V Festival fans keen to get party started

Saturday 20th August 2011, 11:29AM BST.

Festival-goers flock to Weston Park for the start of this afternoon’s event

About 85,000 fans were looking forward to the biggest party in the UK as V Festival started this afternoon at Weston Park. Fans from across the country have converged on the showground near Shifnal.

They will enjoy sets from big name acts such as Eminem and Arctic Monkeys.

Andy Goodyer, 33, of Madeley, Telford, said: “It’s an amazing atmosphere. It’s shaping up to be a great weekend.

“This is my first time at V and everybody seems intent on having a really good time. The line-up is amazing. All of us can’t wait for the music to start.”

Roads near to the site were relatively quiet today after 75,000 fans made their way onto the site yesterday.

Police praised the behaviour of fans and said there had only been 17 arrests, with all being for either theft or drugs offences. Ambulance crews responded to more than 50 calls overnight and gave treatment or assistance to about 250 revellers.

Meanwhile, some lucky fans were enjhoying the festival in the lap of luxury. While tens of thousands slum it under canvas, a select few were today waking up in pop-up hotels and designer sheds.

At £2,600 for the weekend, the ‘podules’ don’t come cheap – but then they do boast air conditioning, power shower, plumbed in toilet suite, fridge and double bed complete with linen and towels.

The designer sheds do come a little cheaper at £1,100 and come with a VIP communal shower block and toilets.

See our photo gallery, top right

To read our stories in full, log in to the premium 24 website.

View more: V Festival news, Weston Park news.

1
Mwoolley

August 21, 2011 at 02:10

My son 17 just called to say (01.17am Sunday 21 August 2011) he’s been mugged of his money from the phone charger tent. What sort of security is this ? Held by 2 blokes until he handed over all his money where is the security now even at festivals you get mugged poor kid what a disgraceful event

Report abuse
2
Dave Jones

August 21, 2011 at 21:50

Rode along the A5 today from Gailey Roundabout to Telford, the grass verge was littered with beer/soft drink cans, glass/plastic bottles and myriads of other foodstuffs rubbish. Can I expect the ‘V Fest’ organisers to tidy this lot up or does their ‘narrow’ profit margin not allow it, no doubt the taxpayers of the surrounding area will have to pick up the ‘tab’.

Report abuse