Leeds Festival: Reformed Libertines prove real showstoppers

Controversial pop star Pete Doherty and his former band the Libertines generated so much excitement last night that the Leeds Festival was briefly brought to a halt as over-enthusiastic fans sparked safety fears in front of the stage.

By The Newsroom

Published 28th Aug 2010, 00:59 BST

Updated 31st Aug 2010, 12:30 BST

The band that once famously sang they couldn't stand each other performed their biggest gig since reforming, ahead of a repeat show in Reading tonight. After only three songs Doherty and fellow frontman Carl Barat were reported to have briefly left the stage to allow passions to cool in front of the stage.

About 70,000 people will attend this year's sold-out three-day festival, with Dizzee Rascal and Canadian band Arcade Fire also on the bill last night.

Fortunately, the audience was basking in sunshine yesterday as early fears about the weather were washed away.

In contrast, the tens of thousands of music fans heading for sister event in Reading met heavy rain that had turned the site into a Glastonbury-like mudbath, with water having to be pumped away.