Cloudy start and showers expected as thousands more set to arrive at Glastonbury

Thousands of music fans heading to Glastonbury Festival at Worthy Farm can expect some initial showers on Thursday, but fears of a washout or a scorching heatwave have been dispelled by the Met Office.

On Wednesday night, Glastonbury festival officially kicked off with a spectacular drone show and fireworks display over the Pyramid Stage.

The show, designed by Celestial, a company based in Norton Saint Philip, Somerset, featured 576 drones and was inspired by themes of peace and togetherness.

A Met Office spokesperson said that festival-goers arriving on Thursday will face “a little cloudy” weather with occasional rain in the morning. However, the skies are expected to clear up in the afternoon, bringing plenty of sunny spells and isolated showers.

Thursday’s weather will also be “a little breezy” with temperatures reaching a high of 21°C. As the festival progresses, fans can look forward to predominantly dry weather, ensuring a more comfortable and enjoyable experience.

The forecast predicts mostly dry conditions and cooler temperatures throughout the weekend.

With a promising forecast for the weekend, attendees can enjoy the music, art, and festivities without worrying about extreme weather conditions.

The weather across the weekend is expected to stay “mostly dry with plenty of sunny spells” and temperatures around average for June, dropping to 18C on Friday before rising to 19C and 21C on Saturday and Sunday respectively.

The festival comes amid planned industrial action by junior doctors, with NHS Somerset sharing tips on how to “stay well” during periods of hot weather to help “ease pressure on health and care”.

“We know that services will be under pressure this week,” Dr Bernie Marden, chief medical officer for NHS Somerset, said.

“With Glastonbury Festival also taking place this week and expected warm weather, we are sharing a few reminders about simple steps people can take to look after themselves, and stay healthy and well.”

The main stages at Worthy Farm are not set to open until Friday, with pop singer Dua Lipa headlining the Pyramid Stage that evening before rock band Coldplay and soul singer SZA play the famous stage on Saturday and Sunday.

Canadian country star Shania Twain will play the coveted Legends slot on Sunday afternoon.

Hundreds of acts will perform on Thursday with various smaller stages across the site hosting acts including singer and DJ Shygirl and electronic musician Joy Orbison, who will both appear at dance stage Levels.

Fellow DJ MJ Cole will perform a set at Stonebridge Bar, while London-based artist Shy One will appear at the Glade stage.

Also happening on Thursday, fitness expert Joe Wicks will lead a group exercise session for festival-goers – raising their heart rates at the Gateway stage.

Meanwhile, Glastonbury founder Sir Michael Eavis is expected to do his traditional musical performance, covering a series of classics with his band.

Last year, hundreds of fans chanted “Michael” as the veteran organiser, 88, was wheeled on to The Park Stage on an office chair to perform as he recovered from an operation on his leg.