Alabama Shakes front woman Brittany Howard. Picture by Robin Crossley.
THOUSANDS of Bestival-goers, keen to make the most of the music and good weather, arrived on the Isle of Wight yesterday (Thursday) for the opening day of the event.
Organisers said about 37,000 people arrived on site for the first day and although main stage entertainment does not start until today (Friday), there was plenty on offer for early arrivals.
In the Big Top there were big crowds for a DJ set by The 2 Bears and live performances by acts including Hot Chip, Gary Numan and Alabama Shakes.
Those who made it to the site for the first day were also treated to performances from the likes of Isle of Wight stars Emmy J Mac, Signals and The Vecks.
There were long queues at times for ferries and shuttle buses, but one group of hardy Bestival fans did not have to worry about that.
The annual Swim 2 Bestival, which has run since 2007, saw 20 intrepid swimmers, escorted by Freshwater Independent Lifeboat and members of the Island Youth Water Activity Centre (IYWAC) and the Isle of Wight Canoe Club, make their way from Hurst Castle to Colwell Bay.
Among them was TV personality Lee Jones, from ITV’s Trash to Treasure.
Money raised by the Swim 2 Bestival will go to the Island Youth Water Activity Centre, as well as charities chosen by the individual swimmers.
The team started the day with a breakfast at Salty’s in Yarmouth and were welcomed back with a party at Barefoot on the Beach.
Swim 2 Bestival on the Isle of Wight. Picture by Laura Holme.
Swim 2 Bestival on the Isle of Wight. Picture by Laura Holme.
People arrive at Ryde, Isle of Wight, for Bestival. Picture by Jennifer Burton.
People arrive at Ryde, Isle of Wight, for Bestival. Picture by Jennifer Burton.
Reporter: ross.findon@iwcp.co.uk