Pigeon Detectives relish the challenge of V Festival

Despite the task of getting everyone back into the festival spirit after a lack of sleep, the five lads from Rothwell, known collectively as The Pigeon Detectives, managed to do just that, and then some.

Singer Matt Bowman was incredibly lively and every bit the frontman - offering bottled ‘rock star water’ to the crowd after drenching his curly locks with it.

Tracks such as This is an Emergency, Everybody Wants Me, Animal, and I’m Not Sorry were a hit with the thousands of festival-goers at the 4Music Stage.

After their performance I met up with guitarist Oliver Main and drummer Jimmy Naylor for a post-gig chat.

Oliver said: “I think it’s more of a challenge to be the first up and get the crowd going. There was a big crowd which is always good, and Matt is very energetic.”

They have performed at the festival - which has two sites, one in Staffordshire and Chelmsford - several times.

This year they enjoyed watching other acts such as Jessie J and Fun.

Despite their success during the past nine years, the lads haven’t let fame and fortune go to their heads.

They still enjoy coming back to the area to watch their favourite bands.

AJimmy said: “I came back and saw Sunshine Underground play in Wakefield in December last year. It was a good gig.”

They also said they still live in Leeds and haven’t got plans to move any time soon.

The band are embarking on a tour in October and said they are looking forward to it.

Other acts gracing the stages at the festival were The Stereophonics, Kings of Leon, The Vaccines, Olly Murs and Beyonce.