V Festival: We remember six of the most memorable moments from the Weston Park event - with poll
It has brought delight to thousands of music lovers, pumped millions into the local economy – and brought an annual nightmare on the roads.
The decision means the fields around Weston Park will be quiet this summer for the first time in around two decades, although an event may return next year
Massive Attack and the Happy Mondays were among those headlining the first event in 1999. In latter years, Stormzy stormed the event, introducing grime to a new audience and hinting at the global Brit-winning success he has since enjoyed.
The V Festival was important for the music industry, but was also a significant date on the calendar for the villages in Shropshire and Staffordshire that dot around Weston Park.
Organisers of the V Festival have always been very generous to Bishop’s Wood and the surrounding areas. As a consequence, many local organisations have benefited and their contributions will be missed. Villagers were always consulted and kept informed, and over the years attitudes have been very positive.
Brewood and Coven Parish Council member Jan Jeffries said: today “Many small local voluntary organisations have benefited and their contributions will be missed. Villagers were always consulted and kept informed, and over the years attitudes have been very positive.”
David Dixon, a resident in Tong, said the organisers’ donation each year supported projects at the village’s church, St Bartholomew’s Church, which recently had its roof replaced.
But the memories remain – including the snarling Gallagher brothers, the age-defying Tom Jones and the heartbreaking struggle by Amy Winehouse to complete her set.
What are your favourite memories from the festival? Leave us a comment below:
2003: Chris Martin conducts
Massive Attack and the Happy Mondays were among those headlining the first event in 1999. In latter years, Stormzy stormed the event, introducing grime to a new audience and hinting at the global Brit-winning success he has since enjoyed.
2008: Concern for Amy
The V Festival was important for the music industry, but was also a significant date on the calendar for the villages in Shropshire and Staffordshire that dot around Weston Park.
2009: Farewell to Oasis
Organisers of the V Festival have always been very generous to Bishop’s Wood and the surrounding areas. As a consequence, many small local voluntary organisations have benefited and their contributions will be missed. Villagers were always consulted and kept informed, and over the years attitudes have been very positive.
2013: Boos for Beyonce
Brewood and Coven Parish Council member Jan Jeffries said: today “Many small local voluntary organisations have benefited and their contributions will be missed. Villagers were always consulted and kept informed, and over the years attitudes have been very positive.”
2015: It’s not un-loo-sual
David Dixon, a resident in Tong, said the organisers’ donation each year supported projects at the village’s church, St Bartholomew’s Church, which recently had its roof replaced.
2016: It’s time for grime
Stormzy declared that grime was “taking its rightful place on the main stage” as he arrived at Weston Park. He has never looked back since
