Glastonbury Festival revellers 'prepared for the worst' » Communities » 24dash.com

All eyes were on the skies today as the Glastonbury Festival kicked off under dark grey clouds.

Overnight showers sent a pang of fear through the hearts of tens of thousands of revellers - worried the bad weather could spell a repeat of last year's washout.

The number of music lovers at the Somerset site is set to swell to just under 180,000 today - and founder Michael Eavis hopes his event will finally sell out.

Despite the overnight rainfall, forecasters have predicted a fairly settled weekend - which Mr Eavis hopes will spur on the final sale of 200 remaining tickets.

Most of the 180,000 people at Worthy Farm, in Pilton, have come prepared for the worst - kitted out in ponchos, rain macs and wellies.

Large crowds made their way to the Pyramid Stage to watch Kate Nash open the acts at 10.50am.

Angharad Cottell, 20, a student, from Hereford, said: "I've brought my wellies, poncho and a couple of towels. Obviously it will be a struggle if it's anything like last year, but I'm optimistic.

"At the moment it's fairly dry after last night's rain, so my friends and I just want to catch some bands, have a drink and enjoy the atmosphere."

David Harris, 26, a website designer, from Oxford, said: "Things were looking a little shaky overnight, it rained a lot more than most people expected.

"But it's been quite dry so far this morning and everyone seems really up for the weekend. I can't wait to see Panic At The Disco tonight - and if I'm honest I'm secretly quite looking forward to Shakin' Stevens tomorrow morning."

Mark O'Keeffe, 39, a call centre manager, from Leeds, said: "I've travelled a long way for a good weekend - and I'm going to have one.

"The rain overnight did make me lie in my tent all night dreaming of the images of last year's mudbath. You've got to just deal with it if you're going to have a good time.

"It's a great place, it's got a brilliant atmosphere and some great bands. I'm heading over to The Park stage tonight to see if Pete Doherty will turn up for his solo show."

By mid-morning the infamous Glastonbury mud returned - and the queues for wellies started to grow.

But the weather is set to remain fairly calm with only occasional light showers and drizzle predicted.

Gareth Harvey, forecaster for MeteoGroup UK, said: "The light drizzle will continue for most of the day, with a possibility of a heavy burst - but nothing significant.

"This will probably last into the evening and overnight."

Mr Harvey said brisk winds and temperatures of 19C and 20C would continue and there was a strong chance of sunshine tomorrow.

The A37 at Wraxall Hill remained closed both ways after a scrapyard fire yesterday - causing tailbacks around the site.

Thousands of revellers heading to the festival were faced with gridlock after the fire broke out at Rossiters Scrapyard in Pylle, Somerset, one mile away from the festival.

There have been more than 450 reported "casualties" on the site - mainly for minor injuries.

Avon and Somerset Police meanwhile said crime remained low, with 54 arrests by 11am today.