V Festival day one: A potted history of pop in the sunshine
Natalie Imbruglia had a false start when she initially sang to silence but after a few frantic minutes on the mixing desk she came back in full voice.
But the big draws were the headliners – Oasis, Snow Patrol, Keane, British Sea Power, Lady Gaga and MGMT.
Many in the audience had come mainly to see moody Mancunians Oasis, whose Gallagher brothers were rumoured not to be on speaking terms.
Trevita Clarke, a 55-year-old moulder from Cannock, was celebrating her birthday at V.
“I’m here for Oasis,” she said. “This will be the seventh time I have seen them. The last time I saw them was at the Coventry Ricoh Arena, and they never let us down.”
Ryan Stockley, a 17-year-old A-level student from Wolverhampton, said: “This is the first time I have been here and it is really good. I’m here to see Oasis and The Killers.”
And Phil Pass, a 30-year-old designer originally from Cannock but now living in Cheshire, said: “I am here for Oasis and The Killers. I also saw Ocean Colour Scene and thought they were very good but they should have been on later.”
But it’s not just about music. Discerning shoppers could pick up sparkly hats, get a henna tattoo or even be screened for the sexually transmitted disease Chlamydia.
The high price of beer at £3.50 didn’t deter huge crowds from queuing at the drinks tents – and then for the loos.
There was also a visible police presence, as officers mingled with the crowd.
The festival continues today with acts including The Killers, Razorlight, Fatboy Slim, Lily Allen, The Specials, McFly and Pete Doherty.
