Live Preview: Oxegen 2010 [Sunday Preview]

And we come to my look at the Sunday of the Oxegen festival! Some pretty big holes in the schedule I think, while many will be skipping the evening acts to catch the World Cup Final on the Nokia Live Screen but onwards and upwards...

Highlights Per Stage:

Main Stage: I can actually see myself not going near the Main Stage on Sunday. It's not a bad list, but there is just better on offer elsewhere. A highlight for me is dance legends Faithless (20:35-22:20) They looked incredible at Glastonbury and are more appealing than Bell X1, Paulo Nutini or Eminem for my money.

Vodafone Stage: It has to be the Prodigy (22:15-END) here. A great way to finish the festival.

Heineken Green Spheres: Jamie T (18:20-19:50) stole the show at Glastonbury according to a number of sources. He has really raised his game since the release of his second album and is a must see. Passionate and anthemic, I won't refer to him as "the poetic voice of a generation" like certain rags have. Though that said, he is a fantastic musician and an even better live performer.

2FM/Hot Press Academy Stage: There's two VERY good acts performing on this stage on Sunday, but Laura Marling (21:00-23:05) just sneaks it for me. Check out any of her live performances this year - she is absolutely phenomenal. Pitch perfect, haunting... It's difficult to think of an act that is more different to the likes of the Prodigy and Faithless so if they don't float your boat...

Red Bull Stage: Canadian collective Broken Social Scene (21:05-22:15) stick out like a sore thumb at Oxegen if you ask me. A spectacular act, they just seem to fit in better at Electric Picnic. Luckily, however, they will be in attendance at Oxegen and they are a potential highlight of the whole weekend.

Dance Arena: I can honestly say that the Golden Filter are the only act on this list I've even heard of. Like dance music? Go see the Prodigy or Faithless instead!!


One Not To Be Missed:
I'm going to cheat in this section again and recommend two acts. Australian act The Middle East (2Fm/Hot Press Academy 16:25-17:20) and lo-fi act Local Natives (Red Bull Stage 17:30-18:40) are being overlooked by many, though they could be really special performances. I recommend catching one or other of them!


One You Can Afford To Skip:
Man there's a lot I could list here... I'm going to say Diana Vickers (Heineken Green Spheres 14:50-16:00) purely because she just stands out on the bill for all the wrong reasons. An X Factor girl with a dodgy voice and skeleton hands... I was quite surprised to see her included ahead of the dozens of better qualified pop acts. (Last year had Gaga and Katy Perry, I just assumed they attempt Cheryl Cole and Ke$ha who are both cropping up at festivals but what do I know?)


The One EVERYONE Will Be Talking About:
Mr. Marshall Mathers takes to the Main Stage @ 22:00-END for a first gig in this country in a very long time. Whether you're a fan or not, it was a major coup for MCD to snag Eminem and it is potentially a gig that will be talked about for years to come. For better or for worse...


The Irish Act You Shouldn't Miss:
There's very few playing on Sunday actually... I'll play it safe and say Bell X1 (Main Stage 17:35-19:00) purely because they are a band I've never actually seen live despite having dozens of opportunities and I'm adamant that I'm going to change it now!

What I'm Going To (Hopefully!)
14:00-15:15: Echo & The Bunnymen (Main Stage)
15:15-16:25: ... Suggestions welcome. There is NOTHING on.
16:25-17:20: The Middle East (2FM/Hot Press Academy Stage)
17:35-19:00: Bell X1 (Main Stage)*
18:20-19:50: Jamie T (Heineken Green Spheres)
19:50-21:05: Probably the World Cup Final
21:05-22:15: Broken Social Scene (Red Bull Stage)
22:15-23:05: Laura Marling (2FM/Hot Press Academy Stage)**
23:05-END: The Prodigy (Vodafone Stage)
*Probably leaving Bell X1 early for Jamie T
**Will miss the start of Laura Marling for Broken Social Scene but want to see a bit of her anyway! Will wait until she finishes and make my way to the Prodigy.