Menu
24/06/2005
Glastonbury delayed as floods cause chaos
The start of the Glastonbury Festival was delayed this morning, after the Somerset site was hit by torrential rain and storms.
Thousands of festivalgoers, who had been arriving at the site from Wednesday, had enjoyed scorching temperatures and sunshine. However, around 4am this morning, the rain began, flooding the Worthy Farm site and causing misery for thousands of revellers who had been basking in sunshine just 12 hours beforehand.
The music was supposed to begin at 10:30am, but the start of the festival was delayed due to power failures. The first acts on the main Pyramid stage and Other stage had to be cancelled, although the acts on the John Peel stage continued as planned.
Radio 1 DJ Jo Whiley was forced to abandon her live broadcast after a river close to the studio she was using began to rise dramatically.
The Dance Lounge in the festival’s Dance Village was split in half by the force of the storm and is currently being repaired.
A beer tent was also reportedly struck by lightning.
Festival organiser Michael Eavis said that the weather would not stop the revellers enjoying themselves. He said: “We’ve got used to it, people survive and they cope. They just need to get out of their tents and get on with enjoying themselves. The rain always makes things better; it stops people getting complacent and presents a bit of a challenge. It wakes everybody up and improves the general morale and spirit.”
Organisers said that the weather was expected to clear up by the evening, while the rest of the weekend was expected to remain free of rain.
Over 100,000 people are expected to attend the festival, which will features acts including the White Stripes, the Killers, Coldplay and Basement Jaxx.
England and Wales have been battered by torrential rain and thunderstorms. The Midlands was the worst affected area, but Devon, Cornwall and Torquay all experienced severe weather conditions. A tornado was even reported in Coventry.
The severe weather follows a heatwave, which saw scorching temperatures and sunshine in areas across the UK.
(KMcA/SP)
Thousands of festivalgoers, who had been arriving at the site from Wednesday, had enjoyed scorching temperatures and sunshine. However, around 4am this morning, the rain began, flooding the Worthy Farm site and causing misery for thousands of revellers who had been basking in sunshine just 12 hours beforehand.
The music was supposed to begin at 10:30am, but the start of the festival was delayed due to power failures. The first acts on the main Pyramid stage and Other stage had to be cancelled, although the acts on the John Peel stage continued as planned.
Radio 1 DJ Jo Whiley was forced to abandon her live broadcast after a river close to the studio she was using began to rise dramatically.
The Dance Lounge in the festival’s Dance Village was split in half by the force of the storm and is currently being repaired.
A beer tent was also reportedly struck by lightning.
Festival organiser Michael Eavis said that the weather would not stop the revellers enjoying themselves. He said: “We’ve got used to it, people survive and they cope. They just need to get out of their tents and get on with enjoying themselves. The rain always makes things better; it stops people getting complacent and presents a bit of a challenge. It wakes everybody up and improves the general morale and spirit.”
Organisers said that the weather was expected to clear up by the evening, while the rest of the weekend was expected to remain free of rain.
Over 100,000 people are expected to attend the festival, which will features acts including the White Stripes, the Killers, Coldplay and Basement Jaxx.
England and Wales have been battered by torrential rain and thunderstorms. The Midlands was the worst affected area, but Devon, Cornwall and Torquay all experienced severe weather conditions. A tornado was even reported in Coventry.
The severe weather follows a heatwave, which saw scorching temperatures and sunshine in areas across the UK.
(KMcA/SP)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
08 November 2010
Severe Weather Conditions Hit The UK
Storms, snow, heavy downpours and strong winds are sweeping across the UK today, as the country braces itself for severe weather conditions. Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland are bearing the brunt of the bad weather, but the Met Office has warned that no region is likely to escape the wintry conditions.
Severe Weather Conditions Hit The UK
Storms, snow, heavy downpours and strong winds are sweeping across the UK today, as the country braces itself for severe weather conditions. Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland are bearing the brunt of the bad weather, but the Met Office has warned that no region is likely to escape the wintry conditions.
24 June 2010
Glastonbury Heats Up For 2010
As the Glastonbury music festival celebrates its 40th anniversary, the Met Office has been looking back at the last few years to see how the Somerset event has faired with the weather - and has predicted a warm reception for revellers this year.
Glastonbury Heats Up For 2010
As the Glastonbury music festival celebrates its 40th anniversary, the Met Office has been looking back at the last few years to see how the Somerset event has faired with the weather - and has predicted a warm reception for revellers this year.
22 June 2012
Heavy Rain And Flooding Cause Chaos At Isle Of Wight Festival
Flooding is causing chaos for revellers trying to get to the Isle of Wight Festival. Heavy rain led to access problems at Seaclose Park, Newport, and traffic gridlock meant people were forced to sleep in their cars overnight. Police escorted some motorists stuck in traffic to Newport Football Club where shelter and refreshments were provided.
Heavy Rain And Flooding Cause Chaos At Isle Of Wight Festival
Flooding is causing chaos for revellers trying to get to the Isle of Wight Festival. Heavy rain led to access problems at Seaclose Park, Newport, and traffic gridlock meant people were forced to sleep in their cars overnight. Police escorted some motorists stuck in traffic to Newport Football Club where shelter and refreshments were provided.
13 November 2007
Women Motorists 'More Prepared' For Bad Weather
Women drivers are more likely to get caught out by severe weather, according to new research published by the Highways Agency. A survey of nearly 1,300 road users showed that women were less likely than men to make a journey by car after hearing a severe weather warning. Only 44% of women said that they would continue, compared with 62% of men.
Women Motorists 'More Prepared' For Bad Weather
Women drivers are more likely to get caught out by severe weather, according to new research published by the Highways Agency. A survey of nearly 1,300 road users showed that women were less likely than men to make a journey by car after hearing a severe weather warning. Only 44% of women said that they would continue, compared with 62% of men.
27 May 2014
Weather Warning Issued For England
The Met Office has issued a yellow warning across the East of England. Over the next 48 hours, it says persistent rain, which will be heavy at times, poses a risk of localised flooding and travel disruption.
Weather Warning Issued For England
The Met Office has issued a yellow warning across the East of England. Over the next 48 hours, it says persistent rain, which will be heavy at times, poses a risk of localised flooding and travel disruption.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
