End of an era – 2017 was the last ever 'V Festival'

It’s the end of an era for V Festival. The event is set to rebrand in 2018 after the withdrawal of headline sponsor Virgin after 22 years. The festival’s new name and identity will be announced next month.

There’s been speculation about the future of the twin event, staged in Hylands Park, Chelmsford and Weston Park, Staffordshire. But organiser Melvin Benn has confirmed to Music Week that it will continue at both sites under a different guise.

After 22 very enjoyable and successful years, 2017 was @Virgin’s last V Festival https://t.co/2XwrtU5TbY #VFest pic.twitter.com/zj5vkNoaRY

— Richard Branson (@richardbranson) October 30, 2017

“The festivals will continue, we have the replacement name,” confirmed Benn. “We are looking forward to the new festival now, it’s just something that we are incredibly excited about.”

The new event will take place over the same weekend in August with plans to expand from two to three days at both sites.

“It will very much continue to have a pop and dance focus,” Benn added.