T in the Park campers make first trip to new site

T IN THE PARK history was made today as music fans began arriving at the Strathallan Castle estate site for the very first time.

Early bird campers arrive at this years T in The Park. Picture: Lisa Ferguson

The popular festival made the switch after nearly 18 years at nearby Balado.

Kasabian, Avicii, Sam Smith and Mark Ronson are on the line-up along with the likes of Jessie J, Paloma Faith, Stereophonics and The Libertines.

Organisers expect 85,000 people a day at the three-day event, which starts tomorrow.

Campers queue for access to the new campsite. Picture: Lisa Ferguson

Fans laden with rucksacks and tents began arriving at the campsite when it opened today.

Organisers DF Concerts struck a deal to shift the 2015 festival following health and safety concerns about an underground oil pipeline at Balado.

Local councillors approved the plan in May despite opposition from some residents and environmental groups who expressed concern for ospreys at Strathallan.

Concerns were also raised about traffic arrangements for the event, and the potential for anti-social behaviour.

Picture: Lisa Ferguson

The festival runs until Sunday, with The Prodigy, Idlewild, Twin Atlantic and The Proclaimers also set to perform.

Organisers said they hope fans will enjoy the event’s new setting.

Festival director Geoff Ellis said: “We’re starting a new chapter for the festival at Strathallan and creating brand new memories for thousands of music fans.

“We have the UK’s best line-up and there’s no doubt it will be the weekend of the summer.

“My message to fans when they get here is to respect the site, look after yourself, your friends and your camping neighbours - and most of all, have a fantastic time.”

The estate, which dates back to the 13th century, is owned by the Roberts family who say staging the event will allow improvements to be made to the area.

They also believe it will give tourism and businesses in the region a boost.

Festival-goers are advised to bring both sun cream and wellies as a mixture of sun and rain is forecast for the next few days.

Gemma Plumb, a forecaster with MeteoGroup, said: “There will be rain throughout tomorrow morning but through the afternoon it should become a lot drier, though still quite cloudy.

“On Saturday most of the day will be cloudy with a few showers but going towards evening there will be rain coming back from the west which could be heavy and persistent during the evening.

“Sunday is better for weather as it will be mainly dry with some sunny spells at times, though there is the risk of the odd shower on Sunday evening.”

The maximum temperature forecast for Friday and Saturday is 18C, while for Sunday it is 17C.

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