THOUSANDS of Bingley Live revellers eased their way into the festival tonight.

Rain gave way to sunshine and dried out plastic ponchos as it shone on the evening line-up and on the happy crowds in Myrtle Park.

With headliners for this year’s festival including the Pet Shop Boys and Example, Gaz Coombes from Supergrass and Shed Seven set the pace for the three-day event tonight.

Even Keighley busker Johnny Bedford, 23, was doing his bit for live music by performing acoustic rock outside the main gates.

The feel-good factor was evident by the sea of neon-painted faces and footfall of welly-wearers – the grass was only slightly starting to churn under foot with organisers keeping their fingers crossed for dry weather to come.

The bars were doing non-stop trade which was great news for Bingley Live veteran of three years, nine-year-old Ewan Dany from Skegness who was collecting cups to recycle, getting 10p back for each one in the hope of buying a new X-Box game and giving the rest of his hard-earned cash to the charity that helps his eight-year-old autistic brother Jake back home.

Catherine Taylor, 23, from Keighley was there with friends to see Shed Seven, rating them as the top band of the weekend for her.

When the band from York came on stage, the excited crowd roared.

Jason Moran, 43, had travelled from Harrogate with his family for the weekend and said the event was like Leeds Festival’s little brother.

“It’s a great atmosphere, very relaxed tonight but it’ll be busier tomorrow. It’s a fantastic festival and value for money – especially when you have to bring a whole tribe with you!”

At less than £50 for over 50 acts Bingley Music Live is being billed as one of the best value festivals around.

Police had a big presence, especially at Bingley train station where a points problem caused delays.