Having gone to Glastonbury nearly every year since the age of three I was sad to have missed out in 2009.
But I needn’t have worried after getting tickets for V Festival in Weston Park, Staffordshire.
I arrived on Friday afternoon without having to queue - which surprised me after hearing early reports of heavy traffic. It also delighted me and made me feel smug at managing to avoid it all.
Next mission was trekking around the site with my load on my back trying to find a space of land to live on for the next couple of days.
The place was packed and after an hour’s trawl I managed to find a nice spot next to some lovely Shrewsbury girls who shared their bbq and night out at the dance tent with me.
The line up this year was amazing and sadly I had to make a few sacrifices to be able to see as many bands as possible.
Saturday morning saw me basking in the sun with my paper listening to The King Blues. I must admit I hadn’t heard them before but they are definitely my festival find.
They were a fun band mixing punk, reggae, rap and other genres together with some political statements in their lyrics.
Other bands I saw on Saturday included James Morrison, James and Ocean Colour Scene.
The Streets were good but unfortunately hundreds of people jammed into a tent on a hot summer’s day wasn’t fun.
Paolo Nutini was also a great act to watch live.
Before I knew it the day was over and after eating a Brazilian supper of cous cous, rice, chick peas and vegetables it was off to sleep.
Sunday was the best day of the weekend event and left me grinning from ear to ear.
Again the sun was shining as we walked down to the arena for a second day of musical goodness.
I
have been waiting for years to see Jet , an Australian rock band with a Beatle-esque feel, perform and to finally see them play live was amazing.
Definitely Are You Gonna Be My Girl was the best song as the whole crowd jumped up and down shouting the lyrics.
Dizzee Rascal was also another act not to be missed as the jam-packed crowed rapped along with him. He put on a good show.
Pendulum was awesome with their loud rocking tunes and audience participation. This was their last gig of the year and it was definitely a performance to be proud of.
And to finish the night off it was The Killers who played all their classics as well as some other less known tunes.
Sadly it was then the end of the weekend and tired but happy revellers made their way back home.
This had been a great weekend and to anyone who is considering going to V next year….you must go!!!
Festival Highs…
- Making new friends with random strangers….festival-goers always seem to be extra friendly!
- Glo sticks, and necklaces and other funky glow-in-the-dark
- Wearing wellies in the dry and not being laughed at!
- Seeing Jet after years of waiting…
- mmmmm…festival donuts!!!
- People dressing up as Spiderman, a banana, an all in one jump suit, men being hula girls and other random sights.
Festival Lows…
- People chucking beer in the crowd…. I don’t understand why anyone would throw away perfectly good beer…especially when it is £3.50 a go…on the plus side it is meant to be great for the hair…
- Not being allowed to take water into the arena…What’s that about?
- Girls paying to straighten their hair…it’s ok to look rough at a festival, it’s all part of the fun…
- Having to go home…
Festival ponder…
- Why were the bands telling us they enjoyed being up north? It’s the Midlands people, I know you are famous but still…..
Festival surprises
- The King Blues.
- Free sweets being handed out by Rowntrees.
- Not having to queue to get in or out of the festival!
