V Festival

Held every year in August, V Festival got its beginning in 1996.  After several venue changes due to the festival’s growing popularity, the event is now held in Hylands Park, Chelmsford and Weston Park, Staffordshire.  The two parks share the same bill with artists performing at one location on Saturday and then swapping locations for Sunday’s performance.  In all, there are four stages which host acts covering a wide variety of music including current hit makers from around the world.  Some of the past performers have included acts such as the Kings of Leon, Florence and the Machine, and the Pet Shop Boys.

Tickets are available for either one day or for an entire weekend.  Tickets can also be purchased for camping over the weekend as well.  They are available online and from official ticket outlets.  Be wary of purchasing any tickets from someone or any organization that you don’t know. 

Getting to the festival is easy.  There will be signs to Hylands Park if you are arriving on foot.  Coaches, trains, and shuttle buses are all available as well.  Schedules are available on the official V Festival website.  Arriving by car to Hylands Park is also an option.  If you decide to follow this route, parking is £5 in advance or £10 if purchased at the gate.  If you are taking in the festival at Weston Park, there are coaches, trains and shuttle buses all transporting festival goers to the site.  Car parking is available as well, but keep in mind that there are usually major traffic delays especially when leaving the festival.  It is best to be patient and try to carpool or take other transportation, if available.

If you plan on camping there are toilets and showers available throughout the campgrounds.  These will be cleaned and emptied every day over the course of the festival.  Keep in mind that the queues can be long for the showers, especially early in the morning and the water pressure may be low during peak shower times.       

If camping over the weekend, please do not bring any vehicles, pets, candles, air horns, fireworks or glass with you into the venue.  Do, however, bring with you a bedroll and tent.  For those looking to continue to party into the night at the there will be films, a fun fair and markets available after the bands have wrapped up for the day.

In order to have the best festival experience you possibly can be sure to bring with you your ticket along with the festival information booklet you should have received with your tickets.  An ID is advisable if you want to drink and look under 21 years of age.  Be sure to have with you plenty of money, sunscreen, and thick jackets or fleece because it turns cold at night, waterproof clothing, sturdy shoes and your ticket.  Small barbeque grills and camping stoves are permitted in the campsite, but be sure to use with extreme caution. 

If you want to take a break from the music scene while taking in the V Festival, there are other things to do as well.  A beer garden is located on site and you can get a shave or even a massage while relaxing.  There are also numerous food vendors selling a wide array of items for any palate.