GROUPS of teenage revellers hit Reading and Leeds Festival today as the much-loved music bonanzas kicks off in style.
The crowds of youngsters are the latest musically-starved Brits to welcome back the live music scene with open arms after last year's cancellations.
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Bum bags at the ready, this clan look like they are ready for a dance and sing-a-long Credit: Hyde News & Pictures 8
Hoping for warm weather, this festival-goer looks ready to dance the day away Credit: Rex 8
Two friends enjoy the river views before heading to the festival to enjoy live music after a year of cancelled gigs Credit: Rex 8
The sun is set to shine for the bank holiday weekend, meaning no mud baths for these girls Credit: Rex 8
It's a different story at Leeds festival, where one girl prepared for rain Credit: BackGrid 8
Colourful tents cover the greenery in Leeds today as guests make themselves at home for the weekend Credit: Ben Lack
Treated to warm weather, the Reading crowds make the most of it in shorts, crop tops, dresses and even fancy dress.
This Bank Holiday weekend looks like it will stay dry and warm for the gig-goers.
While in Leeds, it's not looking quite so warm as many festival-goers hide under rain macs.
Temperatures will stick in the early to mid-twenties throughout the weekend - much to the delight of campers.
For millions of people this weekend travel chaos has been unleashed as 18.4million cars hit the road to get away.
A staggering 13.3 million people have planned overnight stints on UK shores - 42 per cent of sunseekers country-wide.
The surge comes as the Met Office says this summer could potentially be in the top 10 warmest summers on record.
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In a statement, the Met Office says while it is still a few days off announcing a definitive ranking at the start of September, the UK's mean temperature for summer was around one degree centigrade higher than average at 15.4C.
Stormzy, Mabel, Catfish and The Bottlemen, Sam Fender, Liam Gallagher, Wolf Alice, Biffy Clyro, Post Malone and Tom Grennan are just some of the names playing at Reading and Leeds festivals this weekend.
MUSICAL MADNESS
The iconic event is one of the first major festivals to officially reopen its doors since Covid restrictions were lifted.
As well as plenty of booze and live music, attendees will have the option to get Covid jabs on site.
This comes after NHS England said more than half a million 16 and 17-year-olds have had their first dose.
The pop-up clinics across the two sites mean that people will be able to grab the jab as quick as getting a beer.
Although people drunk or under the influence of drugs won't be able to get the jab.
Health officials are currently investigating the 4,700 cases of coronavirus that are suspected to have been linked to Boardmasters festival in Cornwall.
The surf festival took place nearly two weeks ago and Cornwall leaders say they are satisfied with how the festival was organised and have "no regrets".
JABS ON OFFER
Health Secretary Sajid Javid insisted getting a jab is “one of the most important things you can do to protect yourself and your loved ones”.
He said: “Vaccines are saving lives and allowing us to regain the freedoms we’ve been looking forward to over the last 18 months – from visiting family abroad to festivals and gigs.
“It’s brilliant to see different sectors and industries stepping up to help get the country vaccinated, making it easier than ever to get your jab.”
Dr Nikki Kanani, a GP and deputy lead for NHS England’s vaccination programme, said: “Thanks to the hard work of NHS staff and volunteers, more than half a million young people aged 16 and 17 have had their first dose.
"Teams across the country have worked tirelessly to get their communities protected, vaccinating at convenient pop-up clinics in the park, at places of worship and stadiums, and now at Reading and Leeds.
“It is great to see the return of live music and performances.
"As festivalgoers head to the main stage this weekend to see their favourite headliners, I am also urging anyone who hasn’t to add the ‘vaccine tent’ to their festival itinerary to get that lifesaving vaccine as the best protection we can get from coronavirus.”
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Leeds festival was in full swing this weekend too as thousands enjoyed the live music Credit: Mercury 8
In fancy dress, these young lads arrive with their own mode of transport Credit: Rex
Reading festival revellers arrive early for five days of partying in blazing hot sunshine