Thousands of revellers descended on the Glastonbury Festival today – and were welcomed with torrential downpours.
The 1,100 acre site in Somerset is already turning into a mudbath after a week of wet weather.
Yesterday an estimated 60,000 ticket-holders poured through the gates armed with tents, waterproofs and trolley-loads of booze.
Early arrivers were treated to heavy wind and rain but the weather cleared later in the day – leaving behind boggy conditions underfoot.
It was a stark contrast to last year’s event, when scorching weather left the site so dry that dust was a major problem.
But despite the wind and rain, festival-goers were in good spirits as they set up what will be home for the next five days.
Glen Berryman, 25, from Manchester, said: ”The weather’s horrible – I’m wet, cold and dirty but I really don’t care.
”We’re in a group of 12, we’ve got loads of beer and we’re going to have an amazing time.”
The weather is expected to stay miserable until Saturday afternoon when it should clear up with temperatures expected to reach 21 degrees centigrade.
A total of 177,000 are expected to attend the event. The gates opened yesterday but the event only gets into full swing on Friday when the main stages open.
Veteran Irish rock band U2 will headline the Pyramid Stage on Friday night with Coldplay and Beyonce the main acts on Saturday and Sunday respectively.
Other major acts performing at the festival, which is in its 40th year, include Morrissey, Primal Scream, Plan B and Tinie Tempah.
Dear Nick and Shona (et al)
I hope you are making good use of your wellies ……. some great bands on – I am envious.
Auntie Joan
xxx