Celebrities come out in force as Glastonbury 2002 shines on

United Kingdom | | 29 June 2002

The music finally got under way yesterday morning, following days of anticipation for thousands of festival goers that got here early. And there was no let down as the opening day kicked off with Fatboy Slim on the Dance Stage at one minute past midnight.

Then followed exhilarating sets from Alabama 3, Queens of the Stone Age, Ash, Idlewild, Faithless and Garbage amongst many others. Shame about Coldplay.

Celebs were out in force with T4's Vernon Kay and June Sarpong loitering in the Hospitality Tent for literally the entire day! Michelle Collins (of Eastender's 'fame') was also seen positioning herself appropriately near any film crew or potential journo's in hope of some exposure. Biggest celeb of the day award goes to Big Brother's Spencer who was mobbed by screaming girls. He'll be right at home here, considering how difficult it is to find anywhere to wash to a reasonable standard.

Two names were on everyone's lips though - despite the appeal of the aforementioned C listers (Vernon and June excluded!). The Who's John Entwistle died yesterday after suffering a heart attack at the age of 57, news that was received with great sadness by many of the bands backstage and led to song dedications and mentions during the sets. On a less melancholic note, the presence of Dave Grohl (formerly of Nirvana, currently of Foo Fighters, drumming for Queens of the Stone Age! he's a busy guy!) was enough to send the crowd into hysteria, particularly during the many amazing drum solos interspersed in the set.

This year's Glastonbury will also be remembered for two major sporting events. It has been revealed that the Super Furry Animals will not be replaced with another band, but that the World Cup Final of Brazil v Germany will be screened instead. We'd like to believe that this is to cater to the hoardes of people who will be desperate to witness the Krauts getting their ass' kicked, but the truth is far more likely to be that no one was willing to risk playing after Rolf Harris - surely no earthly being could live up to his standards.

The second sporting occasion was the Glastonbury Table Football Challenge Cup Finals, displaying the silky skills wrist action of Cooper Temple Clause, Lostprophets and Radio One. Idlewild acheived what Scotland's finest footballers never can - they won. And I bet they'll be supporting Germany tomorrow.