More than 200,000 people are set to travel to this year’s Glastonbury Festival, where the weather has started off gloomy and many have faced travel issues
Glastonbury revelers have had a less than perfect start to this year’s festivities, with many dealing with travel nightmares, gloomy weather and a “vegan’s worth of cocaine”.
About 200,000 people will go to Worthy Farm this weekend to enjoy Dua Lipa, Coldplay and Shania Twain, among others. Many were waiting as the gates were opened by Emily Eavis on Wednesday and more arrived today to start their weekend.
However, many people faced train chaos from Paddington station this morning when a person died on the tracks, leading to long delays and cancellations for those trying to get to Castle Cary, the nearest station to the festival. Great Western Railway had said earlier this month that it planned to provide an extra 28,600 seats, but also warned that many early and mid-morning trains on Wednesday and Thursday were close to full.
There were also problems on the road as many festival goers were forced to evacuate their buses when a truck burst into flames and blocked a road to the festival. Video footage captured the nightmare, as screams and groans were heard as the vehicle burst into flames as it traveled on a major road leading to the festival site. Police quickly cordoned off the road and kept music lovers at a safe distance as they tried to extinguish the devastating fire.
Meanwhile, fans are also set to experience cooler weather as the British heatwave eases, as a live webcam at the venue showed nothing but clouds for miles around. Many are being treated to much cooler temperatures after yesterday’s 27C scorching heat.
While the pleasant weather is expected to continue for visitors to Glastonbury over the coming days, health bosses said the UK heatwave will end on Friday, with temperatures dropping to a maximum of 9C across the country. The Met Office said a band of rain is moving in from the west and is slowly moving across Merseyside, Lancashire, Cumbria and other parts.
Meanwhile, festival-goers have been photographed inhaling a substance believed to be laughing gas and others have been reported selling substances claimed to be a “vegan alternative to cocaine”, according to MailOnline.
Rather the British Red Cross warned people to stay safe as the weather warms up. William Spencer, climate and first aid product manager at the charity, said: “We hope everyone enjoys the warm weather at Glastonbury this weekend and has a great time at the festival, but it’s important to stay safe and recognise the risks of too much sun.
“High temperatures make it harder for the body to cool itself and we all need to make sure we manage the health risks of heat. There are several steps you can take to protect yourself and others.
“We encourage people to make sure they know how to recognise the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. If you feel hot in the middle of the day, make sure you find a shady spot and drink plenty of water.
“The effects of being in the sun too long can surprise you. Keep an eye on someone who is struggling. Help them get water and a cool place – and medical attention if needed.”