Thousands flock to festival

The three-day event kicked off last night with Status Quo performing.

Travelling to the island from Portsmouth Harbour, Rebecca Leng, 25, is a regular Isle of Wight Festival attendee.

‘I go most years. I can’t wait for this one’, she said.

‘I’m excited to see all the acts, but my top picks are Faithless and Stereophonics. They’re amazing.’

Ferry passenger Dean Shuttle, 32, from Cosham, has never been before.

‘I’m looking forward to it. It should be really good’, he said.

‘I’m most excited to see Feeder, Ocean Colour Scene and Reef. They’re three of my favourite bands from old times.’

Headliners Faithless, The Who, Stereophonics and Queen, who will be joined by vocalist Adam Lambert, will make appearances across the weekend.

n Don’t miss The News on Monday for a pictures and a report from the festival and updates over the weekend at portsmouth.co.uk

Festival gates were officially opened yesterday afternoon after Reverend Mark Evans of Newport Congregational Church, Isle of Wight, gave a blessing over the main stage.