Madam, - The Oxegen music festival at Punchestown, Co Kildare over last weekend was notable for the farcical rip-offs that went on. Having already forked out €165 for a camping ticket, I found myself increasingly bewildered by the frenzy of greed that greeted me at every turn at food stalls and "attractions" in the rain-soaked venue. With burgers or hot dogs and soggy chips going for €11 and a two-minute foray on a rollercoaster for €8, the contents of my wallet soon dwindled.
The festival is a perfect example of rip-off Ireland at its very worst, swindling music-lovers for every cent they have. Compared with other European festivals such as Benicassim in Spain and Roskilda in Denmark, it is an embarrassment in terms of low quality of music and high prices. I advise others to follow my example and take their business to the Continent next year. - Yours etc,
CONAL KEANE, Skerries, Co Dublin.