FESTIVALS conjure up a host of glamourous images - live music, flamboyant outfits, booze, mud and portaloos.

I was very excited to be attending V2004, but decided to head down to Weston Park, Staffordshire, on Saturday morning, a day later than intended, after the deluge of rain on Friday night.

Expecting the worst, I armed myself with my old Dr Martens and rain coat, but luckily I didn't need either until I left on Monday morning.

Arriving at the site at 10.30am on Saturday with my partner Stan and our camper van, we managed to avoid the traffic queues, and drive straight onto the campsite.

The problem with festivals is you are spoilt for choice.V2004 was no exception with its fair rides, dance tents, V Stage, NME Stage, JJB Arena, Music Choice Stage, stalls, skate-boarding and street entertainment. It was also an expensive affair with food ranging from £4 to £5 a time on average.

Kosheen, the first act of the day began their set on the V Stage at noon, before urging the audience to get drunk. With alcopops at nightclub prices, that was easier said than done.

Festivalgoer's attire didn't disappoint - I spotted girls in cowboy outfits with plastic guns moving through the crowd as the sophisticated sounds of Jamie Cullum filled the air. Jamie was the perfect artist to chill out to in the sun, especially with High and Dry.

At the end of his set he said: "I'd like to thank the V Festival for having the courage to put a jazz band on the main stage." Judging by the reaction, it was the right move to make.

For me, the festival well and truly started when the mighty Snow Patrol took to the V Stage. They were my highlight of the day.

Snow Patrol generated an electric energy and really knew how to rock out. They belted out several killer tunes from their current album, Final Straw, including the boppy Spitting Games. The anthem for the festival was the band's Run, which despite its melancholy undertones, is an uplifting song all about peace.

After taking in the rich tones of Thea Gilmore on the Music Choice Stage, I caught the flamboyant Scissor Sisters show on the NME Stage.

These wild New Yorkers opened their set with the disco infested Take Your Mama, from their self-titled album. The aim was to bring a disco fuelled party to the festival, which they succeeded in doing, interspersed with references to their sexual orientation.

"I'm glad it's not raining," said Ana Matronic the band's only female member. "I think this is the first festival that we have played where it hasn't been raining."

Comfortably Numb, and Laura won the biggest reaction.

Their set was followed by Black Rebel Motorcycle Club who true to form were clad in black. Their most powerful track was Stop, their opening number taken from the album Take Them On, On Your Own.

After a reunion of The Pixies, The Strokes headlined the V Stage.

The Strokes are the one band who look like true rock stars, and strike the poses to match. Numbers such as Automatic Stop, and The Modern Age were played against a red and yellow back-drop.

Last Night began with its trade mark chugging guitars and had everyone dancing like there was no tomorrow.