Glastonbury festival off to chaotic start with travel misery and ‘vegan cocaine’

Glastonbury revellers have endured a less than perfect start to this year’s festivities with many facing travel nightmares, glum weather and a “vegan cocaine”.

Some 200,000 people are going to Worthy Farm this weekend to enjoy the likes of Dua Lipa, Coldplay and Shania Twain. Many were waiting as the gates were opened by Emily Eavis on Wednesday with more arriving today to get their weekends started.

However many people faced train chaos from Paddington Station this morning when a person died on the tracks, sparking long delays and cancellations for those trying to get to Castle Cary, the nearest station to the Festival. Great Western Railway had said earlier this month it planned on providing 28,600 more seats, but also warned many early and mid-morning trains on Wednesday and Thursday were almost fully booked.

There were also troubles on the roads when many festival-goers were forced to evacuate their bus as a lorry burst into flames and blocked a road to the festival . Video captured the nightmare, as screams and gasps could be heard as the vehicle burst into flames while on a key road to the site. Police quickly cordoned off the road and kept the music revellers at a safe distance while they tried to put the devastating blaze out.

Meanwhile, fans are also enduring cooler weather as the UK heatwave eased off, as a live webcam at the site showed nothing but clouds for miles. Many are being treated to much cooler temperatures following yesterday’s 27C scorcher.

Although the pleasant weather is expected to continue for the next few days for Glastonbury attendees, health bosses said the UK heatwave will come to an end on Friday and fall by up to 9C across the country. According to the Met Office , a band of rain moves in from the west, and slowly works its way across Merseyside, Lancashire, Cumbria among other parts.

Meanwhile, festival goers were pictured inhaling a substance said to be laughing gas and others were said to be selling substances said to be a “vegan alternative to cocaine”, according to MailOnline.

Earlier the British Red Cross warned people to stay safe if the weather gets warmer. William Spencer, climate and first aid product manager at the charity, said: “We hope everyone enjoys the warm weather at Glastonbury this weekend and has a wonderful time at the festival, but it’s important to stay safe and recognise the risks of too much sun.

“High temperatures make it harder for the body to cool itself and we all need to take care to manage the health risks of heat. There are several steps you can take to keep yourself and others safe.

“We would advise people to make sure they know how to recognise the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. If you’re feeling the heat in the middle of the day, make sure you find somewhere with shade and drink plenty of water.

“The effects from being in the sun for too long can take you by surprise. Please keep an eye out for someone who may be struggling. Help them get water and somewhere cool – and medical help if needed.”