Early gates help V Festival traffic

Revellers making their way to the 2008 V Festival on the Shropshire/Staffordshire border today avoided traffic chaos after event bosses opened the gates earlier than in previous years.

Police said it allowed thousands of fans to arrive at Weston Park, near Shifnal, a day before the festival gets into full swing.

Revellers are being warned to take their wellies and waterproofs as rain is forecast.

The line-up includes Amy Winehouse, The Chemical Brothers, The Verve, Muse, The Prodigy, Kings of Leon, The Kooks, Lenny Kravitz and Stereophonics.

Revellers from all over the country were busy settling in at the grounds of the stately home.

About 90,000 fans at Weston Park and a second venue in Essex will enjoy performances by The Chemical Brothers, The Verve, Muse, The Prodigy, Kings of Leon, Lenny Kravitz.

On the eve of the festival organisers have announced some changes to this year's line-up including the cancellation of Sam Sparro's gig at the last-minute.

Elsewhere, VV Brown, The Dodgems and Magistrates have joined the bill to replace Jonathon Jeremiah, The Like and The Midway State.

Now in its 13th year, the two-day musical spectacular sees dozens of top acts perform across five stages in the grounds of the stately home.

Organisers have this year opened the festival gates earlier to prevent a repeat of traffic congestion on nearby roads which has plagued the event in the past.

Thousands of fans snapped up early tickets allowing them on site a day before the festival gets into full swing.

Staffordshire Police will weed out revellers linked with crime using automatic number plate recognition cameras on entry gates.

A fleet of CCTV cameras on site will also help stamp out the menace of thefts from tents.

Police are warning festival-goers to leave irreplaceable or valuable belongings at home.

Superintendent David Holdway, of Staffordshire Police, said: "We are well-used to looking after thousands of people who come to V, but it's important for everyone to do their bit in protecting their valuables.

"We'll be employing a number of tactics to disrupt criminals should they fail to heed our advice."

Police have also warned ticket touts and anyone intent on committing crimes to stay away.

By Tom Johannsen