Scotland’s biggest music festival opens in blistering heat with music, protest and party vibes

Glasgow’s TRNSMT music festival roared to life under a blazing sun on Friday, with thousands of fans enduring 27C heat to catch a packed line-up of chart-toppers, rockers, and political moments.

Held at the iconic Glasgow Green, the three-day event welcomed fans from across the country for performances by 50 Cent, Biffy Clyro, Snow Patrol, and a slew of indie and pop favourites. Friday’s festivities opened with Scottish singer Calum Bowie, who admitted fearing an empty crowd, only to be met with chants and sing-alongs.

“It’s quite early and the first day of the festival,” he told BBC Scotland, “but there were people right down the front and it filled out during the rest of the set. Everyone was singing back.”

The crowd swelled throughout the day, but the scorching sun took its toll. Dozens retreated to shaded spots near the King Tut’s Stage, and NHS officials reminded festivalgoers to hydrate and shield from the sun.

Despite the weather, the mood remained high. Jamie Webster, a Liverpool-born singer-songwriter, faced chants slamming the Conservative Party during his set. But Webster, known for political lyrics, called for a pause: “Festivals like this are escapism. That’s massively important.”

Wet Leg, however, weren’t shy. The Isle of Wight duo fired up the main stage with their signature mischief. Singer Rhian Teasdale, clad in a bikini top, flexed her muscles at the mic. Their drum kit read “50 Leg” — a playful nod to Friday’s headliner. Guitarist Hester Chambers went further, voicing pro-Palestinian support and condemning “fascist forces” that she claimed were silencing protest.

They weren’t the only ones. Glasgow’s own Twin Atlantic made their stance clear, with bassist Ross McNae donning a Palestine FC football shirt in solidarity with Gaza.

By evening, the crowd erupted to a greatest-hits set from The Script, whose frontman Danny O’Donoghue led mass sing-alongs with anthems like Breakeven and The Man Who Can’t Be Moved.

Then came the main event: 50 Cent arrived five minutes early — a rarity in music circles. Backed by dancers, pyrotechnics, and outfit changes, the US rapper lit up the night with Candy Shop, Disco Inferno, and Just a Lil Bit. Word had spread of his low-key visit to the Vega bar the night before, where he bowled with champagne in hand.

Meanwhile, Confidence Man, an Aussie duo, turned up the energy with sequins, routines, and synth-heavy pop after stepping in for Irish rap trio Kneecap, who were dropped from the bill.

Fans — many sunburnt, shirtless, and clutching handheld fans — stayed the course, despite the heat. Sisters Kelly and Chloe Gillespie, Glasgow locals, said they’d never miss a TRNSMT. “We’ve already gone through one bottle of water,” Chloe laughed. “We’ll be going for more.”

Veteran festivalgoer Lesley Lapsley, who came with her teenage son Aidan, hoped for a surprise appearance from Lewis Capaldi. “It could do with a few more massive names,” she said, “but it’s brilliant for the younger generation.”

Saturday’s line-up features Biffy Clyro, Fontaines D.C., and Underworld, though Wunderhorse have pulled out due to illness and will be replaced by Miles Kane.

Snow Patrol will close the festival on Sunday, joined by Gracie Abrams and Jade Thirlwall of Little Mix.

With blazing temperatures set to continue, organisers are urging attendees to drink water, seek shade, and keep the party safe — because TRNSMT 2025 is only just getting started.