The gates to Glastonbury Festival officially open today with revellers being warned to expect a longer wait to enter amid extra security searches.

The heightened security comes after the recent terrorist atrocities in the UK which prompted arts events across the country to increase security measures.

Festival-goers already queuing for the world-famous festival have posted on social media about bag checks, with some vehicles and property searched by sniffer dogs.

Organisers and police have urged attendees to pack light, place luggage tags or ID on all bags and expect searches.

"Like the rest of the UK, festival-goers should be alert but not alarmed," Assistant Chief Constable Caroline Peters said.

It is expected to be the most shared live event of the year, with mobile network EE expecting 40 terabytes of data to be used.

The telecoms giant will place a temporary 4G network across the site.

The festival, hosting a population of 200,000, is being headlined by Radiohead, Foo Fighters and Ed Sheeran.

Johnny Depp will make an appearance, while Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn is due to give a talk and introduce US rap duo Run The Jewels.