V Festival's landmark year draws 250,000 people

Kasabian brought the festival to a close in Essex on Saturday

About 250,000 people are thought to have turned out to celebrate the 20th V Festival at its sites in Essex and Staffordshire.

Organisers said they wanted to "champion British talent", with Kasabian and Calvin Harris on the dual headline slots.

Home-grown talent including Ella Henderson, Imelda May and Ella Eyre were also on the bill.

The event first took place in 1996 when Pulp and Paul Weller headlined.

Over the years, a line-up of world famous acts have played including Eminem, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Amy Winehouse.

One of the highlights to mark the festival's 20th event was provided by singer Labrinth, who stopped his set in Chelmsford to propose to his girlfriend.

British singer Labrinth brought his girlfriend out on stage and asked her to be his wife

Calvin Harris played the headline set at Weston Park on Saturday

Olly Murs tweeted after his set in Chelmsford that it was the "best gig" he had ever done

Temperatures reached 28C (82F) in Essex on Saturday as the main festival stage opened

Ella Henderson performed at Weston Park on Saturday afternoon

Police in Essex said they have made 41 arrests at the Chelmsford event, mainly for drugs offences.

They said four of the force's sniffer dogs and two from Kent were at the arena, while a number of plain clothes officers had also been patrolling.

In Staffordshire, officers said it had been a "peaceful night" after earlier warning people about "dangerous drugs" found at the site.

Festival-goers have been warned about dangerous drugs discovered at Weston Park

Marina and the Diamonds will perform at Weston Park on Sunday following Saturday's set in Essex

Saturday's festival-goers had to brave rain showers at Weston Park, while the sun shone at Hylands Park

For the anniversary year, there has been mix of showery weather and blazing sunshine for the two split crowds, with festival-goers at Hylands Park in Chelmsford having to cope with temperatures of 28C (82F) by midday on Saturday.

However, rain showers are threatening to dampen spirits throughout Sunday at both sites.