Some of the world's biggest music acts will take to the arena's seven stages today. On the main stage, the acclaimed Arcade Fire are just third on the bill, a fact in itself that displays the monstrous size of the event and the stars it attracts.

This year, promoters MCD took a more hands-on approach to journalists, perhaps in an attempt to stem the negative feedback of last year's event, bringing them on a guided tour of new facilities that included a chill-out area in the camp site, free juggling workshop, organic food, and massages. The mud surrounding such well intended gestures took the sheen off the glamour somewhat.

Harry, Paula and Lisa from Co Down had a tumultuous night on Friday in the camp site. They lost their tent and Lisa's coveted wellies were stolen.

They also complained about the toilet facilities, but the prospect of seeing their favourite band, emo-rockers My Chemical Romance, overshadowed these minor details. Who were they here to see most, though? Beer.

Other groups of people emerged from the camp site yesterday afternoon sporting hats made from balloons and sounding air horns. Most, wisely, were wearing wellies.

Apart from the music, there was plenty more to see and do at the massive site. A comedy tent featuring Joe Rooney and Dave McSavage drew some punters in, as did the busy funfair, complete with ferris wheel and other stomach-churning rollercoasters.

A team of sun-tan sprayers had little to do, but a salon with hair straighteners and hairdressers assisted the more image-conscious festivalgoers.

Headlining tonight on the various stages are The Sound, Erol Alkan, Brian Wilson, James, Daft Punk and The Killers.

By 4am on Saturday morning there were 55,800 people on site.

MCD's Justin Green remained very positive about the weekend.

"It's brilliant, it's amazing. The mud adds to all the fun of the festival. People were dancing between raindrops yesterday."

The mud did cause some trouble though. All parking at Punchestown was closed due to persistent rainfall and the parking was transferred to an area that was pre-planned. Despite pessimistic weather forecasts, the sun blazed down on Kildare for prolonged periods yesterday.