So far this year the V Festival, sponsored by Virgin Media, have unveiled another stellar line-up for 2009 and organisers are now announcing a whole host of newly confirmed acts to appear on the Virgin Media Union stage. Showcasing some of the hottest up and coming artists alongside several established acts, this years line up promises to get new music fans’ pulses racing!

Taking place over the weekend of 22nd-23rd August at Hylands Park, Chelmsford and Weston Park, Staffordshire this year’s V Festival will be seeing previous V stars including Goldie Lookin’ Chain and Seth Lakeman as well as newcomers Gary Go and Vagabond grace the stages at both sites.

“This year’s Virgin Media Union stage offers a diverse array of acts, genuinely delivering something for everyone. With both old and new faces making appearances the calibre of this years line up is as good as always and reflects the Festival’s commitment to offering new talent a stage to perform to a music loving audience.”
V Festival Director, Bob Angus

2009 is the best ever Bowtime Bar
The ultimate reward for hard graft is unwinding in the Bowtime Bar at the V Festival. You can reward yourselves with a well earned perfectly chilled pint of Strongbow from the friendly fast serve Bowtime Bar. With stacks of well deserved seating for off-duty hard working grafters, simply pitch up and kick back on the raised deck or on the music terrace whilst soaking up some exciting acts from the live stage.
 
And for those of you who are extreme grafters, they are laying on some hidden luxuries...the VIP Lounge and the Secret Garden. Continuing in typical Strongbow tradition, 2009 hosts another classic mix of established heroes and fresh new live acts. Bands such as cocknbullkid, Plugs & We Have Band, line up alongside the ultimate dance floor rockers Kissy Sell Out, Jon Carter, High Contrast, Sinden & Tayo to name a few.

Bacardi B-Live
Bacardi invites mojito lovers to mix it up with the best music and most refreshing drinks when Bacardi B-Live returns to V Festival for its 12th year this summer. Bacardi has been hosting legendary parties since the brand’s creation in 1862 in Cuba, which is why the brand is at the heart of UK’s best festivals.

This year’s Bacardi B-Live artist line up is better than ever and the Bacardi Mojito is obviously the drink to dance with!

Some Artist information

Pete Doherty
Think you know Pete Doherty? Think again. With the release of his 3rd album, Doherty has given us a brave exploration of a man’s soul and an excavation of a heart left desolate. V Festival crowds can expect to see this new Pete Doherty as he takes to the stage testing the limits of his creativity.

British Sea Power
Do You Like Rock Music? is the third album from British Sea Power. It was recorded by a band unafraid to embrace the far poles in arts and entertainment. BSP have toured with and been commended by David Bowie, The Flaming Lips, Lou Reed, Radiohead and Jarvis Cocker.

Phoenix
Having grown up in Versailles, France, Phoenix will be bringing some jaw dropping tunes from across the Channel to V Festival this summer. Having completed their fourth and finest album this spring it is safe to say that the V crowds can expect great things from this quartet.

The Twang
Following a debut album that charted at number three, The Twang has returned a more relaxed and experienced group with the release of their second album ‘Jewellery Quarter’. For the band it is all about just them, the tunes and the fans making this underdog’s performance at this year’s V not to be missed.

Sunshine Underground
Leeds based 4-piece, The Sunshine Underground who released their debut album Raise The Alarm in late 2006 have been in the studio with producer Barny for the past few months recording their second album. Get ready to be delighted as the band grace the stage with their presence at this summer’s V Festival.

Mystery Jets
One of the less orthodox bands spawned by the post-Libertines London music scene, the Mystery Jets started at the end of the last century when Blaine Harrison and his dad, Henry, formed a band together. Soon joined by Blaine’s school friends Kai and Will, the band recruited drummer Kapil and started staging gigs in a crumbling hotel ballroom on Eel Pie Island.

Jenny Lewis
With Rilo Kiley, her rock band of the past 10 years, she transformed before our eyes from a shy indie-rocker singing barely above a whisper to the authoritative, take-no-prisoners singer/songwriter/frontwoman we know today. Tack sharp and unafraid of subject matter of any height or weight, channeling songs through either Rilo Kiley or her solo work, her staggering range as a writer has brought her critical acclaim around the globe.

Gary Go
Teaming a striking voice with a sharp sense of storytelling, Gary Go’s guitar and piano-led, hook-driven sounds balance a unique edginess with universal appeal. As the creator of spectacular, stadium-ready pop/rock, this self-taught multi-talented musical auteur has produced an epic and impressive self-titled debut album which is about to be unleashed to the world at V Festival this summer.

Pete Murray
Pete Murray’s story is an unlikely one … a rising Aussie Rugby star who gets so badly injured that he has to leave his sport behind.  He picks up a guitar and teaches himself how to play. Pete’s music snowballs through old-fashioned word of mouth and sell out shows and within a year Pete becomes Australia’s most popular singer/songwriter. Now he brings his acoustic infused music to this summer’s V Festival.

Seth Lakeman
Armed with raging fiddle, rampant imagination and energetic voice, Seth has given fiery new life and contemporary relevance to the rich heritage of legends that lurk in the shadows of the English west country. Born and bred in the desolate beauty of Dartmoor, Lakeman was raised on such ghostly tales and, in a sensational rise since his shock Mercury Music Award nomination in 2005, has created a unique, highly original niche both as a dramatic storyteller and a thrilling live performer.

Goldie Lookin Chain
After major label bigwigs decided to drop Goldie Lookin’ Chain in 2006, the band found themselves in a self imposed exile. Going back to the drawing board and creating a new catalogue of musical delights, Goldie Lookin’ Chain are back after two years of solitary confinement and ready to unleash their brand new album ASBO4LIFE.

Joe Lean and The Jing Jang Jong
A British indie all-male band based in London will be joining the V line up this summer. Joe Lean also acts under the name Joe Van Moyland and was drummer with The Pipettes until June 2007, while guitarist Tommy D is brother of the same band's Rose Pipette.

VV Brown
For this fast rising star, love sounds like the perfect melody. In her eagerly awaited debut album ‘Travelling Like the Light’ both pour out of her honest songs. Tipped for big things in 2009, VV is one to watch out for at this year’s V.

Vagabond
With soul as the thread that runs through everything they do, it is easy to see how Vagabond are generating the kind of buzz that is sure to accompany the band at this year’s V festival. Their new single ‘Don’t Wanna Run No More’ sets the scene and is the perfect introduction to their unique sound.

Iain Archer
Iain Archer is a songwriter of the forever-enigmatic mould. Unencumbered by musical trends and time constraints, he waits for the songs to find him. 

Wallis Bird
The 26-year-old singer and songwriter from Ireland will be entertaining crowds from the new album ‘New Boots’. The songs emerged partly from the most euphoric moments of her life – epiphanies and personal triumphs - and partly from the shadow of splits – with her label, with her partner - experiences that, she says, nearly broke her in half.

The Gay Blades
Hot outta New Jersey, THE GAY BLADES have played 200 shows in the last year, criss-crossing America. They are a thrilling live band and damn fine entertainers.  Larger than life, a massive sounding two-piece, Clark Westfield (vox/gtr) and Puppy Mills (drums) own the stage with no frills and no pedals. 

Lights
Just a small girl from Toronto she makes music with a computer in her room. Music has been her drug for her whole life. On first glance there is a nice composition, but upon closer inspection there is a deeper story. Joined on stage by musicians Maurie and Adam, Lights will bring some bright colours to this year’s V festival.

As always there's some amazing entertainment lined up for you at V Festival - August 22nd to 23rd at Highlands Park, Chelmsford and Weston Park, Staffordshire.