V Festival 2016: Ten To See

Justin Bieber

One of this year's main headliners on Virgin Media Stage, Biebs is bringing the biggest production ever seen in V's history. As his only European festival appearance, there is no excuse to miss him. Without spoiling too much, there is the possibility of getting wet with Bieber.

Rihanna

The veteran V performer, and the weekend's other headliner, will be showcasing tracks off ANTI as well as some fan favourites. Who knows, Drake may turn up to sex up "Work" and you may get mad at yourself for not being there while watching the various youtube videos.

SIA

Yet to announce a headline date for her Nostalgic for the Present tour in the UK, V festival may be the only place to see SIA perform songs from This is Acting as well as chart breakers like "Chandelier" and "Titanium". Nostalgic runs like a film, with dancers acting out each song and presenting the show as a play/film. You need to keep an eye on the screens for some surprises. NOT TO BE MISSED.

Rick Astley

Despite it having been over a decade since he released his last album, Astley is having a 'sort of comeback'. Then again he has only released 5 albums since his 1987 chart topper debut - "Whenever You Need Somebody". It seems distance makes the hearts grow fonder as his latest, titled 50 because he is, hit number 1 on the charts in June. Rather than singing it to a TV screen in a karaoke booth, catch his set to give your best rendition of "Never Gonna Give You Up" to the man himself.

All Saints

V does not forget the delights of the late '90s and Girl Power. All Saints, of course, were the band who brought girl power to adult listeners with their sophisticated RnB/pop/electronica blend. The girls reunited once again this year (never say never ever) and released a true to form album Red Flag. Will the reunion last this time around? Who knows. Cross your fingers and while doing so use the opportunity to catch their set at V.

DNCE

DNCE may just be the sleeper hit band of the festival. Having already burnt the charts with "Sex on the Beach" "Cake by the Ocean", this year, Joe Jonas, Jinjoo Lee, Cole Whittle and Jack Lawless will bring ensure you have the best start to the festival with songs off their EP Swaay and some select cover songs.

Bill Bailey

We don’t think we need to write anything about the legend that is Bill Bailey. Top Trump card.

MNEK

Here’s a fact: MNEK worked with Madonna and recorded his vocals for a version of "Living for Love". If Madonna says he is good enough to sing on a single of hers, it is a good enough reason to check him out. If that doesn’t entice you, listen below his collaboration with Zara Larsson (also playing on the same day).

Halsey

V festival is flying the rainbow flag loud and proud. It was about time a festival embraced a variety of LGBTQ performers higher up on their bill. On one hand you have the pop brilliance of Years and Years, Jess Glynne and Troye Sivan, on the other hand you have the slower, darker sound of Halsey. By all means, see all of these acts but if you are looking to see how one person can have so much presence on a big stage, make sure to check out Halsey. She will blow your mind.

Laura Mvula

Our last pick is Laura Mvula is one of the more legitimate artists in today’s music scene - an educated composer who graduated from Birmingham City University conservatoire. This musical knowledge combined with her intuition of what makes great music as a form of art makes her stand out. One of the few female musical artists whose debut and sophomore efforts were both nominated for a Mercury Prize, she is also very charming and witty on stage. A perfect act for a Sunday afternoon.