Today marks the 20th anniversary of Scottish super-festival T in the Park. Launched by promotions conglomerate Big Day Out Ltd in Strathclyde Park, 1994, it was an instant success boasting diverse headline acts such as Rage Against the Machine, Blur, Bjork, House of Pain, James Taylor, as well as Oasis and Primal Scream, not bad for a debut year. Despite an early flutter of financial palpations it is now widely known as one of the most prestigious festivals in Britain, enjoying its final situation in Kinross-shire catering to over 85,000 attendees, after the original sites dissolution by a supermarket in 1997.
Close to Loch Levin, famous for its research into ecology and hydrology, T in the Park was obviously inspired by Scotland’s freshwater ‘jewel in the crown’ and is now one of the only two Carbon Neutral festivals in the UK. Continuing its commitment to the community, T in the Park is also renowned for it’s facilitation of new talent. The T-break stage is famous for championing acts such as Snow Patrol, Paulo Nuntini and Biffy Clyro, now all international giants. This year sees the arrival of Bieber-beating band Mumford and Sons, who seem spoilt for choice after their recent Glastonbury experience, Rihanna, The Killers, Snoop-Dog and 3 dimensional legends Kraftwerk. It’s always a slight surprise when airbrushed pop stars join the fray, but this sparkling edition seems suited to such glamour, not to mention the intriguing Scottish Sun Cabaret Club and other extra-musical entertainment, who’ll be dousing the proceedings in carnival glitter all weekend. It’s sure to be a blast across all seven stages and as the Scots are well known for their weather tolerance, it seems nothing can diminish the jubilant proceedings.
