V FESTIVAL'S 20TH ANNIVERSARY ENDS IN CELEBRATORY STYLE WITH GROUND SHAKING PERFORMANCES FROM CALVIN HARRIS AND KASABIAN
V Festival, sponsored by Virgin Media, wrapped up tonight after a weekend of phenomenal performances across Hylands Park, Chelmsford and Weston Park, Staffordshire. A weekend that saw incredible collaborations, spectacular covers and even an on-stage wedding proposal!
Kasabian closed the festival at Weston Park with a set that had the crowds in a rapturous applause. The festival veterans performed a host of fan favourites, as well as unique cover versions of Cameo’s Word Up, The Fugees Ready or Not and Fatboy Slim’s Praise You.
While down in Hylands Park, Calvin Harris ensured the night ended with a bang, as a pyrotechnic laser show and fireworks lit up the night sky. The Scottish DJ had hearts pumping as he performed a compilation of his hits, including new single How Deep is Your Love.
The night in Staffordshire was also host to Sam Smith’s final gig of the year, before he focuses on writing and recording his 2nd studio album. However, fans won’t have to wait too long as Sam announced he will be back next year! The soul singer also performed a cover of Amy Winehouse’s Tears Dry on Their Own before leaving the whole audience in tears as he finished with Stay With Me.
Fans of Olly Murs were also treated to a duet with Ella Eyre, who quickly dashed up North from her performance earlier in the day in Hylands Park, before garage legends DJ Luck and MC Neat joined the Essex boy on stage while he entertained fans with his renowned cheeky dance moves.
Over the weekend Paloma Faith didn’t fail to win over the crowd either, not only were her vocals stunning, the star also wowed with her unique style. Dancing with her backing dancers throughout both sets in the Sure Arena, without stepping out of her six-inch Manolo Blahnik heels once!
The festival sites hosted sets from a pair of Welsh favourites. Tom Jones maintained his legendary status as he performed a catalogue of classics across the weekend, while Stereophonics frontman Kelly Jones welcomed his daughters on stage to bring out his guitars and introduce their incredible set.
Jess Glynne, who recently set a record for having the most no.1s by a UK female solo artist, drew in a massive crowds at the MTV Stage, while Ella Henderson was joined by Sigma to perform their latest collaboration Glitterball.
V Festival Director Bob Angus commented on another big Essex weekender: “The Essex crowds did us proud this year. We not only had some of the biggest performances in recent memory, but we also had an on-stage wedding proposal from V Festival favourite Labrinth. However the show down south was definitely stolen this year by Calvin Harris, who closed Sunday night with a stunning light display that momentarily turned night to day.”
While V Festival Director Simon Moran commented on a great weekend in Staffordshire: “It was collaborations that stole the show in Weston Park this weekend, particularly from Olly Murs who performed back-to-back with Ella Eyre and DJ Luck & MC Neat. It was also great to see the new Dance Tent full all weekend, showcasing some of the UK's best DJ talent, including a headline homecoming set from Hannah Wants. But one of the stand out performances for me has to be Kasabian, who closed the curtain on our 20th anniversary with three unbelievable covers that got the whole site bouncing.”
V Festival fans making their plans for 2016 won’t have to wait too long before getting the chance to purchase tickets, as pre-sale for the festival’s #V21st birthday opens on Friday 28th August at 9.21am. With fans being given the ultimate birthday present of £21 off each of the two days of a weekend ticket, saving them a massive £42. Fans will be able to enjoy this offer via www.vfestival.com.