FESTIVAL fever hit the south today as the Isle of Wight festival kicked off.

The first official day of the festival starts today with headliners Faithless bringing their signature dance anthems to the island.

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Also joining them on the Friday main stage are Sterophonics, Everything Everthing, Jess Glynn and early 2000s sensation Busted.

The thousands of revellers who arrived at the site yesterday got a special early treat with the Big Top stage hosting several acts on Thursday night.

Maxi Jazz from Faithless took to the stage before classic rock band Status Quo headlined the evening.

The Dolls kicked things off with a punk rock set of classic tunes and original pieces.

For many fans the real action starts tomorrow with legendary rockers The Who taking over the main stage and Queen, with Adam Lambert standing in for Freddie Mercury, bringing proceedings to a close on Sunday.

Sherry Lester, 46, a coordinator from Eastleigh, said: "It's got to be Queen, but I just love it all. The whole festival is fantastic.

"This is the fourth year that I have been and I keep coming back for the atmosphere and the hospitality."

Alex Pike, from the stall Pancake Pod at the festival, said: "I'm really excited to see Faithless I think they have really good tracks an I think it will be a really good atmosphere.

"I was also interested in the Isle of Wight festival because it's on an island and it's something different."

The festival continues over the weekend, ending on Sunday.