T in the Park 2010
Friday 9th to Sunday 11th July 2010Balado, nr Kinross. Scotland, KY13 0NJ, Scotland MAP
£180 for weekend with camping - SOLD OUT
Daily capacity: 80,000
Heading to T in the Park on Friday is always an exciting experience - the chance to see some of the biggest acts in little Balado builds a huge amount of anticipation from all around Scotland, and indeed the UK. And my trip up to Balado in the coach is no different - the packed bus full of wellie and sunglasses-wearing group are all as excited as they can be, rain or shine. And shine is unlikely, with rain being forecast for the whole weekend.
Walking into the arena on Friday evening, I'm surprised to see the sun breaking through the clouds, and campers from Thursday night, as well as those arriving on Friday, are all getting well and truly into the festival spirit - which means, of course for T in the Park, copious amounts of Tennents (or your booze of choice), fancy dress or comedy hat and the chance to belt out some decent tunes. It's the third year for Fancy Dress Friday, with a mad hatter theme this year and around me are Postman Pat's, Teletubbies and Buzz Lightyear - all blending in with the fresh faces that can only be found on the opening night of a festival.
The Editors are next up on the main stage and the festival favourites prove popular with hit 'An End Has A Start', and they keep their energy high despite their tendency to sound morose - every time I hear them they sound more like Joy Division. They play their fan favourites and 'Smokers Outside The Hospital Doors' is a highlight as the crowd go crazy for the modern anthem.
Taking a wander down to the NME stage, and the immediately recognisable haunting wail of Florence And The Machine is matched by the screams of a jubilant crowd - Florence Welch belts out favourites like 'Drumming Song' and 'Kiss With A Fist' while conducting the cheers of the audience with a lone drumstick.
It's a fight to get back to the main stage and once there, it's unsurprising to see that Muse have a huge awaiting audience - their live shows are the stuff of legend, and the crowd are buzzing with anticipation to see how they incorporate songs from their new album 'The Resistance'. And the result is no let down - I'm always impressed as to how 3 men can create such a staggering commotion with slick results - and songs like 'Supermassive Black Hole' following on with a balanced mix of the best of the new and the classics to keep the fans happy like 'Feeling Good' and 'Time Is Running Out'. They are entertaining not only with the music but with an enthusiastic laser show, just in time for the sun to hide away for the night and to make the best of the effects on the stage. And then, with a last yell of "Scotland!" from Bellamy, the first full night of T in the Park is over, save for the reverse bungee and the dodgems to entertain the minority of dawdling campers who have sensibly taken it a bit easier on the first night of the weekend. The slow and steady procession back to car parks, tents and coaches follow to the background of sporadic chanting.
review by: Clare Sinclair
photos by: Louise Davidson / Nicki Innes
Latest Updates
T in the Park
festival home page
festival home page
last updated: Wed 20th Apr 2022
Radiohead to headline the new three-day Glasgow festival?
happening in gap left by T in the Park
happening in gap left by T in the Park
last updated: Mon 28th Nov 2016
T in the Park announces it is to take a break
citing conditions put upon them by Scottish Government Ministers & ospreys
citing conditions put upon them by Scottish Government Ministers & ospreys
last updated: Thu 24th Nov 2016
T in the Park organisers consider hosting a new festival in Glasgow in July
but it won't be a T in the Park replacement
but it won't be a T in the Park replacement
last updated: Mon 21st Nov 2016
why raising the festival attendance age to 21 is not the answer
and will probably just make deaths from drugs worse
and will probably just make deaths from drugs worse
last updated: Thu 11th Aug 2016