More than 100,000 music fans will descend on Chelmsford this weekend for the V2000 music festival and police are appealing for help to ensure the event is once again safe and crime free.

The festival, in Hylands Park, will feature more than 40 artists.

Now in its fifth year, the V festival has established itself as the premier music event in the south east, attracting some 55,000 each day.

As in previous years Essex police, and other organisations, want to ensure everyone has a good time, but they are urging people to remain sensible and leave valuables at home.

Sgt Chris White, who is co-ordinating the police operation, said: "As always Essex police wants to make this annual event safe and crime free. We want everybody attending to have a good time and this is achievable as long as visitors are sensible and follow the restrictions."

Motorists are also being warned to remain patient, with queues of slow moving traffic likely. Drivers unconnected with the festival are advised to avoid the A1016 and A414 and take other routes around Chelmsford.

A temporary 30 mph speed limit will also be in place along the old A1016, and A414 to Writtle from the Widford roundabout, with strictly enforced parking restrictions in the surrounding area.

For those not driving, First Great Eastern is arranging extra trains and free buses will operate between the park and Chelmsford town centre at the end of the concert on both nights.

A mobile police station will be just outside the main entrance and CCTV cameras will be used to combat crimes within the campsite and concert arenas.

Police contact numbers are 01245 269589 and 01245 491212.

Festival first: Kicking off the world class line up at V2000 tonight are Chelmsford mod rockers Grasp, the first band ever to play to campers on the Friday night. With more campers expected than ever before, organisers were keen to provide some live music for the festival goers on the first night and after listening to hundreds of tapes Grasp were selected. Singer and rhythm guitarist, Andy Taylor, said: "We are thrilled. It's great as an Essex band to be playing at Essex's own festival." Pictured (back left to right) Jason Silverback, Mark Hines, Gary Weeks and (front) Andy Taylor.

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