thunderstorms at Glastonbury Festival

Friday, and thunder at lightning over the iconic Pyramid Stage field and an eventual strike by a bolt of lightning result in a suspension of music on the main stages at Glastonbury Festival.

After a torrential downpour a site wide rainbow heralds the return of the music, and the crowds are soon happily enjoying the sounds of a slightly reworked programme.

By the time Arcade Fire silenced the doubters with a terrific headline performance, the site had withstood the battering and the ground was firm most places underfoot, which was surprisingly clear of rubbish. Whilst over on the Other Stage Skrillex pleased the throngs, and MIA provided a visual feast to go with a polished performance. Before them Elbow had the crowds rapt with a great warming show. Elsewhere System7vGong drew in the faithful for another auditory and visual feast.

Before all that Japanese punks Turtle Island had kicked off the morning, with The War on Drugs, bringing the sunshine. Other highlights included Rodrigo Y Gabriela, Temples, the totally bonkers sparkle of Sun Ra Arkestra, Dreadzone, and Vintage Trouble who were unfortunate to have just got the crowd rocking when the power was cut, but continued accapella from the side of the stage pit. There were also crowd pleasing sets from both Lily Allen, and tUne-yArDs.

The night continued with the crowds heading for the late night areas, and the Airnadette show is a fantastically witty and clever piece of theatre.

Tonight's headliners arrived riding the lightning as they touched down on the site as the storm hit. With the news of Bobby Womack's death, there are sure to be tributes today from some acts, but it's not likely Metallica will be one of them.

Latest news from the rumour mill is that Sasha will be in the Rabbit Hole, tomorrow at 1.30am.