Glasto: Day 1

Kate Nash kicks things off and Kings Of Leon admit to "nausea"

27 June 2008 - The first day of Glastonbury has been hit with rain, but not as badly as previous years - and the evening is forecast to be dry.

Fans at the festival did at least have some strong acts to kick off the weekend, with KT Tunstall on the Pyramid stage as the rain started to come down this afternoon, while Vampire Weekend played to a large crowd on the Other Stage.

The band also told Steve Lamacq they were at Real World studios in Bath last night recording new material. They're back at Glastonbury on Saturday (28 June).

"Nausea"

Kings Of Leon also spoke to 6 Music and we asked Caleb Followill how he's feeling about topping the bill on the Pyramid stage.

"Nausea, I don't know, we're thrilled to have the opportunity but obviously it's a huge stage," he said. "We're probably going to play some new tunes for everybody and we've dusted off some old songs."

Glasvegas played the John Peel stage at lunchtime and singer James Allan sang part of You Are My Sunshine just as a downpour erupted.

Meanwhile, Lily Allen was one of the stars in attendance as a punter. The singer is a regular and she used to visit as a toddler with her father, actor Keith Allen.

"It's my 21st year at this festival and I love it to pieces, it's my home from home," she said.

"It's my 21st year at this festival."
Lily Allen

It was another young female artist who got to kick things off on the Pyramid stage - Kate Nash. She wore a bright pink dress, and despite some mud Kate said it was a special gig.

"We always have a routine where we hug and high-five and dedicate a gig to someone," said Nash. "This time we were like - this is for us and Glastonbury."

The festival has almost sold out, but organisers are offering punters a chance to buy day tickets for Sunday for £50 - you just need to head to the website to register and pick up your ticket on the day.

In total, 137,000 punters are expected on Worthy Farm. As of Friday lunchtime, tent thefts were up, but drug arrests were down; 213 crimes have been reported compared to 144 this time last year, with 54 arrests already.

Andre Paine