Sun shines on Glastonbury
Revellers are welcoming a rare treat at mudbath Glastonbury today – sunshine.
Coldplay, Elbow and Chemical Brothers are set to draw the biggest crowds as clouds disappear at last over the hills of Pilton, Somerset.
Temperatures could peak 25C as the 170,000-plus strong crowd gets a chance to ditch their waterproofs.
The likes of Wayne and Coleen Rooney will be keeping their wellies on, however, with locals saying it will take at least a month before the 900-acre site returns to normal.
U2 made their long-awaited Glastonbury debut last night to the delight of the band’s loyal legion of fans.
But violent scenes broke out early on as security guards foiled a protest against the Irish band’s tax status.
As Bono and his bandmates took to the Pyramid Stage, activists from direct action group Art Uncut inflated a 20ft balloon emblazoned with the message “U Pay Your Tax 2”.
But as the campaigners tried to release it over the 50,000-strong crowd, a team of 10 burly security guards wrestled them to the ground before deflating the balloon and taking it away.
Activist Steve Taylor said: “The intervention was totally out of order.
“We were assured by Glastonbury in advance that there would not be an intervention.”
A handful of U2 fans looked on open-mouthed and booed as the security guards swooped.
Gary Noble, 45, from Eastbourne, said: “It was all a bit shocking. I love U2 but I think everyone should pay their taxes. The campaigners have a right to voice their opinion.”
U2 rattled on through their array of smash hits regardless, with the only inconvenience for Bono being the rain fogging up his trademark sunglasses.
Earlier, Morrissey drew cheers from the audience after calling Prime Minister David Cameron a “silly twit” for opposing an outright ban on wild animals in circuses.
Introducing the classic Smiths song “Meat Is Murder”, he hailed MPs’ support this week for a prohibition.
The singer condemned Mr Cameron over claims he tried to bully one MP into dropping the plans, saying: “What a silly twit.”
Rooney and his wife sparked a media frenzy as they joined the party.
Despite the rain and dark clouds, Rooney wore sunglasses as the couple walked arm in arm wearing matching Hunter boots.
Rooney, who had his hood up after recently having a hair transplant, was seemingly in good spirits after returning from a break in Barbados to travel to Somerset.
The 25-year-olds were believed have shunned a tent in favour of VIP treatment in a top-of-the range motorhome.
Marc Argent, 32, from Street, Somerset, was one of thousands gathered around the Pyramid to perform a welly stomp dance in the quagmire.
He said: “It’s great to see it all under way. It’s muddy but it is still magical.”
Gareth Harvey, a forecaster with MeteoGroup, the weather division of the Press Association, today and Sunday should be largely dry, with temperatures possibly topping 25C (77F).
Beyonce will close the show tomorrow amid speculation she could be joined by her Destiny’s Child band mates.
