Why I will not be returning to V again.....

[arpner]

Having just returned from my 5th V festival this year in Staffs I was appalled at how this once pretty good festival has turned into just one huge money grabbing exercise. It seems that all the promoters wish to do is extract every last piece of cash from you witout any real regard to the fact that all we want to do is enjoy the music.

examples.....

What was with the excessive heavy handed searching actually going into the arena ? We'd already been searched for glass bottles etc coming into the site ? They were taking bottles of water and coke that my and my mates had literally just bought from the shop outside off us as we went in, why do they have to do this ? Just plain money grabbing as obviously we have to re-buy the things when we get in. Now I can understand them stopping you with a 6-pack but water? ridiculous.....

Having bought a £5 bacon butty from one of the ridiculously overpriced stalls in one of the campsites I was amazed and shocked to overhear what I think was the owner of the stall complaining to another bloke that one of his staff had been putting 3 slices of bacon into the sarnies and not 2 like he was told....excuse me mate I've just paid a bloody fiver for this...I nearly had a go I tell you....

Theres seriously too many avearage, overpriced food stalls about, churning out garbage youd prob think twice about feeding to your dog....inside the arena theres some good ones but apart from that...well...

It was by far the most overcrowded Id ever seen it too...obviously selling more and more tickets each year and not increasing the capacity of the site in anyway....it took ages to get in between stages just through the sheer volume of people... I wonder if it will increase next year too ?

Plus it seems to be getting more and more full of chavs and idiots intent on being knobheads for the weekend, blind drunk and mashed making a nusiance of themselves inside the arena and in the campsite....

Is it just me on the points above ? All I can say is thank god for The Killers.....they were fantastic sunday evening and really made the weekend.....

Unless the line up is downright amazing next year I'm off to Glastonbury again....even if it is 3 times as far from Manchester.......

[MilkyJoe]

Having just returned from my 5th V festival this year in Staffs I was appalled at how this once pretty good festival has turned into just one huge money grabbing exercise.

[MilkyJoe]

What was with the excessive heavy handed searching actually going into the arena ? We'd already been searched for glass bottles etc coming into the site ? They were taking bottles of water and coke that my and my mates had literally just bought from the shop outside off us as we went in, why do they have to do this ? Just plain money grabbing as obviously we have to re-buy the things when we get in. Now I can understand them stopping you with a 6-pack but water? ridiculous.....

[arpner]

And another thing.....

We were in and out a few times and can honestly say that we didn't get stopped or searched going into the arena, in fact I didn't see many people being stopped at all. You must look a dodgy sort!!

[cupcakebarb]

We got bags searched on way in but add nowt in them anyway, not brave enough. But agree that this year was way way more people there it was manic! The Sat I couldnt belive how many were there, dont know if they have increased the numbers being addmitted but seemed more than last year. Opps forgot there is a reccesion!!!

[veronique]

Woops... duplicate

Edited August 24, 2009 by veronique

[veronique]

And another thing.....

We were in and out a few times and can honestly say that we didn't get stopped or searched going into the arena, in fact I didn't see many people being stopped at all. You must look a dodgy sort!!

[bekimo]

I wasnt searched at all. I did get patted on the arse once. But that was it. My cousin got possitively abused the first time she went in on Friday night, she was wearing a tutu and combat short-shorts, and this woman pulled her tutu up and was frisking her all the way around her shorts. I laughed my arse off. Her shorts were like skin tight. No way she could have anything in them!!! And what can you get under a tutu?! Blatent groping if u ask me!!

[heavenly271]

Having just returned from my 5th V festival this year in Staffs I was appalled at how this once pretty good festival has turned into just one huge money grabbing exercise. It seems that all the promoters wish to do is extract every last piece of cash from you witout any real regard to the fact that all we want to do is enjoy the music.

examples.....

What was with the excessive heavy handed searching actually going into the arena ? We'd already been searched for glass bottles etc coming into the site ? They were taking bottles of water and coke that my and my mates had literally just bought from the shop outside off us as we went in, why do they have to do this ? Just plain money grabbing as obviously we have to re-buy the things when we get in. Now I can understand them stopping you with a 6-pack but water? ridiculous.....

Having bought a £5 bacon butty from one of the ridiculously overpriced stalls in one of the campsites I was amazed and shocked to overhear what I think was the owner of the stall complaining to another bloke that one of his staff had been putting 3 slices of bacon into the sarnies and not 2 like he was told....excuse me mate I've just paid a bloody fiver for this...I nearly had a go I tell you....

