Festival Features

Against all the odds it's not raining, in fact it's scorching hot - quite a change from the rest of our so-called summer. Although that does bring some problems. The queue for water is massive and, judging by the red necks and shoulders, some of us forgot to pack our sun tan lotion. Ouch.

The whisky saloon

It's the fifth year that the festival's been held on the grounds of posh stately home Bramham Park and it feels right at home here now. There are a few changes... the Unsigned Stage has shifted back a bit (giving it more room to breathe - not a bad thing) and then there's the new whisky bar. I can't decide whether the arrival of the big wooden saloon (with seats and a bbq!) makes the site more rock n roll or less. I haven't tried it out yet, I'll let you know.

Some things never change though, and the whole arena's packed with mad music fans of all shapes, sizes, ages etc... It feels a bit busier this year - is that just because the sun's out?

And there's lots to take in. Musical highlights for me were The Sunshine Underground, CSS and LCD Soundsystem (all on the NME Stage), while the Main Stage pumped up the volume with Lost Prophets, Nine Inch Nails and The Smashing Pumpkins.

Oh, and I'm pleased to report the return of the glow stick as the essential festival accessory... loving all those neon bracelets.

Friday's round-up

Main Stage: The Smashing Pumpkins, NIN, Lostprophets, Fall Out Boy, Funeral for a Friend, +44, The Used, Billy Talent, Hellogoodbye, Gym Class Heroes
NME/Radio 1: Klaxons, LCD Soundsystem, CSS, Jamie T, Devendra Ba Nhart, Cold War Kids, The Maccabees, Sunshine Underground, New Young Pony Club, Hadouken!, Pull Tiger Tail, Late of the Pier
Carling: The Hold Steady, Peter, Bjorn and John, Seasick Steve, Charlotte Hatherley, Kate Nash, Little Ones, Kubichek!, Operator Please, I was a Cub Scout, Stalkers
Topman unsigned: Scaramanga Six, Working for a Nuclear Free City, Lights Action, Redeye, Red Go Green Stop, Carlis Star, International Trust, Kni9hts, Piskie Sits, Whisky Cats

How was it for you?

Send you festival reports, reviews and photos to us at leeds@bbc.co.uk