Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

After downpour, does anyone still fancy a ticket for Glastonbury?

Rob Sharp,Arts Correspondent
Thursday 23 June 2011 00:00 BST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Rain-hardy revellers, with Hunter wellies, colourful hats, slick waterproofs and a constitution primed for four sleepless nights, began to arrive yesterday at Worthy Farm, Somerset, for the annual Glastonbury festival. And it promises to be a damper affair than the sky-high temperatures that scorched festival-goers last year.

Organisers tried to reassure the first of 170,000 expected fans at the 900-acre site that "things are looking good in Pilton" with "dry, green grass and sunshine". But forecasters were predicting "heavy downpours in the afternoon, with blustery winds and even a crack of thunder" for at least the beginning of the weekend, with the promise of bluer skies as the festival gathers steam.

Music fans have paid up to £195 to see headliners U2, Coldplay and Beyoncé, with other acts including Elbow, Tinie Tempah, Queens of the Stone Age and Morrissey. The event has 60 official stages with about 2,200 performers listed. In the spirit of the counter-culture in which the event was founded, Art Uncut aims to highlight "the very real impact of U2's tax avoidance on hospitals and schools in Ireland".

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in