WAS Saturday the day the north invaded the Isle of Wight?

It could well have been, because as Saturday night closed with an incredible performance by Hacienda Classical, the place erupted in pure ecstasy after a day of northern bliss.

Across the sun-soaked day, three massive Manchester-based acts bossed the sold-out event.

Kicking off in the early evening, Stockport's finest new wave band ensured the crowd got pumped up before the evening ahead.

The goosebump raising 'Charlemagne' provided the perfect highlight during a set so assured for a band of mates on just their second album that eventually posters will adorn their name on top.

Later on the Main Stage, Liam Gallagher, always one to divide opinion as much as couscous, showed exactly why he is still regarded as his generation's greatest front-man.

He doesn't need polls to tell him how good he is. He just does it.

His critically acclaimed debut solo album 'As You Were' was the blueprint...for bits.

'Rock'n'Roll Star' and 'Morning Glory' opened before the euphoric close of 'Live Forever' and 'Wonderwall'. Immense.

Following this Mancunian legend was Hacidenda Classical.

Such was the Hacienda's influence, this classical reawakening, which involved the club's original DJ partnership of Graeme Park and Mick Pickering, saw a number of seminal dance classics bought back to life...and the crowd rightly embraced it.

But claiming it was a northern invasion is unfair.

In truth, Saturday represented a standout day in the festival-goers' 2018 calendar.

Jessie J? Check. James Bay? Check. Depeche Mode? Double check.

Each bought their own unique sound to the crowd.

Perhaps the best performance, however, was from Isle of Wight based artist Lauran Hibberd.

This songwriter is incredible. Her delicious way of developing an empowering melody to a backdrop of broken-down instrumentation really marks her out as a star of the future.

She must be...Colin Firth, Oscar award winner, was in the crowd experiencing the sound live.

Sunday promises more fun as the curtain is drawn on the golden anniversary of the Isle of Wight festival.