You'd think that waking up to the news of a band cancelling their set would put a dampener on the already damp festival proceedings, but even without Glass Animals' performance (get well soon Dave!) day three of Rock Werchter shines through.
"Just in case you are not sure," Frank Carter declares two songs into his set, "THIS is how you open the main stage." Stood in the centre of the crowd, precariously balancing above the audiences heads, The Rattlesnakes are raring to turn things up to eleven - "even if it is one o'clock and it's raining." Sound techs struggle to jump out the way in the onslaught of the band's energy, while the gathered mass throw themselves into every moment. Opening up a simultaneous six sick circle pits (try saying that three times fast) while they dedicate songs to loved ones and lost ones, before bursting open a bottle of champagne as they lead a rendition of 'Happy Birthday' for tour manager Elliot Taylor, Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes are turbo charged and totally sensational.
On the other side of the festival site, Toothless gets things off to a more melodic start under the twinkling lights of The Barn. "This is the biggest show we've played by a long stretch," Ed Nash marvels mid set. "Biggest and best!" The band's enchanting harmonies and grooving choruses ring out with an effortlessly smooth appeal, ushering back the sunshine with a sense of effortless euphoria. Entrancing though it is, today is all about music that rocks.