Theres seriously too many avearage, overpriced food stalls about, churning out garbage youd prob think twice about feeding to your dog....inside the arena theres some good ones but apart from that...well...

It was by far the most overcrowded Id ever seen it too...obviously selling more and more tickets each year and not increasing the capacity of the site in anyway....it took ages to get in between stages just through the sheer volume of people... I wonder if it will increase next year too ?

Plus it seems to be getting more and more full of chavs and idiots intent on being knobheads for the weekend, blind drunk and mashed making a nusiance of themselves inside the arena and in the campsite....

Is it just me on the points above ? All I can say is thank god for The Killers.....they were fantastic sunday evening and really made the weekend.....

Unless the line up is downright amazing next year I'm off to Glastonbury again....even if it is 3 times as far from Manchester.......

[cthulu]

I ended up in hospital on Sunday and missed everything beyond Starsailor. I had abdominal pain and bleeding probably causd by the bending down and having to sit on the floor for the weekend as the monkeys on the arena door would not allow me to take a camping chair, stool or even an inflatable chair to sit on. I explained I was 34 weeks pregnant to numerous people (you can't miss it..I'm the size of a baby elephant) I asked supervisors, staff and at the medical centre. I was told "If we let you take something in, we will have to let everyone else"

No -one from V replied to my various emails asking if I would be able to take a camping chair into the arena, but to be honest, with a valid reason, I honestly thought no-one would be so callous as to say no to an inflatable chair. WHY WHY WHY???

It spoilt not only my weekend but my partners, not to mention frightened the life out of both of us.

There were definatlely LESS toilets than last year. I can't understand why. Although, I did have the foresight of bringing a portable toilet! - not that it went into the arena

I don't think anyone from V will listen to me..becuase they haven't so far... but how do I complain?

[davros666]

Having just returned from my 5th V festival this year in Staffs I was appalled at how this once pretty good festival has turned into just one huge money grabbing exercise. It seems that all the promoters wish to do is extract every last piece of cash from you witout any real regard to the fact that all we want to do is enjoy the music.

examples.....

What was with the excessive heavy handed searching actually going into the arena ? We'd already been searched for glass bottles etc coming into the site ? They were taking bottles of water and coke that my and my mates had literally just bought from the shop outside off us as we went in, why do they have to do this ? Just plain money grabbing as obviously we have to re-buy the things when we get in. Now I can understand them stopping you with a 6-pack but water? ridiculous.....

Having bought a £5 bacon butty from one of the ridiculously overpriced stalls in one of the campsites I was amazed and shocked to overhear what I think was the owner of the stall complaining to another bloke that one of his staff had been putting 3 slices of bacon into the sarnies and not 2 like he was told....excuse me mate I've just paid a bloody fiver for this...I nearly had a go I tell you....

Theres seriously too many avearage, overpriced food stalls about, churning out garbage youd prob think twice about feeding to your dog....inside the arena theres some good ones but apart from that...well...

It was by far the most overcrowded Id ever seen it too...obviously selling more and more tickets each year and not increasing the capacity of the site in anyway....it took ages to get in between stages just through the sheer volume of people... I wonder if it will increase next year too ?

Plus it seems to be getting more and more full of chavs and idiots intent on being knobheads for the weekend, blind drunk and mashed making a nusiance of themselves inside the arena and in the campsite....

Is it just me on the points above ? All I can say is thank god for The Killers.....they were fantastic sunday evening and really made the weekend.....

Unless the line up is downright amazing next year I'm off to Glastonbury again....even if it is 3 times as far from Manchester.......

[goanmad]

You're not alone:

/index.php?showtopic=131180">http://www.efestivals.co.uk/forums/index.p...howtopic=131180

[scudetto_boy]

Having just returned from my 5th V festival this year in Staffs I was appalled at how this once pretty good festival has turned into just one huge money grabbing exercise. It seems that all the promoters wish to do is extract every last piece of cash from you witout any real regard to the fact that all we want to do is enjoy the music.

examples.....

What was with the excessive heavy handed searching actually going into the arena ? We'd already been searched for glass bottles etc coming into the site ? They were taking bottles of water and coke that my and my mates had literally just bought from the shop outside off us as we went in, why do they have to do this ? Just plain money grabbing as obviously we have to re-buy the things when we get in. Now I can understand them stopping you with a 6-pack but water? ridiculous.....

