The gates have opened - the Isle of Wight Festival 2010 has officially begun - hold on to your cowboy hats!

Dodging huge puddles and muddy bogs festival goers were undeterred in their enthusiasm to hit the festival site.

Most had come prepared in stylish wellies but many flip-flops perished in the run up to the gates.

Many dashed straight to the main stage to grab a prime spot but most festival goers took time to soak up the atmosphere and didn't get further than the Carling bar at the entrance.

The good news is the rain has stayed away so the line-up should start to bright skies and happy campers in less than an hour.

Get the latest IOW Festival updates on Twitter!