By Eric Nicolson

IT TOOK little more than an hour for 40,000 “early bird” tickets for next year’s T in the Park to sell out—less than 48 hours after this year’s Kinross-shire festival ended.

The tickets for Scotland’s biggest music festival went on sale at 9am and were gone by 10.09.

As has become customary, the tickets were offered at the same price as this year’s event.

This year’s festival saw some 180 artists arrive at Balado to play over 11 stages as the arena opened to campers for three days for the first time.

Those who did not manage to secure tickets yesterday morning will be able to try again early next year when organisers announce the first artists on the bill.

Geoff Ellis of DF Concerts said, “We are delighted to have been able to give music fans the opportunity to book their place at next year’s festival while memories of this year are still fresh in their minds.

“This year undoubtedly paid witness to both the best atmosphere onsite and to staggering performances across all stages.

“Again we applaud the fantastic attitude brought by festival goers who showed massive determination to have a fantastic weekend, despite Friday’s weather.

“Once the sun came out to shine for the rest of the weekend the mood improved even further.

“We can’t wait to get started on the organisation of next year’s event.”

George Kyle, head of sponsorship at founding partners Tennent’s Lager, added, “Once again we have to congratulate the Balado faithful on their wholehearted enjoyment of the weekend.

“Once again all of us here at Tennent’s Lager are delighted that so many have chosen to join us next year, and our thanks go out to our partners DF Concerts for planning such an unforgettable weekend. We look forward to announcing next year’s stunning line up in the near future.”