A RAUCOUS, high-energy set from The Levellers was the perfect ending to the first day of Ramsbottom Festival.

Yesterday the veteran Brighton folk rockers had the main stage spellbound as they headlined the opening night of the three-day musical extravaganza at Ramsbottom Cricket Club.

Famed for their live performances The Levellers did not disappoint and, with the help of a few fast-paced fiddle solos and a turn from a neon-painted didgeridoo player, created a feel good carnival atmosphere in no time.

Other highlights from Friday included a sharp and spiky set by guitar-led Manchester punk band The Minx and a charismatic and catchy performance by young Tameside indie rockers The Tapestry, who are destined for big things.

Gates reopened at 12pm for today’s offering, which features a host of performances including British Sea Power, Jimi Goodwin of The Doves fame, Uke Punk, The Skints, Admiral Fallow and Thugs on Wolves.

Day three of the festival, beginning at 12pm tomorrow, includes turns from world famous London soul group Soul II Soul and Bury veterans Well Said as well as Cara Dillon, House Divided and Mad Dog Mcrea.

With the main stars taking to The Hills stage, this year’s Ramsbottom Festival also includes three other performance areas – the Smaller Rooms Stage and Chameleon Stage tents and indoor T’other Stage.

The weekend features varied family arts programme for the young and young at heart – 3D sculptures from Wild in Art, Shadowplay, an installation from Walk The Plank, aerial theatre production Something to Hold by Pif Paf and outdoor performance Bird by Forward Theatre Project.

Revellers can also enjoy well-stocked bars selling the Ramsbottom Festival Ale and a plethora of quirky food outlets vending an eclectic mix of edible goodies from churros to bagels, Himalayan dumplings to Mediterranean lamb flatbreads.

Tickets are still available online at ramsbottomfestival.com or on the gates.