V2003 clean-up begins

The clean-up operation at the V2003 Music Festival was under way today after two days of non-stop rock.

More than a quarter of a million people attended the festival over the weekend, including a number of high-profile celebrities, which was brought to a close last night.

American band the Red Hot Chilli Peppers played out the finale in Hylands Park, Chelmsford, while British stars Coldplay brought the music in Western Park, in Staffordshire, to an end.

Among the famous spotted enjoying the sunshine was Jack Osbourne, Anna Friel, Darius Danesh and Zoe Ball. Celebrity friends and families were also there to support the bands.

Gwyneth Paltrow turned up in Essex to watch boyfriend Chris Martin of Coldplay and Liam Gallagher watched wife Nicole Appleton of Appleton.

Acts included Ash, The Foo Fighters, the Coral, the Hives, David Gray and Evan Dando.

Essex Police said the festival had passed off peacefully.

A spokesman said: "We would like to praise the vast majority of music fans who behaved in a responsible manner. Their good nature led to a very successful and enjoyable weekend."

St John Ambulance reported a further 350 casualties with some of those ending up at Chelmsford General Hospital.