TENS of thousands will make the annual trek to Balado today for the biggest-ever T in the Park spectacular.
Some of the biggest names in rock, pop and dance are tuning up for an appearance at the 80,000-capacity Kinross-shire event, with a set from singing sensation Lilly Allen due to get the musical showcase underway at around 5pm.
The London-born songbird — who has just returned from a tour of the States — will be the first of over 160 artists who will be performing across eight separate stages throughout the weekend.
Five thousand additional revellers per day will experience the festival’s sights and sounds after it was decided to squeeze even more people into the former airfield venue following the success of previous extravaganzas.
The event first came to Balado in 1997 and has been held there ever since, annually injecting millions of pounds into the Big County economy.
Following Allen in T’s first-ever Friday night line-up tonight will be top bands The Coral, Bloc Party and headliners The Arctic Monkeys, whose album Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not was the fastest-selling debut in UK history.
Tomorrow will see a host of ‘best of British’ acts making their entry, including James, Lostprophets, James Morrison, Kooks, Amy Winehouse and the reformed punk-meisters, The Skids.
American electro-rock favourites The Killers top the bill, with more international talent providing support in the shape of US ‘emo’ outfit My Chemical Romance, Canada’s Arcade Fire and Brazilian exports CSS.
Sunday has a strong Scottish edge with Snow Patrol, The Fratellis, Biffy Clyro and Paolo Nutini all included in the day’s programme of artists.
Other hugely popular turns on show include Kasabian, Scissor Sisters and Mika.
Perth and Kinross Council’s recently-appointed provost said yesterday that he is looking forward to his first T since taking on the prestigious role.
“We would like to welcome T in the Park and all festival-goers back to Balado for what I'm sure will be another fantastic event,” said Provost John Hulbert. "A lot of council staff work very hard to make sure that the festival is as enjoyable as possible for everyone who attends.
“It is a huge flagship event for the area and we are very happy to have it. I hope everyone who attends has a great time.”
With the Balado event generating enormous interest both at home and abroad, officials from Perth and Kinross Council will be on hand to deal with any matters which may affect the local community or festival-goers.
Council officers will also provide various services ranging from welfare to food safety for the estimated 160,000 people attending T in the Park over the weekend.
This will include a sizeable contingent of local music fans.
Senior local authority employees will be based at the festival’s on-site joint operations centre from 5pm until 1am on Friday, and all day on Saturday and Sunday.
A special phone line has also been set up to deal with issues including traffic, noise, litter, food safety, trading standards and health and safety.
Any members of the public who need to contact the council about any T-related matter are being asked to call 0845 036 9857.
Festival-goers can dial the same number from the numerous public telephones that are being switched on inside the festival perimeter.
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