Rock groups Coldplay and the Red Hot Chili Peppers are to top the bill at the V2003 festival - in a repeat of the headline acts of two years ago.

The bands are the first to be announced for the festival, which takes place this summer in Chelmsford, Essex, and Weston Park, Staffordshire.

Coldplay and the Red Hot Chili Peppers both played at the 2001 festival when downpours marred the festivities.

The bands will play at both sites during the weekend of 16 and 17 August, and more acts will be announced when tickets go on sale on 8 March.

Coldplay and the Red Hot Chili Peppers have both released new albums since their last V appearances.

Red Hot Chili Peppers released By the Way in 2003

Coldplay, fronted by Chris Martin, scored a critical and commercial success with A Rush of Blood to the Head, which is nominated for a best album Brit Award.

The Red Hot Chili Peppers reaffirmed their status as one of the world's most popular rock groups with By the Way.

Uncertain future

Last year's V2002 festival line-up underwent a quick change after Travis were forced to pull-out because of an injury to their drummer, and the Manic Street Preachers stepped in.

Elsewhere on the music calendar, Glastonbury, the UK's largest festival, is still facing an uncertain future after councillors in Shepton Mallet, Somerset, rejected a licence for the 2003 event.

Festival organisers have lodged an appeal and there have been no objections from the police about it going ahead.

US rock band REM will headline the event if it finally gets the go ahead, with rumours that the Rolling Stones will also play.