Some 15,000 people turned out for the first night of the troubled music festival the Gig on the Green, putting organisers in an optimistic mood.

Despite a reduction in crowd capacity due to poor ticket sales, the organisers said thousands were still attracted to the festival in the city's east end.

A total of 30,000 people were expected to attend over the whole weekend, with The Prodigy, The Offspring and Slipknot headlining on the opening day.

Dillinger Escape Plan played a rousing set

Police say 19 people are due to be reported to the Procurator Fiscal for minor offences, including drugs and public disorder offences.

Other acts billed for the event include Cornershop, Spiritualized The Streets and DJ Tall Paul.

'Good time'

A slump in ticket sales and reports that the event has failed to repeat the success of previous years in attracting headline acts were dismissed by Fiona Hutchison of promoters Regular Music.

She said: "The problems have been exaggerated to a certain extent but we've got 64 bands, some of the best bands in the world and four stages.

"Anyone who comes to the Gig is going to have a really good time."

Regular Music said it was pleased at the large number of people turning up at the gates at the very start of the festival, which was an unusual sight at any all-day music event.

Around 8,500 fans of the US metal band Slipknot watched the band give an hour-long performance clad in olive-green boiler suits and grotesque head masks.

Sunday's acts will include Pulp, The Strokes and The White Stripes.

'Dealing drugs'

Last year, the event attracted controversial US acts Eminem and Marilyn Manson, who drew massive crowds but also attracted negative publicity.

There were appeals for calm after crushing incidents during both acts.

Senior officers at Strathclyde Police said the force would have a dual role in enforcing the law and advising on safety issues at this year's event.

Chief Superintendent Kevin Smith said: "Gig on the Green is a major event for the city of Glasgow and I am sure that it will be a spectacular show enjoyed by everyone.

"However, my officers are aware that there will be a number of people at this event who will want to take drugs or even deal to others.

"Officers will be detailed at the event to look out for anybody who may have taken drugs or who may be dealing drugs, and I must warn people that firm action will be taken."