Parklife 2022 pictures as 80,000 pour into Heaton Park for first day of Manchester's biggest festival

Thousands of music fans have started pouring into Heaton Park, as Parklife 2022 finally gets underway. The UK's largest metropolitan festival will welcome 80,000 people today, as Manchester's biggest music event resumes its usual June spot - and this year's festivities are set to bigger and better than ever.

It wouldn't be a Manchester festival without a bit of rain, but so far it's held off. Regardless, the potential for downpours has failed to dampen the party spirit so far, as a sea of colourful outfits and costumes brings a dose of sunshine to Heaton Park.

Today, festival goers are gearing up for some major musical talent including headline performances on Saturday from 50 Cent, Jamie xx and Chase & Status. They'll be joined by the likes of Loyle Carner, Peggy Gou, Four Tet and Sonny Fodera, to name just a few.

Musicians and DJs from across the musical spectrum will be appearing across the weekend, and on Sunday night crowds will be treated to performances from Tyler, The Creator, Megan Thee Stallion and Lewis Capaldi. Sunday's bill also includes Arlo Parks, Eric Prydz, Annie Mac and The Blessed Madonna.

Spread across a corner of Heaton Park, the festival takes place over eight main stages. There's also s a fancy VIP area, and dozens of bars and street food vendors to peruse.

The queues to get in were forming long before 11am as eager music fans patiently waited to head into Heaton Park. Food and drink stalls were prepped and raring to go including Notorious Pig, Toucan Cocktails and Greek Street Food.

Drinks prices this year range from £6 for a Carlsberg and £6.60 for a mango flavoured White Claw Hard Seltzer, to £7 for a wine and £10 for spirits and mixers. Cocktails start from £10.50 while soft drinks are