Hylands Park, Chelmsford
"This is heaven," sighs Stephen Holt, founder member and newly reinstated singer of the Inspiral Carpets, surveying the sun-drenched, sweat-perfumed scene before him. Few others would describe pop's biggest holding pen, the V festival, so kindly. But for those who believe that, as one reveller's T-shirt puts it "on the sixth day, God created Manchester", Hyland Park's lineup of northern baggy and Britpop might very well be utopia.
Under a blistering midday sun, the Inspiral Carpets' keyboard player, Clint Boon, sends psychedelic-hued waves of nostalgia over a sea of straw hats. There are a lot of bikini tops, too, though no one's brave enough for matching bottoms, despite the availability of waxing – and local favourite the vajazzle – on site.
As sudden replacements for last-minute dropout Dappy, the Charlatans make the most of their moment, engaging not just indie stalwarts but an impressive array of teenagers who jump up and down excitedly in front of singer Tim Burgess. "Good times," he grins.
Most of the under-20s, however, save their energy for the throbbing basslines and climactic breakdowns of dubstep DJ duo Jack Beats and the aggressive rap of 30 Rock writer-turned-rapper Donald Glover aka Childish Gambino. But while Gambino's uncompromising lyrics inspire half of the audience to send bottles flying through the air, the remainder look on unconvinced.
By comparison, Rizzle Kicks have everyone defying the heat to dance to Mama Do the Hump, before they're joined by Ed Sheeran for Dreamers. His unlikely rap inspires a spot of freestyling by Jordan Stephens and marks the start of a counter-attack by young, hip-hop, dance and grime-influenced stars, seemingly set on ridding pop music of indie rock.
"Essex, you fucking lunatics, make some noise!" demands Example. He confidently pushes his collaboration with Calvin Harris, We'll Be Back, to soaring new heights and entices the huge crowd to sing and bounce vigorously. Labrinth is cool and stylish, even in neon shorts, while Delilah's brand of ethereal, soulful trip-hop is mesmerising. But it's Professor Green who wins the laurels. From the shimmering Just Be Good to Green to the INXS-sampling I Need You Tonight, Green proves just how thrilling commercialism can be.
If there's any fear the old guard won't be ousted quietly, Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds put paid to it. Layering bland stomps like Everybody's on the Run and The Death of You and Me with acoustic Oasis numbers, it's a joyless affair that only comes to life when Gallagher dedicates Supersonic to Mo Farah.
The Stone Roses don't need such tricks – just the sight of singer Ian Brown and John Squire hugging is enough to make the day's largest crowd happy. Still, Madchester's biggest band don't get by on sentiment, unleashing a cascade of jangly perfection and blowing classics such as I Am the Resurrection, Love Spreads and She Bangs the Drum to prog-like proportions. But even with the Happy Mondays, LMFAO and the Killers eagerly awaited comeback show still to come, the kids look set to be victorious this V.
