THE iconic Isle of Wight Festival's off to a storming start with some spectacular performances from Friday night's eclectic line-up.

Tight security greeted festival-goers at the gates of Seaclose Park as they looked forward to a night of sets from some seriously big names.

It was only when Rag 'n' Bone Man stepped on to the main stage that it became apparent just how busy it is this year.

He'd travelled to the island in style, taking the helm of a Wightlink ferry earlier in the day.

He got the party going in style and Kaiser Chiefs were quick to pick up on the atmosphere with Ricky Wilson bouncing around the stage.

Unsurprisingly, I Predict a Riot drew the best reaction from the crowd at the main stage before they waited for 1980s American hip hop act Run DMC and megastar DJ David Guetta.

But meanwhile, in the Big Top, something very special was going on.

At 65-years-old, Chrissie Hynde is cooler than ever and she fronted a brilliant set from The Pretenders.

It was packed and she seemed genuinely blown away by the volume of people and their reaction.

All the old hits were there - Brass in Pocket, Kid, Back on the Chain Gang and Stop Your Sobbing - along with some new stuff that proves they've still got it.

Then it was party time at the main arena as tens of thousands of people were transported to Ibiza by the world's most successful DJ.

Lasers, fireworks, ticker tape and breath-taking lights displays created a nightclub atmosphere and set everyone up for the rest of the weekend.

Today's certain to have a different vibe with Catfish and the Bottlemen and Arcade Fire to look forward to. Can't wait.