Eavis 'lucky' to host Glastonbury
Glastonbury organiser Michael Eavis said he still feels lucky to host the festival, as the weekend of music gets under way today.
The farmer, who held the first event at Worthy Farm in 1970, said on the eve of the first bands performing at the main venues: “We’re still here, you know.
“I have to pinch myself every morning when I get out of bed – but it’s still happening. It’s great to be here.”
He told crowds at a launch event held by Oxfam, Greenpeace and Water Aid, the charities supported by the festival: “Have a wonderful weekend, won’t you.”
Thousands of people have been arriving on site since Wednesday morning, waiting for Glastonbury to begin in earnest.
They have been braving the elements since rain started to fall on the site yesterday afternoon.
Wellies and waterproofs were needed as the downpour turned much of the ground to mud.
The weather is set to clear up today, with sunny, dry spells expected.
Music was starting at 11am, and continuing until the early hours of tomorrow.
It’s not just the fans who are excited about the music over the coming days.
Mumford & Sons band member Ben Lovett has written on their blog about his plans for what he described as “this most special weekend”.
He said one of the undoubted highlights would be The Rolling Stones tomorrow night.
“Something about having the opportunity to see this band is so significant it’s almost bigger than Glastonbury itself,” wrote Lovett.
He added: “As the sun sets, I will be readying myself for what I imagine is going to be an education in how it’s done by one of our greatest British bands ever.”
Mumford & Sons themselves headline the Pyramid Stage on Sunday night – which Lovett described as always being his favourite of the festival.
He wrote: “I remember Stevie Wonder, Blur, Beyonce... Great gigs. And this year it’s... Us! Ha! Awesome.”
Liam Gallagher’s Beady Eye are said to be kicking off proceedings on The Other Stage with an unannounced “secret” gig.
The singer, who was spotted arriving at the festival by train rather than tour bus earlier this week, tweeted: “11am Friday – BE there or BE square.. LG x”.
Sheffield indie band Arctic Monkeys, whose hits include I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor, will provide a blazing headline set on the Pyramid Stage as its opening day draws to a close.
Other highlights of the day include performances by Dizzee Rascal, Rita Ora and Solange, the younger sister of 2011 Glastonbury headliner Beyonce, who will be on the Park Stage.
Radiohead singer Thom Yorke’s side project Atoms for Peace is rumoured to be performing tonight.
