Music fans rock on shore of loch

Ivor Novello Award winners The Feeling

Thousands of music fans have enjoyed summer sunshine at the start of a festival on the shores of Loch Ness.

About 35,000 fans from all over Europe poured in to see performances from acts such as The Manic Street Preachers, the Chemical Brothers and The Feeling.

Organisers and police praised the good atmosphere at the two-day event.

Rock Ness, which takes place at Dores in the Highlands, is in just its second year but has already more than doubled in size from 2006.

About 60 acts will play on five stages at the site during the weekend.

Dance music stars The Chemical Brothers headline the main stage on Saturday, along with The Charlatans and Groove Armada.

Event goers are clearly enjoying the summer weather and this is as such reflected in the pleasant atmosphere David O'Conner

Sunday sees Welsh rockers The Manics close the show.

Rock Ness spokeswoman Mary McGowne said: "It's absolutely amazing.

"This is probably the best day of the year weather-wise, just perfect.

"People are having a great time."

Police warned festival-goers they would intervene in any drunken or anti-social behaviour.

But Superintendent David O'Conner said the event started smoothly, with just two arrests for minor public order offences.

Mr O'Conner said: "Event goers are clearly enjoying the summer weather and this is as such reflected in the pleasant atmosphere.

"We are happy that the event has had a smooth opening and hope this continues for the remainder of the weekend."

Last year's inaugural one-day festival passed without major incident, with just a handful of arrests.

Consultants estimated the event generated £6.5m for Highland businesses.

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