Industrial strength scrumpy, sunburn, mud, and an obscene amount of good music.

The waiting is over for hundreds of Oxfordshire music lovers and artists, as this year's Glastonbury Festival kicks into life.

And while it has always been a huge honour to be invited to play one of Worthy Farm's many stages, it has now also become a feat of endurance, patience, military-style tactics and sheer luck to even get a ticket.

For those who came up smiling, however, this weekend's bash looks set to be a stunner - and for followers of the Oxford scene, it offers the chance to catch up on a handful of our best up-and-coming local bands who are playing this most international of stages.

Among those setting up camp are Binsey Americana act The Epstein who saw off competition from 2,500 other bands to win a slot on the hallowed field of dreams.

Word has it, festival organiser Michael Eavis hand-picked the band after dancing along to their demo set, down at the Somerset farm earlier this year - leaving bandmates Olly Wills, Jon Berry, Ed Hawkesworth, Rowland Prytherch and Stef Hamilton awestruck.

Frontman Olly, 28, said: "It's amazing. It is a big boost for us and it's nice to be recognised. I've never really won much before, so this is very exciting."

Olly admits to being a Glastonbury virgin, but was keen to find out what all the fuss is about.

Drummer Ed, 28, who rejoined the band after leaving five months ago due to work pressures, said: "For a musician, playing Glastonbury is at the top of the list of things you want to do in your life.

"There's something about Glastonbury which is unlike any other festival. It's like a city built on hippy values of peace, love and music.

"We hope this kickstarts our next phase of world domination."

Joining The Epstein in the mythical fields of Avalon (Glastonbury is believed by many to be the resting place of the Holy Grail), are Oxford's eccentric funk-pop threesome The Young Knives, and cinematic soundscape experimentalists A Silent Film.

The band won a coveted slot on the new 'BBC Introducing' stage, after being picked for their general brilliance by Radio 1's Huw Stephens and Steve Lamacq.

The lads were nominated by Tim Bearder and Dave Gilyeat, presenters of BBC Radio Oxford's The Download local radio show.

Of course, Glastonbury is about more than just the music. The real colour comes from the punters - who include a good number of Oxfordshire hedonists - such as East Oxford housemates Katie Hearne and Pete Burge, who are keeping their fingers crossed for sunshine.

"I have been to Glastonbury once before when the weather was ridiculous," says Katie. "So I'm hoping that this year we will be able to sit down on the ground in front of some of the more obscure acts and events.

"I love bumping into people spontaneously - and obviously the pear cider is right up there on the 'to do' list."

She admits to having a plan to make the experience a more pleasant one: "I have a changing tent. You may laugh, but it has proved itself an ideal festival item - especially where there is mud involved."

First-time Glasto-goer Pete, meanwhile, admits to being made of harder stuff.

He said: "I'm looking forward to immersing myself in bizarre situations and generally having a good time - hopefully minus rain and mud, but I am an archaeologist so am quite used to adverse weather."

See next week's Guide for coverage of the Glastonbury Festival.