Thousands attend Splendour Festival 2023 as gates open on day one

The weather may not be perfect for festival temperatures but it hasn’t deterred many from attending the two-day event which is celebrating its fifteenth year. The forecast for Saturday, July 22 is set to rain all day but may improve on Sunday.

It’s a sea of umbrellas, rain macs, hats and makeshift tents as festival attendees find inventive ways to shelter from the rain. Despite this, there is much excitement as the day started with strong performances on the main stage from Future Sound of Nottingham winner, Em.

Main stage acts later today will include Madness and Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds along with Rudimental, Sugababes and Confidence Man. Artists including The Vaccines, Everything Everything, DYLAN, The Coral, Jake Shears and Inspiral Carpets were also added to the star-studded event

Last year saw over 23,000 people per day join in the festivities at the historic location and it is thought that this year could be even bigger. Main stage performances from day one will include Madness, Rudimental, and Sugababes on the main stage with Noel Gallagher, The Kooks and Confidence Man set to perform on Sunday.

Sheila Topping from Mapperely is looking forward to Madness having seen them before. “They always bring a great performance and I’m excited to see them. Not enjoying the rain though!” she said.

Lindsey Marie from Beeston is at the event with her friends. She hasn’t been to Splendour before and hopes to catch Sugababes. “I used to love them when I was younger so I’m excited to see how they are now.”