Rain threatens Glastonbury revels (From Salisbury Journal)

Rain threatens Glastonbury revels

3:37pm Thursday 25th June 2009

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The music is due to begin at Glastonbury Festival with revellers arriving in their thousands hopeful the threatened showers hold off.

Michael Eavis opened the doors of his 900-acre farm in Pilton, Somerset, on Wednesday and half of the 137,000 ticket holders have already arrived.

Reformed boy band East 17, best known as Take That's grittier rivals, will play the Dance Lounge, as will old-school dance duo Altern-8.

The pair will delight those nostalgic for the 90s rave scene - although it is not known if they will be wearing their trademark chemical suits.

The folk-tinged tunes of hotly-tipped Alessi's Ark provide a calmer option, while popular alternative rockers Maximo Park should ignite the crowd.

Forecaster Meteogroup, the weather division of the Press Association, said the weather would be "quite reasonable" with bright sunshine. But as the day wears on the threat of of thunderstorms will grow.

Weatherman Rob Hutchinson said: "The majority of the day is looking quite reasonable with warm sunshine. The problem is later. Clouds will increase throughout the day and there is the small chance of one or two heavy showers or thunderstorms. I don't want to go overboard. There is a slim chance." Friday and Saturday will see a greater risk of storms and downpours in between sunny spells.

In 2005, storms and flash flooding caused havoc at the site, with many festival-goers having to use their tents as makeshift boats to float around waterlogged areas.

In 2007, more rain ensured a similar mudbath, though a new draining system meant a repeat of 2005 was avoided.

Meanwhile Avon and Somerset Police have adopted the motto "love thy neighbour" as they pilot the event's first Neighbourhood Watch scheme. Visitors will be encouraged to meet and befriend their camping neighbours to build a community "that looks out for one another".

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