'˜They'll get the crowd bouncing whatever the weather' '“ Victorious revellers await headliners The Prodigy

The Essex maestros look set to steal the show when they descend on the Common Stage to get the proverbial fire started at 9.20pm tonight. 

Until then though, revellers will have to brave grotty, gusty conditions '“ but with a host of musical talent on display, they say there are far worse ways to spend a Sunday. 

No stranger to the headliners' chaotic performances, Spike Boxall, from Southsea, is chomping at the bit for the main event. 

'˜They're out there and they've got their own groove going on '“ there's no one like them,' he said. 

'˜I've seen them many times and they put on a proper show. They'll get the crowd bouncing whatever the weather.' 

Fellow festivalgoers are hoping he is right, having spent much of the afternoon seeking shelter from the rain which has left the festival grounds sodden with mud. 

Dee Christie and Tom Brighton have travelled to the festival from the Hampshire town of Yateley. 

Despite scouting out the dry where they can, the pair '“ wearing bright ponchos and technicolour face paint '“ are emblematic of the Victorious following determined to throw caution to the weather. 

'˜We got here at about 1pm, we're only here for the day, and we've got the stamina to enjoy a bit of rain,' Dee said. 

'˜Tonight is going to be all about The Prodigy, Embrace and Example.' 

While they were nestled in the comfort of the VIP area, others went head-to-head with the conditions and got their groove on in the pouring rain. 

Images captured by photographer Vernon Nash, above, show the care-free feeling by the Common Stage this afternoon '“ as British folk-rocker Marika Hackman and London outfit The Bluetones made the most of their slots. 

But at the same time, other corners of Southsea Common fell quiet, as Little Calm Company masseurs Louise Rooke and Helen Richards know only too well. 

Yesterday, the pair saw north of 40 clients, but today's showers have made music lovers less inclined to indulge in their brand of relaxation '“ with their kit on or off. 

'˜Saturday was absolutely manic, it was almost too much for us' Helen said. 

'˜But although we offer massages over clothes, people don't want to brave the horrendous weather and come and see us today.

'˜We've got a great view of the stage though, so that'll give us a bit more of a chance to enjoy the music.' 

 

TONIGHT'S LINE-UP '“ The Common Stage

 

:: 6.35PM '“ 7.20PM: Sleaford Mods 

:: 7.50PM '“ 8.40PM: Friendly Fires

:: 9.20PM '“ 10.50PM: The Prodigy 

 

TONIGHT'S LINE-UP '“ The Castle Stage 

 

:: 7PM '“ 7.45PM: Embrace 

:: 8.15PM '“ 9PM: Example and DJ Wire

:: 9.45PM '“ 10.45PM: Years and Years