It's the soggiest 'V' ever

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.