From the Stone Roses to Sir Tom, festival bill revealed

Ian Brown’s seminal rock act – who fell apart in 1996 and announced their hotly anticipated reunion last October – will join US stars The Killers to headline the event, which runs across two days on two sites in Staffordshire and Essex.

Salford act Happy Mondays, fronted by Shaun Ryder, are also on the bill on August 18 and 19, along with former Oasis leader Noel Gallagher – a fellow Mancunian who was inspired by the Roses – and his High Flying Birds.

Sir Tom Jones, Snow Patrol, and recent double Brit winner Ed Sheeran will perform, as will US singer Nicki Minaj and homegrown stars Tinie Tempah, Example and Olly Murs. Veteran acts The Human League, Madness, The Proclaimers and The Stranglers will also play.

The festival, now in its 17th year, is run across Hylands Park, Chelmsford, and Weston Park in Staffordshire.

Essex-born Murs, who performed last year, said: “Coming back to play at V Festival for a second year is fantastic. I’ve been going to the festival as a punter for years, so performing there is always going to be special – especially on that main stage.”

Organisers said more acts will be announced across the four stages. Performers for the Glee Club comedy tent will also be revealed in the lead-up to the event.

And luxury camping facilities will see a return with yurts, teepees and pop-up hotel rooms.

Festival director Simon Moran said: “We’re really delighted with the line-up this year. We have a great mix of artists topping a bill that will see the welcome return to live performance of Manchester’s finest export, along with some of the biggest acts in the music industry today.”

He added: “The mix of established and exciting breakthrough acts promises to give festival-goers a cracking weekend.”

Tickets for the Virgin Media-sponsored event go on sale from Friday, March 2, at 10am with fans advised to visit www.vfestival.com where all official outlets are detailed.

Festival director Bob Angus said: “As in previous years, we want to again emphasise how important it is for fans to buy their tickets from official outlets listed on VFestival.com.

“This will ensure they don’t miss out on what promises to be the hottest ticket this summer.”