THOUSANDS of festival revellers watched on awe as they finally managed to dance along to their favourite artists live in almost two years.

Southend's Sam Duckworth, known as Get.Cape.Wear.Cape.Fly, was one of the musicians who performed at the Isle of Wight festival at the weekend, and was taken aback at how many fans saw him play.

Sam, who had "dreamed of soundchecks" in lockdown, wowed fans with his Indie style songs, 15 years on since he released his first album, The Chronicles of a Bohemian Teenager.

The 37-year-old is now in the process of writing a new album.

He said: "It was really great fun, it was brilliant to be back.

"I had forgotten what it was like to play live.

"It was a really restorative weekend.

"I had tried to forget what playing at a festival was like, otherwise I would miss it too much.

"I just had at the back of my mind that it would come back at some point.

"It was great to be actually able to do my job again."

Sam performed at the main stage at the festival on Saturday afternoon.

Music icons Liam Gallagher, Tom Jones, Duran Duran, and Snow Patrol, all performed to fans across the weekend.

Mr Duckworth, who was able to join the crowd to watch Sam Fender, Example, and David Guetta on Saturday evening, added: "There was a brilliant energy and atmosphere the whole time.

"I bumped into people I hadn't seen in ages.

"I hadn't seen my manager or agent in person since February 2019.

"I didn't realise how many people were there to see me. The weather definitely helped.

"Everything was just amazing."

Sam had performed at the new Leigh Library Gardens Festival earlier this month, is travelling on tour in March and April next year.

He hopes to begin recording his new album this time next year.

Isle of Wight Festival regulars Peter Crouch and Abbey Clancy were spotted watching Becky Hill on Friday, while the Script took to the stage on Sunday evening.

Razorlight closed the famous festival on Sunday.