V Festival Guide
I knew it was going to be a hectic festival when i looked at the line up, so many amazing acts in just 2 days! I was preparing myself for a concentrated dose of Music, drink and frivolity!
As you can imagine the earlier you get there the better, with thousands of people descending from all parts of the country/world to little old Stafford, be prepared for queues and a ton walking...
What to take/not to take??
Simplicity is the essence of packing. Take what you need not what you want, by this I mean we all want to take the extras: massive sound system, hairdryer, massage table etc etc. But you will regret it when dragging it around, and probably end up selling it for a bottle of water to replenish your water content lost through excessive sweating! I in fact tried exchange some of my useless lagguage in exchange for someone else carrying it....didnt go down too well ?.
Where to camp?
The site has been meticulously organised with fenced areas dividing the available pitches. At first glance this is a pain in the ass, as there are NO shortcuts and you always have to use the main entrances/paths into the campsites. However, compared to Reading the campsite are practically 5*, not over crowded, you don’t get constant streams of randoms trying to find their way to the arena through your tent!
TOP TIP: Use a scout! When walking through the campsite corridors (fence lined paths) you’ll eventually find openings. Rather than the whole crew traipsing round each plot send your fastest runner in and out to look for the perfect pitch...Not near toilets, not in a puddle, use common sense!
What to expect?
V-Festival is one of the more commercial events, so you can expect military precision in the organisation of the whole thing. This makes it a stress free fun-filled weekend, with the least amount of queuing/waiting i have ever experienced. Leaving more time to see the music!
Line ups are always impressive at V-Festival, but with acts spread across 3+ stages, it is inevitable there will be overlap. SO plan ahead, decide whether you want to see a little bit of everything (leaving half way through gigs to move stages) OR see the whole act and sacrifice other stages.
Stages?
V Stage – The Big One! This is the main stage for all the big acts, ie: Oasis, Killers, Snow Patrol etc
4MUSIC Stage – Slightly smaller area but still played massive acts. Gives a great atmosphere and view of the acts, i.e. Pendulum, Keane, Dizzee
The Arena – More intimate but truely go's OFF! Another stage of more big acts
Virgin Mobile Union – Drink at the bar and listen to Virgin Mobile Union’s cracking line-up of DJs, recharge your phone in dedicated recharge points, or if you need a breather, the Virgin Mobile Union Garden will be a sanctuary away from the festival madness.
Bacardi Stage - Party beats throughout the weekend to lure in even the most hardcore festival fans, enticing them with sets from world class musicians, percussionists and vocalists.
Strongbow Tent - Exciting breakthrough Live Acts, plus the hottest DJ talent playing a mix of house & hip-hop beats
Arena Opening Times
The V Festival Arena will open at 12noon on Saturday and Sunday and the bands will finish at 11pm.
Once the arena is closed you can return to your tents or remain in a section of the arena that stays open. Films will be shown throughout the night in the Stage 3 Arena on Friday and Saturday. Some food and drink stalls will remain open.
Both Hylands Park and Weston Park campsites open at 12noon on Friday 20 August and close on Monday 23 August at noon.
Travel?
Driving – get your route here
Train:
Western Park The two nearest main line stations are Wolverhampton and Stafford call 08457 484950 for rail travel information. Click www.nationalrail.co.uk for all rail information. Shuttle buses operate from the above stations to Weston Park for £8 return
Hylands Park is in the parish of Writtle approximately 2 miles outside of Chelmsford on the A414.. Check www.nationalrail.co.uk for national rail routes and times.
Published on 06 February 2011 by DavidCullingham
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