Snow Patrol replace Oasis as festival headliners

Oasis were forced to cancel their appearance at the V Festival tonight in Chelmsford, England after lead singer Liam Gallagher was diagnosed with viral laryngitis.

Snow Patrol have stepped in to headline the main stage at Hylands Park after Oasis pulled out following doctor’s advice to Gallagher.

An Oasis spokesperson said: “After a year of being on the road this is the first performance to be lost to a band member’s illness, so naturally we are all completely gutted. Liam is resting up and should be fine to resume the tour next Friday in Paris.”

The Brit pop legends headlined the Staffordshire leg of the V Festival on Saturday night to a delighted crowd.

One festivalgoer said: “They played a great set and seemed on good form.”

V Festival director Bob Angus said of the change of billing in Chelmsford: “Fans will be disappointed of course – the artists’ health must come first.

“The acts on the V Stage are sure to play the set of their lives so fans have a fantastic Sunday night at V Festival, Chelmsford.”

Some Oasis fans were sceptical of claims that front man Liam was ill.

Jade Goody’s widower Jack Tweed said: “I’m gutted – I think they’re just hungover to be honest.”

But Radio One’s Edith Bowman insisted the band would not cancel without good reason.

“They’re very professional and they wouldn’t cancel if they didn’t have a valid reason.

“I think Noel might come on stage and do something on his own to surprise the fans.”

Singer Paolo Nutini said: “It’s the fans I feel sorry for.”

Charlotte Church and boyfriend Gavin Henson were among the celebrities spotted partying at the festival last night.

While Church retired to bed in the early hours Henson was spotted still up enjoying himself at 6am.

Xtra Factor presenter Holly Willoughby and her husband were seen enjoying the backstage area in Virgin Media’s Live Lounge this afternoon along with Harry Potter star Rupert Grint.