Shropshire Star

From camping in a field to £7,500 luxury at V Festival

For most revellers, music festivals mean muddy fields and pop-up tents.

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But those wanting to enjoy the rock-star lifestyle will be able to spend this year's V Festival in unashamed luxury – providing they have got at least £7,200 to spare.

Organisers of this year's event at Weston Park, near Shifnal, are marketing the newly-restored Temple of Diana in the grounds of the Earl of Bradford's ancestral home as the ultimate luxury festival accommodation.

The Grade I listed building is being offered for hire to festival-goers for the first time during this year's event on August 22 to 23.

The three-storey building, which can accommodate up to six people, is available for three nights, starting the Friday before, and including both nights of the festival.

Or, for those wanting a longer break, it can be hired for five nights, at a cost of £12,000.

Both packages include, as you would expect, top-of-the-rage VIP treatment. That includes festival tickets, a fridge full of essentials, plus a welcome hamper and private parking.

Laura Sullivan, who is handling the marketing, said the temple was built in the 18th century for the lady of the house to relax, entertain and listen to music.

"The temple will be returning to its roots for V," she said. "As a party pad, there really is nothing else to compare."

Diana Temple

Mrs Sullivan said features included a vast glazed orangery, stretching the full height of the building. She added: "This is as breathtaking as the views it enjoys, the perfect setting in which to unwind whilst still soaking up the festival vibe."

Mrs Sullivan said the light, modern decor was continued into the octagonal kitchen and television room, while the intricate plasterwork and colourful friezes of the music room and dining room gave a nod to the temple's illustrious history.

Two stone staircases link the floors, and there are three bedrooms, a main bathroom and two en-suites.

Graeme Currie on the stairs

"All rooms have been individually and exquisitely designed by Weston's interior team," said Mrs Sullivan.

Calvin Harris and Kasabian will headline this year's festival, which is in its 20th year.

It was originally held at Victoria Park in Warrington and Hylands Park in Chelmsford, but in 1999 the northern leg was moved to Weston Park where it has remained since.

The park, which covers 1,000 acres of Capability Brown parkland, is owned and maintained by the Weston Park Foundation, and all proceeds from commercial activities go towards the upkeep of the estate.

Most people attending V Festival this year will be slumming it in tents, many of which will be dumped on the site at the end of the event.

But there will also be other luxury accommodation options, including 'glamping' yurts that include a purpose-built campfire, luxury showers, private toilets and a personal luggage service.

Other options at V Festival include bell tents, huts, 'octopads', caravans and American-style Airstream campervans. The latter option sleeps four and prices start at a cool £6,000 for the festival weekend.

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