Having bought a £5 bacon butty from one of the ridiculously overpriced stalls in one of the campsites I was amazed and shocked to overhear what I think was the owner of the stall complaining to another bloke that one of his staff had been putting 3 slices of bacon into the sarnies and not 2 like he was told....excuse me mate I've just paid a bloody fiver for this...I nearly had a go I tell you....

Theres seriously too many avearage, overpriced food stalls about, churning out garbage youd prob think twice about feeding to your dog....inside the arena theres some good ones but apart from that...well...

It was by far the most overcrowded Id ever seen it too...obviously selling more and more tickets each year and not increasing the capacity of the site in anyway....it took ages to get in between stages just through the sheer volume of people... I wonder if it will increase next year too ?

Plus it seems to be getting more and more full of chavs and idiots intent on being knobheads for the weekend, blind drunk and mashed making a nusiance of themselves inside the arena and in the campsite....

Is it just me on the points above ? All I can say is thank god for The Killers.....they were fantastic sunday evening and really made the weekend.....

Unless the line up is downright amazing next year I'm off to Glastonbury again....even if it is 3 times as far from Manchester.......

[wilko8]

I agree with your points about the food - most of it is pretty piss poor for the money that you have to pay. But as for searching I managed to get a bottle of jack & coke into the arena on friday, saturday & sunday with absolutely no problem......you've just got to be clever about it!

[bekimo]

I ended up in hospital on Sunday and missed everything beyond Starsailor. I had abdominal pain and bleeding . . . I don't think anyone from V will listen to me..becuase they haven't so far... but how do I complain?

[FluffyBeanie]

I want to make it clear that I had a great time this year. It was great that it was dry this year, that really helped, but I am sick of the overcrowding at V. I have been every year since 2001 (except 2005 when I was at a family wedding) and have certainly noticed big changes over the years. I won't be going back to V next year unless the line-up is supreme. I do think the organisation is pretty shoddy.

The capacity seems to have increased steadily, by too many I think. I personally couldn't believe how many people arrived early this year. It was rammed. We were in the car park at 10.10am on Friday, but then coldn't find space for our two tents in our favourite camp (Orange). That said,

we ended up in a great spot in green in the end.

A few reasons why I will be branching out:

1 - Chavs - loads of them everywhere. While we did not have any trouble with thieves or that kind of thing, from what I have heard a good few people did. Anywhere you get that many people there is bound to be crime and trouble of some sort, but security seem more dedicated to doing intimate searches to prevent booze smuggling than weeding out trouble makers.

2 - The line up - While there was enough to keep me amused over the weekend, I prefer the more rocky/indie side of things. I appreciate a bit of variety, but seeing N-Dubz and Tinchy Stryder on a bill makes me realise maybe it is time for me to go elsewhere, or I'm getting old.

3 - The main reason - only 2 days of music - Most of the other festivals are not that much more expensive, and have 3 or even 4 days of music. V is basically my summer holiday, and in these days of the credit crunch, I am going to look for something next year which offers better value for money.

We did have a great time, and I have taken away some good memories, but I will hopefully be going elsewhere next year for some new experiences.

[ladolcevita2]

I was quite suprised by this as I barely spent any money tbh, took all my own drinks in to the arena, did get searched but not very well and I actually walked in with a bottle of water in my hand one of the days.

I also found the food to be fairly good quality, I had an absolutely delish bangers and mash on one of the days! yum!!

I didn't find there to be that many wasted fools wondering round either, I was in blue campsite and it was fine. and the only time I really found there to be over crowing was when trying to watch Lady Gaga in the arena, had to leave coz I was getting super claustrophobic, she should have been on the main or channel 4 stage.

But otherwise it was amazing!

[LusciousLucy]

I don't think anyone from V will listen to me..becuase they haven't so far... but how do I complain?

Edited August 25, 2009 by LusciousLucy

[Budweiser]

Having just returned from my 5th V festival this year in Staffs I was appalled at how this once pretty good festival has turned into just one huge money grabbing exercise. It seems that all the promoters wish to do is extract every last piece of cash from you witout any real regard to the fact that all we want to do is enjoy the music.

examples.....

