Abba tribute act ‘Bjorn Again‘ officially kicked off this year’s festival on the Pyramid Stage. Weather reports earlier in the week had suggested a sunny start for Glastonbury, but the rain predicted over the past few days meant a familiar wet start for this year’s festival-goers.
Fleet Foxes debuted two new songs, as well as favourites from their recent eponymous debut. “It’s a pleasure to be terrified by you all!” singer Robin Pecknold told the crowd. 80s legends The Specials had the crowd dancing to a set full of classics including ‘Too Much Too Young’, ‘Rudy, A Message To You’ and ‘Ghost Town’. Headlining the Pyramid Stage was Neil Young, who covered The Beatles classic ‘A Day In The Life‘ in a set of over two hours, which included ‘Hey, Hey, My, My‘ and ‘Heart Of Gold‘.
Over on the Other Stage, The View suffered technical problems during a set which included ‘Wasted Little DJs’ and recent single ‘Shock Horror’. White Lies were a big hit, with ‘Farewell To The Fairground‘ sparking a big sing-a-long and indie favourites The Maccabees also drew a big crowd. Manchester duo The Ting Tings, the peninultimate act on the Other Stage, played a set reliant on hits from their debut album, while headliners Bloc Party played to a large audience, frontman Kele Okereke told the crowd “There are so many of you! I thought you’d all be watching Neil Young!”
Elsewhere, Manchester band Doves played a set packed with songs from new album ‘Kingdom Of Rust’ while headlining the John Peel Stage, and Kinks legend Ray Davies drew a huge crowd topping the list at the Acoustic Tent.