Thousands of music lovers descended on Bingley tonight to herald the start of one of the district’s showcase music festivals.

Wellies were out in force as the 11,000-strong crowd refused to be deterred by the showers during the afternoon – along with the consequent mud which marked the opening night of Bingley Music Live at Myrtle Park.

The thousands of revellers who braved the conditions were treated to sets on the main stage from Manchester icons The Charlatans, Motown legend Martha Reeves and the Vandellas, raucous riffs from Kids In Glass Houses and modern girl-band pop from Stooshe.

Event manager Andrew Wood said he was pleased with the way the opening night had gone.

He said: “I’m very pleased that we have managed to get the event up and running, bearing in mind the weather we have had this last week. It’s been a challenge.

“People have come out and still bought tickets despite the horrendous weather.”

As well as the main stage, this year’s event has seen an expanded Raise the Roof stage playing host to bands such as Miles and Erica and The Lancashire Hotpots, and a new Musicians Centre stage which will see about 20 local bands performing in front of the huge crowds over the weekend.

Mr Wood said: “I’m very pleased with the new stages. Obviously the Musicians Centre stage for the local bands seems to have gone down well, there’s been a strong crowd out in front of the stage all evening.

“It’s felt more like a festival having the two additional stages and it’s gone very well so I’m very pleased.”

More than 40,000 revellers, staff, volunteers and technicians are expected on site throughout the three-day festival, which is headlined tonight by Razorlight and Nero Live tomorrow.