V Festival weather latest: Sunny spells forecast for Chelmsford as Staffordshire takes the brunt of the rain

Rihanna and Justin Bieber headline the annual pop extravaganza

Trust Rihanna to make it rain just in time for a mass sing-a-long of 'Umbrella' (Getty Images)

Pop lovers heading to V Festival to see Justin Bieber, Rihanna and a host of other chart-topping acts perform will no doubt be wondering whether to pack their wellies or their flipflops.

The Great British Summer is famous for its unpredictable heatwaves and downpours, making outdoor festivals decidedly problematic but the good news is that those heading to the Chelmsford site should enjoy at least some sunshine this weekend. Staffordshire’s forecast looks bleaker sadly, with some potential respite from heavy rain on Sunday.

Here’s what the Met Office has to say as festival-goers prepare to pitch their tents:

Hylands Park, Chelmsford

Friday

Heavy rain is expected a lunchtime but the rest of the day looks mainly dry, with some light rain come late afternoon. The evening should be clear with sunny spells from 7pm, with temperatures peaking at 19-degrees celsius.

Saturday

Sun sun sun! Festival-goers will wake up to clear skies on Saturday morning, with the good weather continuing until mid-afternoon when some light showers are possible. It might be a bit windy, but you’ll be making use of your sunglasses.

Sunday

Sunday will be a cloudier affair in Essex but you’re unlikely to see any rain. The sun will hopefully start breaking through around lunchtime and again at 6pm as the evening acts begin.

Weston Park, Staffordshire

Friday

Expect light to heavy rain throughout the day with sunny intervals breaking through thick cloud from 5pm. The evening should be cloudy but dry before a clear night, so wrap up warm in your tent.

Saturday

The wind looks set to pick up for the first day of music with a mix of light and heavy showers until 8pm. Temperatures will remain warm, peaking at 18-degrees celsius around 4pm.

Sunday

Sunday should be the best day in Staffordshire with some sunshine on the agenda around lunchtime and again in the evening. No rain is forecast yet but by this point you will likely need your wellies to wade through the mud.

So there you have it, not the brightest of festival weekends, but at least Rihanna will be leading everyone in an appropriate mass sing-a-long of “Umbrella”.