What was with the excessive heavy handed searching actually going into the arena ? We'd already been searched for glass bottles etc coming into the site ? They were taking bottles of water and coke that my and my mates had literally just bought from the shop outside off us as we went in, why do they have to do this ? Just plain money grabbing as obviously we have to re-buy the things when we get in. Now I can understand them stopping you with a 6-pack but water? ridiculous.....

Having bought a £5 bacon butty from one of the ridiculously overpriced stalls in one of the campsites I was amazed and shocked to overhear what I think was the owner of the stall complaining to another bloke that one of his staff had been putting 3 slices of bacon into the sarnies and not 2 like he was told....excuse me mate I've just paid a bloody fiver for this...I nearly had a go I tell you....

Theres seriously too many avearage, overpriced food stalls about, churning out garbage youd prob think twice about feeding to your dog....inside the arena theres some good ones but apart from that...well...

It was by far the most overcrowded Id ever seen it too...obviously selling more and more tickets each year and not increasing the capacity of the site in anyway....it took ages to get in between stages just through the sheer volume of people... I wonder if it will increase next year too ?

Plus it seems to be getting more and more full of chavs and idiots intent on being knobheads for the weekend, blind drunk and mashed making a nusiance of themselves inside the arena and in the campsite....

Is it just me on the points above ? All I can say is thank god for The Killers.....they were fantastic sunday evening and really made the weekend.....

Unless the line up is downright amazing next year I'm off to Glastonbury again....even if it is 3 times as far from Manchester.......

[rhysieg]

i dont know what everybody is talking about, every member of our group get every bit of alcohol through the gate, even my cousin filled a backpack as much as it would go with cans of beer and walked straight through. seriously none of us went to the bar once, we all had so much alcohol through the gates!

[MilkyJoe]

Maybe you were just lucky

[MilkyJoe]

I notice your from Kendal.....small world...I was born there....lol..

[tartanlooney]

I had a blast, yes the food is expensive but its what I expected - esp after it costs them £7k for a pitch!!!

We were searched a couple of times but not very thoroughly, still managed to get a heap of drink throught the gates, my hubby had 2 cans taken off him one time but as they didnt find the other 5 we done ok

I think its just the luck of the draw.

Tha main thing was - No RAIN!!!!! Yeeehaaa! made my weekend

[staffsknot]

I did see a lot of searches but for three days running I walked in with a Camelbak full of vodka and just bought cola inside to mix it with. One of our group was forced to throw an unopened bottle of water away which was sh*te but that's the luck of the draw with the temp security. I spoke to some of them inside and they were festival regulars doing loads of festivals up and down the country, they were really sound and knew what they were doing / wouldn't spoil the fun but reckoned there were a lot of new temporary staff hired who were complete t**sers.

I really enjoyed V this year even though I thought it wouldn't be as good, I know the food is crap but go to the hippy village (V healthy?) and they do good food in there for the same prices.

As for making you stand while pregnant send a big letter to V and complain to Branson / local paper if you can and I reckon you might either get some free tickets for next year or at least an apology as that's terrible!

[phillegg]

This is the 6th V Festival I've been and I gotta agree that they're increasing capacity more than they can handle. At Weston I'd say you could tell the extra people this year, yet the actual size of the arena/campsite didn't seem much bigger at all. You only have to look at the car park to realise the lack of organisation getting everyone in/out. They really need to sort out a proper control system but I'll leave that for another thread

In terms of food it depends what you're going for - find a good stand like the sausage and mash in yorkshire pudding and you'll be set for the weekend - go for a bacon sandwich and you'll probably regret it!

Arena searching is always hit and miss - personally I think it's a waste of time anyway. Search as you enter the site for glass bottles / drugs but to take drinks of you so you'll buy them inside is just ridiculous scam for money making. Other festivals (Glastonbury, Kendal Calling, WOMAD, etc etc) will let you take cans around - oh, but then they know how to organise a festival well... To be fair though, I smuggled in lots of beer that was gaffertaped to my back inside a captain america suit so there's my two-fingers to the search guys!

What I'd say is that V Festival is by far the money money-making festival - they charge near the same as all the other big players, and when you factor in things like it's only 2 days of music plus expensive food and drink that can't be taken in arena, I'd certainly recommend others to try something different next year.

I always use to head V because I can normally drive there in about 40 minutes but considering getting home took me near on 7 and a half hours we might have to rethink that idea!!

Still, despite that I did have a very very good weekend!