit)

Bipolar Empire (Sunday; local rock outfit)

>See Monday's Herald for full Oxegen review

- Chris Wasser