Rain fails to dampen spirits of T in the Park fans

AFTER a sun-kissed first day, the skies over T in the Park opened bringing a soggy end to Saturday as the festival continued the farewell to its Balado home.

Nina Nesbitt at the King Tuts Stage. Picture: Greg Macvean

Music fans failed to let the deluge dampen their spirits and emerged from their tents to see global stars Pharrell Williams, Paolo Nutini and headliner Calvin Harris. Isobel Valentine, 21, from Dundee, said: “It’s my third T in the Park, and I’ve always loved this place, even when it’s raining. It’s the people and acts that make the festival and I’m sure they’ll turn up next year and it won’t miss a beat. Personally, I’m desperate to see Pharrell Williams tonight.”

Michelle Young, 30, from Paisley said Harris was a big attraction for her this year.

“We were here last year to see him and he was absolutely brilliant. He got everyone totally up for it and the place was rocking. It will be exactly the same tonight,” she said.

Sophie Ellis-Bextor takes to the Radio 1 Stage on Saturday. Picture: Lisa Ferguson

Carrie Binks, 26, from Renfrew, was experiencing her first year at T in the Park: “It’s been amazing so far and that’s without Paolo Nutini, who we are still waiting to see. It’s 
as cool as I thought it would be – it’s been amazing.”

This year will be the last of 18 years at the Kinross-shire location, with the festival moving is moving across Perthshire to Strathallan Castle.

In a fitting symmetry, mod rocker Paul Weller and 1990s indie act The Charlatans, who played at the first Balado T in the Park, will also appear this weekend.

The final Saturday had a fittingly Scottish flavour, with Nutini and Harris headlining the main stage, while Fatherson, Nina Nesbitt, Twin Atlantic and The Amazing Snakeheads also appeared during the day.

After a scorching Friday the weather turned wet, and heavy showers saw music fans swapping shades and sunscreen for wellies and cagoules before carrying on regardless.

Police reported that crime on the site in had been low by last night.

Chief Superintendent Kevin Lynch “Twenty-two people have been arrested since the camp site opened on Thursday, mostly for petty crime and minor drugs offences.”

Festival organiser Geoff Ellis admitted that he would “shed a tear” when the last headlining act, Arctic Monkeys, ends tonight. He said: “I was standing on the stage on Friday night and I’ve never seen the site look better. The place was beautiful.”