Preliminary unhealthy climate does nothing to dampen spirits of Glastonbury festival-goers
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easoned Glastonbury attendees and first-timers batted off preliminary bouts of poor climate because the world-famous pageant returned.
Heavy rain that fell intermittently on Worthy Farm all through Wednesday did nothing to dampen the spirits to these arriving early for the pageant.
Thousands of campers have descended on the location already, with levels throughout the 900-acre web site internet hosting world-class music stars in addition to speeches by politicians, movie screenings, theatre and circus performances till Sunday.
Festival-goers arriving in Somerset on Thursday might expertise journey disruption because of moist climate, however the skies are because of clear within the space earlier than the music kicks off on Friday.
Temperatures are set to stay heat at 22C on Thursday and highs of 26C are anticipated on Sunday for Sir Elton John’s headline efficiency.
Those already in place stated they’d already skilled a “whole week” of climate on the primary day, after the morning downpour was changed with scorching sunshine that quickly interchanged with additional torrential showers all through the day.
New-comers to the pageant Kathy and Tony Sharp stated they had been “ready to have a go… and then suffer” after coming alongside following “rave” evaluations from their daughter.
“Our daughter came last year for the first time, so she came home and was raving, and it’s on Tony’s bucket list,” Mrs Sharp, 53, advised the PA news company.
“I think (her) experience made us more eager to try and get the tickets.”
The couple set off at midnight to get to the pageant with their daughter, however had been swiftly left to their very own gadgets as soon as they arrived.
Glastonbury veterans supplied recommendation to different campers, reminding them to drink “plenty of water” and to “look after each other”.
Dave Lowe, 36, from Manchester, advised PA: “If you’re camping here, make sure you bring ear plugs, because they start doing the sound tests pretty early, and that’ll blow you out of your tent!
“Plenty of water, stay hydrated, have a good time and look after your neighbours, and look after each other.”
Wednesday June 21 additionally marks the Summer solstice – the longest day of the 12 months – with Glastonbury’s personal Stonehenge made out of classic vehicles opening for attendees to watch the occasion.
Sheffield rockers Arctic Monkeys are because of prime the invoice on Friday evening on the Pyramid Stage, although their slot has been thrown into query over issues for frontman Alex Turner, who has been affected by acute laryngitis.
Saturday evening will see US rockers Guns N’ Roses headline, after the unique line-up of Axl Rose, Slash and Duff McKagan reunited in 2015.
Lizzo will play instantly earlier than and has joint headline billing on the line-up poster.
Sir Elton’s headline slot on Sunday evening is anticipated to attract massive crowds, because it marks the tip of his scheduled farewell tour dates within the UK.
Asked the way it felt to greet the group and open the pageant on Wednesday, co-organiser Emily Eavis advised PA that welcoming folks in was her “favourite moment”.
Organisers have urged festival-goers to not carry plenty of gadgets, with disposable vapes prime on the checklist as they “pollute the environment and can be hazardous at waste centres”.
Gazebos, non-biodegradable physique glitter, disposable wipes, knives and something fabricated from glass are additionally all on the “what not to bring” checklist this 12 months.
Nigel Hayes, who was one of many first folks to enter the grounds, stated he and his sister Joanne Hayes had left London at 1.30am to get a first-rate spot within the queue.
“Glastonbury is all about the people, it’s a lovely vibe, it’s a lovely place to be,” Mr Hayes, 42, advised PA.
“There’s something for everyone. I always say – no matter who you are, try it once if you can.”
Glastonbury pageant 2023 occasion will run from June 21 to 25 at Worthy Farm in Somerset.