More than 200,000 people are set to turn out for this year’s Glastonbury festival, where the weather got off to a gloomy start and many faced travel problems.
Glastonbury fans have endured a less-than-perfect start to this year’s festivities, with plenty of travel nightmares, gloomy weather and ‘vegan cocaine’.
Around 200,000 people are heading to Worthy Farm this weekend to enjoy Dua Lipa, Coldplay and Shania Twain. Many waited until Emily Eavis opened the gates on Wednesday, today more arrived to start their weekends.
However, many people faced train chaos from Paddington station this morning after a person died on the tracks, causing long delays and cancellations for those trying to get to Castle Cary, the nearest station to the festival. Great Western Railway said earlier this month that it planned to provide 28,600 extra places, but also warned that many morning and early morning trains on Wednesday and Thursday were almost fully booked.
There was also trouble on the roads as many festival goers were forced to evacuate their bus as a lorry caught fire and blocked the way to the festival. Video captured the nightmare as screams and gasps could be heard as the vehicle burst into flames while on a key route to the site. Police quickly closed the road and kept the musicians at a safe distance while they tried to put out the devastating fire.
Meanwhile, fans are also braving the cooler weather as the UK heat wave eased as a live webcam at the venue showed nothing but clouds for miles around. Many of them are burned to much lower temperatures after yesterday’s 27°C.
Although the balmy weather is expected to continue for Glastonbury-goers in the coming days, health chiefs said the UK heatwave will end on Friday, with temperatures dropping by up to 9C across the country. According to the Met Office, a band of rain is moving in from the west and slowly making its way across Merseyside, Lancashire, Cumbria and other areas.
Meanwhile, festival-goers have been pictured inhaling a substance said to be paradise gas, and others are said to be selling what MailOnline says is a “vegan alternative to cocaine”.
Previously British Red Cross warned people to stay safe if the weather turns warm. William Spencer, product manager for climate and first aid at the charity, said: “We hope everyone is enjoying the warm weather at Glastonbury this weekend and having a wonderful time at the festival, but it’s important to stay safe and recognize the risks of too much sun. .
“High temperatures make it harder for the body to cool down and we all need to be careful to manage the health risks of heat. There are some steps you can take to protect yourself and others.”
“We would advise people to make sure they know how to recognize the signs of heat exhaustion and heatstroke. If you feel hot in the middle of the day, make sure you find a place in the shade and drink plenty of water.
“The effects of being in the sun for too long can surprise you. Please keep an eye out for anyone who may be in trouble. Help them get water and somewhere cool – and medical attention if needed.”