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Storms fail to dampen spirits at Glastonbury
By Katharine Barney, Evening Standard 22.06.07
Flaming June? Tens of thousands of revellers defied the wet weather at Glastonbury today
70mm of rain fell in six hours around Bocastle
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Thunderstorms and torrential rain marked the opening of Glastonbury, turning the festival into the traditional mudbath.
Despite gloomy weather forecasts, an estimated 80,000 revellers had made the pilgrimage to the Somerset site by this morning. The Millets on-site store brought in 13,000 extra pairs of wellington boots, while there were reports of wellies selling for £80 outside the site.
Pictures: Revellers and rain arrives at Glastonbury
Surrounding roads were expected to be clogged for miles today as tens of thousands of people arrive - with a total of 177,000 expected over the weekend.
Two years ago, 300 tents were washed away when a month's rain fell in less than two hours - turning the festival into a quagmire. To avoid a repeat this year, organiser Michael Eavis has spent more than £750,000 on flood prevention.
In Cornwall 2 and 3/4 inches of rain fell in six hours around Boscastle - devastated by floods three years ago. The main road was closed and some town centre properties were under three feet of water.
A Met Office spokesman said: "The next few days are really going to be very showery across England and Wales, including Glastonbury."
"Where there is rain there will be torrential downpours and even the likelihood of thunderstorms."
"There will be some sunny spells, although not enough for the mud to dry out. It's a better forecast for Sunday, with fewer showers and more sunshine."
