Music enthusiasts have descended upon Glasgow as Scotland’s largest music festival, TRNSMT, has officially opened its gates.
This year’s highly anticipated event boasts headliners such as 50 Cent, Biffy Clyro, and Snow Patrol, who will grace the stage over three days at Glasgow Green.
Scottish singer Calum Bowie kicked off the festivities, performing for eager fans amidst temperatures reaching 27C, with the forecast indicating that the heatwave is expected to persist throughout the weekend.
The Friday lineup also features performances from indie duo Wet Leg, singer-songwriter James Bay, Irish rock band The Script, and local favorites Twin Atlantic.
Speaking to BBC Scotland News, Calum Bowie expressed his initial apprehension, admitting he feared a low turnout for his performance.
He stated: “It’s quite early and the first day of the festival but it was amazing, there were people right down the front and it filled out during the rest of the set.
“Everyone was singing back, everyone seemed on good form.”
During Jamie Webster’s set on the main stage, chants critical of the Conservative party were heard among the crowd.
However, the Liverpool singer-songwriter, known for his past political expressions, suggested it was not the appropriate time for political statements and encouraged the audience to revel in the festival atmosphere.
He told BBC Scotland News: “I always feel welcome here, and I’m lucky to have that relationship with Glasgow.
“Festivals like this are escapism, and that’s massively important. It’s a huge festival and it has always been great with me.”
Later, on the main stage, Isle of Wight duo Wet Leg were more inclined to make a statement.
The band playfully acknowledged headliner 50 Cent with a drum kit emblazoned with “50 Leg,” while singer Rhian Teasdale, sporting a bikini top, flexed her muscles in the early evening heat.
Guitarist Hester Chambers also voiced her support for Palestine, eliciting cheers from the crowd.
She alleged that “fascist forces” within politics and the media were suppressing individuals’ rights to protest the war in Gaza.
Scottish rock band Twin Atlantic also openly displayed their support, with bass guitarist Ross McNae wearing a Palestine FC football shirt as a gesture of “solidarity.”
Subsequently, Irish band The Script ignited a series of sing-a-longs during a hit-filled performance on the main stage.
Breaking with traditional musical convention, 50 Cent arrived five minutes ahead of schedule for his headline set.
Accompanied by energetic backing dancers, onstage pyrotechnics, and multiple wardrobe changes, he delivered popular tracks such as “Candy Shop,” “Just a Lil Bit,” and “Disco Inferno.”
The American rapper had been sighted at a Glasgow bar the night before the event.
Reports indicate that 50 Cent and his entourage were bowling at the city’s Vega venue while enjoying champagne.
Festival attendees were observed carrying small fans and water bottles as they entered the festival grounds.
The weather proved challenging for some, with numerous fans at the smaller King Tut’s stage – featuring acts such as indie-pop band Good Neighbours – seeking refuge in shaded areas near the stage.
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde has urged music fans to prioritize safety during the weekend heatwave by ensuring adequate sun protection and hydration.
Sisters Kelly and Chloe Gillespie, hailing from Glasgow, shared with BBC Scotland News that they have only missed one edition of the festival since its inception in 2017.
They stated: “We’re doing today and tomorrow – we can’t wait for Jamie Webster today and Biffy tomorrow.
“We’ve already got through one bottle of water pretty quick so we’ll be going to get more.”
Lesley Lapsley, a veteran of festivals since T In The Park in the 1990s, was present with her son Aidan.
She recounted: “The last time I was at TRNSMT was with my daughter to see Stormzy when she was 16, and now I’m here with Aidan as he’s 16.
“We’d love a surprise set from Lewis Capaldi, or someone like that, but I don’t know if that’s likely.
“It could do with a few more bigger acts, someone like the Prodigy, but it’s great for the younger generation.”
The heat may have contributed to a more subdued crowd, with reactions to many performances being more restrained than anticipated.
The smaller King Tut’s stage truly came alive for Confidence Man, who replaced rap trio Kneecap as the stage’s headliners after the band’s removal from the lineup.
The Australian duo’s dance-pop set was accompanied by costume changes and choreographed routines, eliciting a jubilant response from the audience.
The event continues with Biffy Clyro, Fontaines D.C, and Underworld among the acts scheduled for Saturday.
There is one alteration to Saturday’s lineup: rock band Wunderhorse has withdrawn from their scheduled performance due to illness and will be replaced by Miles Kane.
The event will conclude on Sunday with performances by Snow Patrol, Gracie Abrams, and former Little Mix singer Jade Thrilwell.
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