Damp start for O2 Wireless Festival

10:40am Friday 4th July 2008

Rain failed to dampen the spirits of music fans at the start of the four-day O2 Wireless Festival.

The heavens opened over the crowds packed into London's Hyde Park for the hip-hop-flavoured first day of the event.

But the sun came back out and the waterproof ponchos went away, leaving festival-goers to enjoy artists including US rapper Jay-Z and British electropop group Hot Chip.

New York-based producer-turned-artist Mark Ronson introduced a series of guest vocalists on stage during his set of covers, which was accompanied by a string quartet and a three-piece brass section.

Lily Allen performed a Kaiser Chiefs song wearing leopard-print leggings and smoking a cigarette. Other guests included Charlatans singer Tim Burgess performing his band's hit The Only One I Know and UK rapper Wiley.

Headliner Jay-Z was expected to win over more fans after his triumphant slot at the Glastonbury Festival on Saturday night.

Music lovers will be hoping it stays dry on Friday, when Morrissey headlines the festival.

The former Smiths frontman has admitted the weather gods do not always shine on him, saying earlier: "I shall do my utmost not to pull a sour face. The sun will make up its own mind."

The festival continues with Brighton-based DJ Fatboy Slim headlining on Saturday and Californian rockers Counting Crows at the top of the bill on Sunday.

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