THOUSANDS of music fans have flocked to Scotland's biggest festival for performances by Calvin Harris, Arctic Monkeys and the Kaiser Chiefs

THOUSANDS of music fans have flocked to Scotland's biggest festival for performances by Calvin Harris, Arctic Monkeys and the Kaiser Chiefs

Revellers pitched their tents at T in the Park, which is being held at Balado in Kinross-shire for a final time.

Pharrell Williams, Katy B and Tinie Tempah will play to a daily crowd of 85,000 over the three-day event. The line-up also includes local hero Paolo Nutini, and Jake Bugg.

Music fans began setting off from Glasgow's Buchanan Street bus station as early as Thursday. Busloads of revellers arrived on site in blazing sun for the opening day yesterday.

This year marks the end of an era for T in the Park at the Balado airfield, home to the festival for the past 18 years.

Revellers are hoping the weather forecast won't dampen their spirits, as it is expected heavy showers will arrive from mid afternoon today.

Organisers said this weekend's event will act as a "send-off party" before the festival moves to Strathallan Castle estate in Perthshire in 2015.

Performers over the weekend include the headliners from T in the Park's first year at Balado - The Charlatans and Paul Weller - with both acts taking to the stage 18 years to the day after they performed at the festival's debut in Kinross.

Manic Street Preachers, Kaiser Chiefs and the Pixies will also play.

The campsite gates opened on Thursday night, with crowds turning up early to grab the best spot for the festival, now its 21st year.

Festival director Geoff Ellis said: "This weekend, we mark the end of an era. The Balado site has never looked more beautiful, and we're getting ready to give our much-loved home the incredible send-off it deserves.

"We're really looking forward to celebrating one last time here, and can't wait to welcome you all as we throw Balado a farewell party."

More than 2800 artists have played Balado over nearly two decades, including Foo Fighters, The Stone Roses, Rihanna, The Killers, The Who, Daft Punk and Kylie Minogue.

catriona.stewart@eveningtimes.co.uk