Branson confirms V Fest roll-out

Sir Richard Branson launched the V Festival in 1996

The V music festival, held in the UK, Canada and the US this year, is to be set up in other countries, Sir Richard Branson has confirmed.

"We are also looking at Italy, Spain and South America," the entrepreneur told Reuters. "We will roll it out."

Australia is also being considered for the annual Virgin-backed event.

"The great thing about doing it in more than one country is we can coordinate it and get the bands moving between countries," said the 56-year-old.

"Tours will play a much greater part in the coming years. From a band's point of view, they make more out of playing live than out of music sales."

Spin-off

The V Festival, held in August at Hylands Park in Chelmsford and Weston Park in Staffordshire, is one of the UK's biggest music events.

Its Canadian spin-off, named the Virgin festival, was held this month at Toronto Islands Park in Canada.

A one-day US event will be held at the Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore on 23 September.

British band The Who and the Red Hot Chili Peppers will headline at the event.