McFly fans queue from dawn on festival's first day

Jan Mulder said he likes to be in the front row to "bring the energy"

Festival-goers queued from as early as 05:00 BST to bag a front row spot to see McFly headline the first day of new music and circus festival.

More than 7,000 people descended on Earlham Park in Norwich for the start of the Rock N Roll Circus.

It began on Thursday, runs until Saturday and about 20,000 music fans are expected across the three days.

Among those at the front was Jan Mulder, 30, who said: "It's nice to be able to come and enjoy something locally and not have to go miles."

He said he had only faced a 30-minute journey to get to the festival, although he was not up as early as some dedicated McFly fans.

"I started queuing from 11 o'clock this morning... I like the barrier spot, I like to bring the energy to the front row and I like something to lean on.

"They've been around since I was a wee nipper... regardless if you're a fan or not, live they are just incredible," he said.

Pop-rockers McFly - who are Tom Fletcher, Danny Jones, Harry Judd and Dougie Poynter - rose to fame in 2004 and had hits including All About You, Star Girl and Five Colours in Her Hair.

More than 7,000 people went to the first day of the festival

Connie Stephens, 30, from London, was one of the first in the queue, arriving at 04:45.

"This will be my 170th McFly gig.

"I've seen them since I was eight years old. I am really excited.

"They've helped me through some really tough times and they are just genuinely the most nicest boys ever."

One of the first fans in the queue was Connie Stephens, who has seen McFly perform 170 times

Some fans even travelled from abroad to see their favourite band.

Laura Hadzopoulos, 28, a Miss Universe Switzerland finalist, donned her beauty pageant sash as she waited in the crowd.

"I love the group and I wanted to see McFly in person... I travelled from Switzerland to be here... I loved it.

"We travelled yesterday and we are visiting with my sister. It's a lovely city here."

Some fans including Laura Hadzopoulos have travelled across the world to see their favourite band perform

It is the first time the festival, which also features internationally recognised circus performers, has come to Norwich.