ABOUT US
Blog

V Festival: History, Lineup, and Legacy

V Festival: History, Lineup, and Legacy

The V Festival was a music festival that was held annually in the United Kingdom from 1996 to 2017. It was sponsored by Virgin Media and was usually held in August. The festival was held at two different locations, namely Hylands Park in Chelmsford and Weston Park in Staffordshire. The festival was known for its star-studded lineup and attracted music lovers from all over the world. However, after 22 years, the festival was discontinued in 2017, leaving fans devastated.

History of the V Festival

The V Festival was founded by Richard Branson’s Virgin Group and was first held in 1996. The festival was initially held at Hylands Park in Chelmsford and Temple Newsam in Leeds. In 1999, the festival was moved to its permanent location at Weston Park in Staffordshire, where it was held until its last year in 2017.

The festival was known for its diverse lineup, which included both established and up-and-coming artists. Some of the biggest names in music, such as Oasis, Radiohead, Foo Fighters, and Beyoncé, have performed at the festival over the years.

The Lineup of the V Festival

The V Festival lineup was always one of the most anticipated aspects of the festival. The festival was known for its eclectic mix of artists, with each year’s lineup featuring a mix of established and up-and-coming acts across various genres. Some of the most memorable performances in the festival’s history include:

  • Oasis (1996): The band’s performance at the inaugural V Festival is still talked about by music fans today. They played a set that included some of their biggest hits, such as “Wonderwall” and “Champagne Supernova.”
  • Radiohead (2006): Radiohead’s headlining set in 2006 is widely regarded as one of the best performances in the festival’s history. They played a mix of their classic hits and songs from their then-latest album, “In Rainbows.”
  • Beyoncé (2013): Beyoncé’s headlining set in 2013 was a masterclass in pop performance. She played a mix of her classic hits and songs from her then-latest album, “Beyoncé.”

Legacy of the V Festival

The V Festival may be discontinued, but its legacy lives on. The festival was a cultural phenomenon that brought people together from all over the world to celebrate music. It also helped to launch the careers of many up-and-coming artists, who were given a platform to showcase their talents to a wider audience.

The festival also had a significant impact on the music industry. It helped to shape the music landscape in the UK and beyond, and its influence can still be seen today.

Career and Education in the Music Industry

If you’re a music lover who is interested in pursuing a career in the music industry, there are many paths you can take. Some of the most common careers in the music industry include:

  • Musician or Singer
  • Music Producer
  • Audio Engineer
  • Music Journalist
  • Music Teacher

To pursue a career in the music industry, you’ll need to have a solid understanding of the industry and the skills required to succeed. This is where education can be helpful. There are many educational programs available that can help you develop the skills you need to succeed in the music industry.

One such program is the NYU x Billboard | Music Industry Essentials online course and certificate program. This program, offered by New York University, is designed to give you a comprehensive understanding of the music industry and the skills you need to succeed. The program covers topics such as music publishing, marketing, and entrepreneurship, and is taught by industry experts.


Key Takeaways

  • The V Festival was a music festival held annually in the UK from 1996 to 2017.
  • The festival was known for its diverse lineup, which included both established and up-and-coming artists.
  • The V Festival helped to launch the careers of many up-and-coming artists and had a significant impact on the music industry.
  • If you’re interested in pursuing a career in the music industry, consider taking the NYU x Billboard | Music Industry Essentials online course and certificate program offered by New York University.

Enter your email to learn more and get a full course catalog!

Share:

More from Yellowbrick

©2025 Yellowbrick · All Rights Reserved · All Logos & Trademarks Belong to Their Respective Owners