BOOMTOWN organisers said the first full day of the event near Winchester has gone without a hitch.

An estimated 34,000 people out of the 38,000 capacity had arrived by this afternoon (FRI) with no major traffic issues.

A new traffic plan has three entrances and a route for campervans and buses through the villages of Owslebury and Twyford.

Tom Ferris, BoomTown’s traffic management contractor, said: “We are really pleased with how well the team worked together over the busiest day of the festival.

"With the help of Hampshire Police, Winchester City Council and vital input from the local residents, the eight months of work that has gone into this traffic management plan saw all attendees for the festival get onto the festival site safely and swiftly, resulting in minimal impact on local residents.”

The local residents 24hr hotline received no complaints regarding traffic issues yesterday.

But festival organisers point out that although the event traffic over the next few days is not expected to be heavy, forecast poor weather on Sunday may still cause problems on Sunday evening and Monday morning.

Organisers say they are fully prepared and will provide regular updates via twitter @BoomTownFair.

BoomTown Fair officially kick started the musical proceedings at midday today with legendary reggae band The Wailers pleasing the large and excitable crowd with a medley of Bob Marley classic songs.

The event continues until Sunday with other headliners including Shaggy, NOFX, The Cat Empire, Bellowhead and Tinariwen.