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After a summer of record-breaking rain, those who wore bikini tops and flip flops at this year’s V Festival really should have known better.
Despite permanently crossed fingers, the rain clouds never left the skies above Weston Park, making the 12th annual festival the muddiest in its history.
Fashion was left on the backburner while waterproofs and wellies suddenly became top priority as thousands of music fans were entertained by more than 80 acts including The Killers, Foo Fighters, Lily Allen and Snow Patrol. Stallholders cashed in on the dismal weather after sales of plastic ponchos rocketed, and a crack team of mechanics were on hand to dig out campers whose vehicles had got stuck in the mud.
Some fed-up campers left early after spending a night under the canvas in torrential downpours on Saturday. But for the hardcore fans, the severe weather did nothing to stop them watching probably the most star-studded V line-up yet.
Tens of thousands stood getting soaked to watch Scots singer KT Tunstall be among the first to play on the main stage on Saturday. Ex-Sugababe Mutya Buena got a huge audience coming to see her in the JJB/Puma Arena.
Lily Allen couldn’t resist poking fun at the America, where she was recently stopped from entering after a visa mix-up.
Scots band The Fratellis warmed up the crowd on the main stage, followed by James then a storming set by Kasabian.
It was a toss-up between ending the night with American rockers The Killers on the main stage or dance masters Basement Jaxx. No-one lost out, with both playing brilliant, energetic sets. While Sunday was the wettest of the two days, it was a case of grinning and bearing it for most. The Proclaimers’ rendition of I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles) had everyone marching into the sodden grass.
And those who got out of bed to see “unknowns” 606 were stunned to see the Foo Fighters play a surprise acoustic set. Wolverhampton’s Beverley Knight had the crowd bopping away to her tunes. Memorable gigs by Kanye West and Pink followed.
Brummie indie kings Ocean Colour Scene probably should have been on one the bigger stages after thousands of fans were left to listen outside the packed JJB/Arena.
It was the same for fans of Jarvis Cocker and Primal Scream. Thousands watched the Happy Mondays before the Foo Fighters and The Kooks rounded off the night.
12 Comments
Excellent weekend….bring back the old style cider tent. The Foo Fighters were amazing. Mud….What mud?
what a bunch of mugs.
all that dough to sit in traffic jams and stand in the rain and mud watching millionaires banging a few drums.
and they say footballs a rip-off
albion bob,, you have obviously never let your hair down. good music a few beers and a mud bath its what young is being all about
Yay!! cracking weekend! And the baggies won. 606 were the highlight for me deffo.
class weekend, the mud werent really a problem (apart from few camping places etc) until sunday and i spent most of then in the jjb/puma tent so happy days!
Fab weekend!
The Killers were awesome!!
&& Snow Patrol!
The WOLVES also won which made my wkend even better!!
x x x x
Great weekend,watching the Foo Fighters was worth all the standing in the rain they were amazing! Counting down to next year.
Not well organised, it’s got too big. Killers dissapointing, James and the Manics fantastic, Cribs good.
the weekend was the best ever the killers and the foo were the best
carnt wait till nxt year
My first visit to V and I have to say the weather hasn’t put me off going again, Killer’s, Primal Scream, James, Ocean Colour Scene and all the other ace bands make it all worth while!!
our first festival ever{40,29,13+10) and it was amazing weather didnt matter music + friends helped keep u warm. Only prob was camera broke + I lost all Saturdays pics so if anyone has got any of us ( Blond boy on uncles shoulders) please can u pass them on. Thx xxx
It was absolutely awesome
my first V festival and i will never regret going even though the toilets made me puke hahhaaa
xxx
The mud didnt stop meeeee! Anyone who says it wasnt worth it is stupid! Killers Mcfly Air Traffic and the Fray The Best