T’S A CROWD

Jul 10 2009 by Andrew Welsh, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

A HUGE invasion of the Kinross-shire countryside got underway last night as music fans started making their way to T in the Park.

Before the day was out, up to 20,000 early arrivals had passed through the main gates at Balado for the annual three-day music extravaganza, which kicks off today.

The first wave of party-goers, who were kept entertained at a campsite festival and cinema, will be joined by a further 45,000 festival devotees today, before the attendance rises to its 85,000-capacity tomorrow and on Sunday.

Some of the biggest names in music will also be present, with soulful songsmith James Morrison the first act playing the event’s Main Stage at 6pm tonight.

In total, almost 200 artists will be performing across 12 stages throughout the weekend.

Tonight’s star turns include huge-selling American rockers Kings of Leon, Australian legends Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, and Scottish favourites Franz Ferdinand, The View, Idlewild and Edwyn Collins.

Tomorrow will see more US big-hitters, including The Killers, Nine Inch Nails, Jane’s Addiction and Lady Gaga, as well as UK-based favourites like Razorlight, The Specials, James, Manic Street Preachers and tartan sensations Glasvegas.

Reformed Britpop outfit Blur share top billing on Sunday with Snow Patrol, Keane and electronic veterans the Pet Shop Boys.

Other big names playing the final day include Elbow, Lily Allen and The Streets.

Perth and Kinross Council’s Provost John Hulbert said yesterday that hosting the prestigious music event, which has been based at Balado since 1997, was a matter of pride among local residents.

“We are all looking forward to another safe, successful and entertaining festival this year, which I am assured will be one of the biggest and best yet,” he told the PA.

“A very positive relationship has developed between the organisers, the council and the local community over the past decade.

“This excellent working relationship has given rise to high levels of trust and understanding that provides mutual benefits.

“An event of this kind takes an enormous amount of planning and co-ordination and I would like to thank everyone that has contributed to bringing this year’s T in the Park to fruition.

“Not only does the event put us on the map for a new generation of visitors from across the UK and Europe, it also provides a boost to the economy locally and across Scotland.”

Council officers will be on hand at Balado throughout the weekend to deal with any queries on environmental health, transport, noise, drugs and alcohol and trading standards issues.

Residents and festival-goers can contact staff at the council’s marquee in the main arena, or by calling a special helpline on 0141 890 1200.

Staff will be available from 8am today until 2am today, tomorrow and Sunday, and from 8am to 2pm on Monday.

Parking attendants will also be carrying out additional patrols in Kinross and Milnathort during the festival to prevent improper parking and to minimise any disruption to traffic flow.

ALL HAIL: The Kings of Leon will headline T in the Park tonight.