Goldfrapp, Skin, Appleton, Basement and The Distillers have been added to the V Festival line up.

Alison Goldfrapp's debut album "Felt Mountain" was one of the best albums of 2000 with it's haunting operatic vocals along with the deep electronica dreamscape.

Now Goldfrapp return with a new (less ambiguous) album "Black Cherry" and join the likes of Moloko and Mis-teeq in the JJB/Puma Arena.

Appleton (Natalie and Nicole) managed to sell six million albums as part of All Saints. Now on their own they have a lot to prove with their debut album, "Everything's Eventual." They have already released singles "Fantasy" and "Don't Worry" from the album. They will play the JJB & Puma Arena.

Skin is known as the former front woman of Skunk Anansie. Her solo album "Fleshwounds" features her first single, "Trashed." With a political mind and differing musical influences and direction, Skin made the decision to go solo. She will be appearing on the V Stage alongside the likes of the Red Hot Chili Peppers and PJ Harvey.

The Basement have yet to release an album but their singles have been causing a stir in the music press. The NME recently said: "If The Basement can write an album of this stuff they will sail away beyond all other pretenders."

They have recently released another pure old-fashioned rock n' roll single, "Slain The Truth", and will be playing on the 2nd stage this year.

The Distillers have made two albums in the last few years featuring their own brand of punk. They liken themselves to the musical equivalent of Evel Knievel "Scarred but strong."

They will be appearing on the 2nd stage for this, their first V appearance.

Headline sponsors Virgin Mobile will be at both sites, and will once again be bringing along The Virgin Mobile Red Light Club and providing dozens of Virgin Mobile Angels to help festival-goers pitch their tents, find the stages, and find their way home.

Festival Director, Bob Angus said: "We are very happy to bring all of these acts to V for the first time."

Festival Director, Simon Moran commented: "The rate of ticket sales are a real testimony to the line up at V this year, and also the growth of the festival that is now in its seventh year. We are looking forward to a really great weekend."

Published Tuesday May 13, 2003