It was a case of sunshine after the rain as the 2009 Leeds Festival kicked off in style to a dream start for tens of thousands of fans.

This year’s altered traffic plan seemed to work as intended for the thousands making the trip over from York and North Yorkshire – the biggest battle festival-goers faced was putting up their tents in the gusting wind and occasional heavy downpours.

But their efforts were well worthwhile when sunshine burst out and the wind died down as the business of music got going in earnest in the early afternoon.

The weather seemed to bring out the best of moods in the performers, such as Stone Roses legend Ian Brown, who happily wandered round posing for pictures with eager fans.

Festival organiser Melvyn Benn, head of Festival Republic – the company behind the Reading and Leeds Festivals – said: “It’s all come together on the day. The weather was a bit off, but now the sun is out and festival is truly under way.

“I’m really excited about this year’s line-up and so are the performers.

“I’ve just been chatting with the Arctic Monkeys and they are thrilled to be a part of the festival.

“On a practical side, the organisation is all going to plan. It’s a huge effort behind the scenes but it’s paying for everyone coming to the festival.”

Posing for a picture with one lucky fan, Sean Smith, lead singer of rising stars The Blackout, said: “It’s brilliant to be here. The festival just looks awesome this year and everyone just seems to be really in the mood for music.”

Fans heading to today’s event are advised to pack their wellies. With some mud underfoot and more rain expected overnight last night – before a largely clear day today – it was due to be a fine, but slightly slippery affair.