ON THE hottest weekend of the year Hylands Park in Chelmsford rocked to the sounds of the Virgin Media V Festival once again.

Saturday was all about Manchester’s finest at the Southern leg of the festival as The Stone Roses and Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds stole the show.

Headliners the Roses showed exactly why their army of fans were so delighted to see them put their differences aside and get back together with a sizzling set. A 10-minute rendition of Fools Gold will live long in the memory of all lucky enough to witness it, while finishing with a performance of I am The Resurrection was a perfect way to end a fantastic first day.

Noel Gallagher had provided the perfect warm up - not that the crowd needed it with temperatures nudging 90�F.

The former Oasis singer-songwriter proved he has definitely won the battle with his brother Liam for the nation’s affections with a truly terrific set which mixed new material with Oasis classics.

Noel dedicated Supersonic to Olympic double gold medalist Mo Farah, with thousands in the crowd responding by performing the ‘Mobot’.

A rousing rendition of Don’t Look Back In Anger, which was belted out by 50,000 people, brought his set to a deafening crescendo.

Over on the Arena Stage Ed Sheeran was as popular as ever, drawing in a huge crowd for his headline set.

Earlier, David Guetta, Emeli Sand�, Example and Keane were among the acts that delighted sun-drenched festival goers at Hylands Park.

Sunday’s hangovers were soon blown away by typically varied Virgin Media V Festival acts ranging from Tiny Tempah to Tulisa, The Happy Mondays to Tom Jones and from The Enemy to Cher Lloyd – although the former X-Factor singer was pelted with bottles and ended her set early.

Essex’s own Olly Murs delighted the crowds during the afternoon and returned for an encore during the set of ska heroes Madness, for a joint rendition of their classic hit It Must Be Love.

On another glorious evening, 2009 headliners Snow Patrol wowed the crowds playing all their old classics, including Chasing Cars and Run, with the adoring crowd providing the backing vocals.

But it was clear the highlight of the weekend for many was a storming set from American rock band The Killers.

Frontman Brandon Flowers was on tip-top form as he belted out all the favourites from the band’s back catalogue including Somebody Told Me and When We Were Young. Some of the tracks from their new Battle Born album were also showcased with Runaways going down particularly well and sure to be another massive hit.

Perhaps their best-known hit, Mr Brightside, had the crowds jumping with elation whilst lasers pummelled the skies as the Virgin Media V Festival 2012 was brought to a triumphant close.

Alongside the music, the highly acclaimed Glee Club Comedy Stage made a welcome return for a second stint. More than 20 comedians, including Sean Lock and Milton Jones, had the crowds in stitches throughout the weekend.

Meanwhile, in the Virgin Media Louder Lounge celebrities and media folk enjoyed the best hospitality a festival could offer.

Guests lapped up free cocktails and a delicious range of food, all against the backdrop of the perfect village fete.

A host of DJs provided the musical accompaniment, while guests were also treated to festival tans from Vita Liberata, nail makeovers by Boom Nails, sunglasses from Guess and the latest fashion trends from Very.co.uk.

Danny Dyer was seen chatting away to magician Dynamo, Leigh Francis was present in his Keith Lemon guise and Louder Lounge stalwart Billie Piper was back once again.

Inbetweeners star James Buckley (Jay), former footballer Ledley King and model Kelly Brook were also seen milling around, as was Olympic gold medallist Greg Rutherford, who enjoyed a well-earned drink after his exploits at the London Games.

With a cracking musical line-up and fantastic weather to boot, organisers will have to go some to beat this year’s festival next time round.

For ticket information for next year’s Virgin Media V Festival visit www.vfestival.com