Die hard fans of Sheffield indie rockers Arctic Monkeys are already jostling for the best seat - or spot - at Worthy Farm hours before the band headline the Pyramid Stage tonight. Glastonbury Festival co-organiser Emily Eavis confirmed earlier today that the band would fulfil their set after worries about singer Alex Turner's health after illness forced a gig cancellation a few days ago.
With confirmation Arctic Monkeys would be taking to the stage tonight (June 23), some of the band's keenest fans dashed over to the Pyramid Stage to get right at the front so they could be as close as possible to their idols. The band are not due to walk onto the stage until 10.15pm tonight, but that has not deterred fans.
Earlier today, dozens had already made their way to the front of the iconic stage, which will also feature Maisie Peters, Texas, Royal Blood and a mystery band known as 'The Churnups' on the bill on its first day of music. Among the fans already at the stage was 22-year-old Mary from Surrey.
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Wearing her Arctic Monkeys t-shirt - Mary said it is the third time she will be seeing her favourite band. And she came prepared for a long wait with toasties and a can of coke, with festival security staff filling up her water bottle during the day.
But Mary - and her friend Holly Jones who she met while waiting at the front - are determined not to lose their coveted viewing spot. Mary said: “I am a massive fan. I met Holly waiting here this morning and it’s been great to meet other fans.”
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For Holly, from Bath, it is her sixth time seeing the band. “My parents went to their first gig and I have been brought up with their music,” said Holly.
“They are just the best band in the whole world. I wouldn’t camp out on site all day for any other band.”
Fan Nigel Cotton, 66, from Alderley Edge - who has seen the Arctic Monkeys on five previous occasions - said: “I was confident that the band would sort something out and appear. But you just have to go with it when you go to a festival. It’s my 12th Glastonbury Festival and I’m loving it.”
Amy Rawsthorn, 37, from St Helen’s was also in the queue early today, bagging her front row spot for the Churnups. “I’m not moving from this spot,” she said.
“And I am not planning to go to the loo for the whole day. I managed it last time I wanted to be at the front and didn’t visit the loo for 12 hours.
“I’ve had a big breakfast and I have some snacks in my bag. I’m committed.”
