THE prospect of a double-headliner on the opening day had music-lovers flocking to Kendal Calling in their droves, as Cumbria's biggest music festival got under way today.

Gates opened hours earlier than normal to accommodate the busiest Thursday line-up since the extra day was added in 2015, with Scottish outfit Frightened Rabbit, the much-loved Happy Mondays, and indie favourites Franz Ferdinand among the major names on the Main Stage.

More than 10,000 people arrived at the Lowther Deer Park site in the rain, negotiating the mud - some more successfully than others - and are all set for four packed days featuring some of the biggest acts around.

Only two of the 12 stages were in operation with the finishing touches to the full arena being made overnight.

The wood chips went down shortly before the gates opened, and the crowds streamed in ahead of alt rockers The Shimmer Band's appearance on the massive Main Stage to get the festival under way.

Indie band Man & The Echo followed them, drawing a decent crowd - who cheered when the sun finally broke through - which thronged for the next band up: British Sea Power headlined the first-ever Kendal Calling back in 2006, at the much more modest Abbot Hall art gallery in the centre of Kendal - and they've been supporters and regular guests ever since. Now on the big stage, the local lads put in a strong performance in front of some clearly well-versed fans.

Frightened Rabbit had a tough act to follow but coped admirably, though it was Happy Mondays that the majority were clearly there to see.

The 'Madchester' act are touring a Greatest Hits show later in the year, but that is pretty much what the Cumbrian fans were treated to, with Step On and Kinky Afro inevitably part of the set.

Franz Ferdinand wrapped things up as the sun went down on a strong opening day, their worldwide hit Take Me Out prompting the biggest sing-along of the day.

A full 25,000 are expected at the sold out festival for the rest of the weekend, where Stereophonics, Beach Boys' Brian Wilson, Manic Street Preachers and Tinie Tempah among the big-name stars appearing on the Main Stage.