V is the ultimate pop festival

V is the ultimate pop festival. If Glastonbury is the queen of all festivals, V is its younger pop princess sister. The home of some of the biggest popular acts for two days it always draws in a big crowd. This year it celebrates its 20^th year.

When you arrive you are met by a musical fairground-tepee’s all around. The attendees are young hip things, the ladies wearing next to nothing but all in search of a good time.

The acts are the elite of the music world and every taste is catered for here. From the frothy feel good pop from Olly Murs, and Ellie Goulding, to the rock of Kasabian and even pop veteran Tom Jones.

Saturday

Tom Jones

Jess put in a fantastic return after her recent vocal cord surgery. She gave a very emotional performance, shedding a tear during a stripped down version of ‘Hold my hand’, bringing out Tinie Tempah to collaborate on their ‘Not letting go’ and finishing on her current smash ‘Don't Be So Hard On Yourself'. She drew in a massive crowd.

James Bay

Winner of the Critic's Choice Brit award-James was a lot rockier that expected. With one massive album behind him and beautiful track such ‘Let it be’ and ‘Hold back the river’ you get the feeling that the best is yet to come with his much anticipated second album.

Sam Smith

Sam Smith graced the main stage- a massive coo for V to secure such a worldwide star. He put in a confident performance, grinning from ear to ear throughout. By the time he finished ‘Stay’ his biggest hit there wasn’t a dry eye in the field.

Sunday

Ella Eyre

Ella Eyre put in an amazing stint on the MTV stage. A stunning vision in a back PVC catsuit and a voice to match. With her debut album ‘Feline’ releasing on Friday she is one to watch in the future.

Ellie Goulding

A vision in a t-shirt a blazed with stars and babies, Ellie put in a confident poppy performance. Drawing in one of the largesdt crowds of the weekend, she had the crowd hanging on her every note and singing along.

Paloma Faith

Never a shrinking violet, Paloma looked stunning in feathers and brightly coloured costume. She has worked very hard to get where she is today and you can tell she cherishes every moment. Her act is always a spectacle to watch and you can’t keep your eyes off her.

Headline acts on Virgin Stage

Kasabian

Kasabian have headlined many a festival and there is a very good reason for this-they show other bands how it is done. Although a predictable set, they put in 100 per cent, both Tom and Serge putting in perfect vocal performances. You can’t help feeding off their excitement and energy and they seem genuinely happy to here. ‘V is one of my favourite festivals’ exclaims Tom and you actually believe him. There is also a very tender, unexpected moment where they dedicate the song ‘Goodbye kiss’ to the late Cilla Black. Overall, just brilliant, brilliant, brilliant. All hail the Kings of festivals.  

Calvin Harris

After the edgy rock of Kasabian of the previous night, a change of pace to close off on the Sunday. It’s the mighty Calvin Harris the biggest DJ in the world right now. He arrives on stage to an abundance of fireworks, a tiny little presence at the back of the stage. Every so often fire pelts out from the sides of the stage. Although Harris is not a typical headliner you can’t help but marvel at the sheer size of the crowd that has amassed to see him. He whips through the majority of his chart hits and the crowd goes ballistic cementing his place as the ruler of dance music for years to come.

The V festival is the forefront of popular music, its mantle secured for years to come.

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