Festival First-Timer (and Music-Lover’s) Plan for V Fest Staffordshire

Blond girl in straw hat festival fashion

Festival-ready. Photo © Death to Stock

I’m off to my first festival at the end of August.

Yes, I’m 22 and haven’t yet donned my wellies, flower crown and bum bag to stay in a tent for a few days, surrounded by the tipsy, music and probably rain.

I’m always been hugely fussy when it comes to festival line-ups, but more recently my music tastes have changed and I’m happier listening to the top 40 than spending time looking for ‘underground’ bands.

Friends at muddy festival in Wellington boots

The wellies. Photo © monkeybusinessimages

When I told my boyfriend I wanted to go to V Festival I think he was more surprised than anything. I’m not prepared for camping, nor am I up on ‘festival fashion’, but I’ve been hunting for blog posts full of tips and have scoured Pinterest for some fashion inspiration.

The only thing I am sure on is who I want to see, here is to hoping none of these clash…

1. The Courteeners

I adore these boys and I wouldn’t bother attending a festival if they weren’t there. I’m bloody obsessed with them and have seen them live so many times I’ve lost count. Most recently I went to their sold-out gig at Heaton Park and it was one of the best nights of my life. I’m so excited to see them at a festival, and to see how people who aren’t necessarily fans react.

2. James Bay

I bloody love this guy and this album is INSANE. I’ll definitely be catching his set, regardless of whether my boyfriend is up for it.

3. Calvin Harris

A lot of people have said it’s a bizarre choice to have Calvin Harris playing, but I couldn’t disagree more. He undoubtedly has some tunes I can’t wait to have a little boogie to. Yes, I said boogie, yes I am quite possibly going through a quarter-life crisis…

4. Olly Murs

You can’t not like Olly Murs, his songs are catchy and he is easy on the eye. I’ve never had the chance to see him live, so I’m looking forward to seeing him do his thing on stage.

Music stage setup with sound deck and drums

And more volume. Photo © Illya Vinogradov

5. Kodaline

I’ve recently got into Kodaline’s music as one of their songs appeared in a Hot Hits playlist on Spotify (down with the kids I am), so I listened to more of their stuff. I can’t wait to see how they perform live.

6. Labrinth

This is totally unexpected for anyone who doesn’t know me, but I bloody love Labrinth. Isn’t 100% my kind of music but I just love him. I’ve wanted to see him live before, so looking forward to catching a few songs of his set.

7. Jess Glynne, Ella Eyre, Jessie Ware and Ella Henderson

I love all of these women and think they’re class. The fact they are at V Festival (along with The Courteeners) made me click buy. They are all so talented and unique I can’t wait to see them live.

8. And the rest

The Script (seen before), The Kooks (seen before), Hozier, George Ezra, Ellie Goulding, Tom Jones (seen before), Reverend and the Makers (seen before), Lawson, Example, Scouting for Girls.

I’m just going to put it out here as I know there will be ‘What about Kasabian?!’ questions. They just aren’t my cup of tea if I’m honest, same with Stereophonics.

I’ve actually seen Stereophonics before as I won tickets and took my boyfriend who loves them. But yeah, will probably try and catch some of their sets, but I won’t be rushing to do so.

Oh, same with Sam Smith, I think he’s a bit limp and a poor choice to be so far up the bill.

V Festival Staffordshire is about 30 minutes’ drive from central Birmingham, so if you’re booked into a Travelodge in the city it’s not far away. And you can find out about shuttles to Weston Park on the festival site.