wristband4festivals went along to Weston Park on Sunday to find out just why V continues to be so popular despite accusations of heavy handed security, commercialised music and hefty ticket prices.
V Festival is known for it’s eclectic line-up and this year provides the best of recent years. Of the six stages there’s plenty to cater to any musical pallet.
There’s two tents dedicated to the hardened clubber, the Bowtime Bar who saw the likes of Kissy Sell Out, who look like rejects from The Kids From Fame, but spun some wicked beats, and the Bacardi Mojito Tent who featured Wax On Djs, playing some of the hottest tracks around.
The festival definitely stacks high in the take your mum along stakes, with performances from McFly, who, as ever, put in a dedicated fun filled half an hour set, Pixie Lott and Taylor Swift, who although both talented ladies, seemed incredibly similar, and The Saturdays, with high heels and big attitudes.
Some of the biggest performances from the day came from dance legends Happy Mondays. The massive crowd raved their glowsticks off as a bleary eyed Shaun Ryder bumbled through their set. Another blow for the Happy Mondays crown was the absence of Bez, citing illness due to excessive pill taking.
Of course the biggest pull of the weekend came from the festivals killer choice of headliners.
On the 4 Music Stage, Fatboy Slim, freshly out of rehab, proved just why he, above all the rest of the worlds DJ’s, was chosen to headline. With a mind bending set, featuring his own tracks mixed effortlessly into those from the likes of Iggy Pop, Land The Beastie Boys, he had just about everyone waving their hands in the air, like they just didn’t care.
Finally came the main act of the day, The Killers. Belting out a mixture of rhythmic tunes and sing a long anthems, perfect for the sweltering crowd, the band earned their third appearance at the ever-growing festival. Brandon Flowers worked every part of the stage and every part of the audience, into a crescendo of synth, guitar, and glamorous indie rock and roll.
However once again the actions of the security firms on site helped to put a dampener on the event, with their boisterous attitudes, heavy handed antics and at times refusing to give the crowd water as they were unable to move from their spot.
Despite this organisers have proved why the festival is so successful, with it’s unique approach at festival bookings, and why time and time again so many people descend to Weston Park, come rain or shine, for the greatest musical weekend of the year.
Lyndsey Oliver
Showers On Site
Campers & Caravans ok
Festival run Shuttle Bus
Man V was sick this year… can’t believe it didn’t rain!