Thousands of music fans were treated to a night of live performances, street food and entertainment as this year’s Playground Festival got underway.
The event welcomed 10,000 people on Friday to see the likes of The Libertines and Glasvegas in Giffnock’s Rouken Glen Park.
Despite some acts pulling out due to illness, organisers were delighted with the start to the event, which continues until Sunday.
Festival marketing director Ashleigh Elliott said: “It’s been a superb start to the weekend and the majority of festivalgoers seem to be loving our efforts.
“We were gutted to lose the planned DJ sets from Leftfield and Hot Chip due to illness, but we still believe our line-up is strong enough to rival any festival in the UK or even Europe.
“The main thing is, after two years without live music, we are back – and to welcome those smiling families into this beautiful site is a privilege.
“We hope you all enjoy the rest of the weekend and we can’t wait to see you again today!”
After taking to the stage on Friday night, Glasvegas frontman James Allan said: “Playing gigs, playing to big audiences, is something you would assume bands would get used to but you don’t, it is always really special.
“It’s special when you start playing songs with the band in a wee room but it’s something that gives it a different life, it lights the songs up with the audience – that’s what they do. I feel lucky tonight.
“It’s nice playing with acts like James and The Libertines – James are so good and there’s lots of bits in their songs you feel are magical.
“Carl Barat is my pal, but you see him play guitar and he’s so good, he’s a talented guy. Hearing other bands play and sharing the stage with them is really cool.”
His cousin Robert – Glasvegas’ guitarist – said backstage: “This is the friendliest festival ever, everyone is so lovely. We feel really welcome.”
Earlier in the evening, Manchester favourites James thrilled the crowd with a hit-packed set including a memorable singalong to Sit Down.
And The Libertines – with Barat wearing pal James Allan’s iconic vintage Marilyn Monroe biker jacket onstage – brought the opening night of Playground Festival 2021 to a thunderous close with a storming run-through of their back catalogue.
The band’s Pete Doherty told fans: “It’s nice to get out again – we have come a long way to see you!”
Orbital – brothers Paul and Phil Hartnoll – turned in a sensational closing set on the second stage, with industrial containers creating a club-like environment outdoors.
The delighted brothers told fans: “Glasgow you never let us down, every time – we love you”.
Culture Club & Boy George are due to play tonight’s main stage, but Kelis and Egyptian Lover have pulled out of the event due to “unforeseen circumstances”.
Some attendees also complained on social media of long queues for food and drink and issues with the cashless wristband system in place at the festival.
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