Essex's biggest music festival - V2003 - today announced its two headline acts - Britain's own Coldplay and the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

Coldplay, who's debut album Parachutes has made them one of the world's biggest bands, will play the main stage at Hylands Park in Chelmsford while the Red Hot Chili Peppers will fly the flag for America in front of thousands of screaming fans.

Red Hot Chili Peppers are one of the acts appearing at this year's festival

Both bands are making a triumphant return to Essex having played at the V2001 festival to great success.

The Peppers style of funk rock has kept them in the spotlight since 1989 when they formed.

Despite the usual excesses that goes with the rock and roll lifestyle they have maintained their pre-eminent status and their most recent album By The Way has been acclaimed by critics.

Despite being the younger of the two, Coldplay have already reached star status with their debut album reaching platinum sales five times over.

A Mercury prize nomination plus a handful of Brit awards led them to be the main headline act at last years' Glastonbury festival while their latest album A Rush of Blood has meant more accolades.

Previous headliners have included Richard Ashcroft, Paul Weller, Stereophonic, Manic Street Preachers and Suede along with All Saints, James Brown, Macy Gray, the Chemical Brothers and Moby.

Tickets for this years festival, held over the weekend of August 16 and 17, go on sale on March 8.

For more on this year's festival visit www.v2003.info

Take a look back at pictures and reviews of last year's festival at www.v2002.info

Published Tuesday, January 21, 2003

Brought to you by the Evening Echo