Weekend highlights from V Festival 2015
V Festival, sponsored by Virgin Media, wrapped up last night 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. 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.
Last 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 performed a beautiful 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 treated to a duet with Ella Eyre, who quickly dashed back 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. Ahead of her debut on The Voice, Paloma told V Festival fans that she fully expects to be the Simon Cowell of the panel and become the ‘nasty judge’ of the show. The singer is known for her forthright opinions and she said she won’t be holding back on contestants.
Jess Glynne, who recently set a record for having the most no.1s by a UK female solo artist, drew in massive crowds at the MTV Stage, while Ella Henderson was joined by Sigma to perform their latest collaboration Glitterball. But when it came to the battle of the Ella’s at Weston Park, it was Eyre who came out on top for us.
Maverick Sabre completely stole our hearts with his hand-on-hip soul swag. His influences are the likes of Tupac Shakur, Bob Marley and Marvin Gaye. As the sun beat down, brand new single Come Fly Away drenched the crowd in happiness. Our second boy crush of the weekend was on George Ezra, who performed on the main stage beneath a compelling backdrop convincing us: I made a promise to myself once, that I would wake up by her side.
V Festival is labelled by the pretentious as a music festival for people who don’t like music. And yes, there were some questionable outfit choices in the crowds. But what does it matter? V Festival is what it is! It’s a showcase of popular music. And popular music is popular for a reason. It’s easy to enjoy, and lots of fun to love.
