It's that time of year again – festival season is upon us. The Midlands is home to some of the most well-known music extravaganzas in the UK, ranging from pop loving Virgin V Festival which takes place at Weston Park, to the notoriously rainy Download at Donington Park.

From strict guidelines to top tips, here's everything you need to know about the festivals near you.

Virgin V Festival

Music lovers enjoy Kasabian at V Festival
Music lovers enjoy Kasabian at V Festival

Weston Park will be graced with likes of Pink and Jay Z later this year as big headline acts take to the stage in Shifnal, Staffordshire. The two-day camping festival is suitable for 16 and overs and will take place on Saturday, August 19 and Sunday, August 20, 2017.

Like most festivals, drugs are strictly prohibited and anyone caught with illegal substances will be swiftly removed from the event and possibly face prosecution.

Private sound systems, fireworks, flares, laser pens and any glass will also be refused entry into the campsite, so it's worth putting any alcohol into plastic bottles to avoid having your beverages thrown away.

If you happen to run out of internet data while partying it up in the fields, worry not, Virgin Media are to provide a free supercharged wi-fi to ensure you stay connected. Last year, the bar token rule was abolished, so festival-goers can pay for drinks as they go.

Ellie Goulding performs at V Festival
Ellie Goulding performs at V Festival

Don't forget your bum-bag! The super trendy 90s accessory ensures you keep your belongings safe while adding style to any outfit. Other top tips include bringing dry shampoo and deodorant if you can't afford to fork out for a shower pass.

A portable charger also comes in handy in case you happen to lose your friends and your phone has run out of charge. Weekend camping tickets are still available for £189 and can be purchased via the Virgin V Festival website here .

Y Not

Posing for a photo at Y Not
Posing for a photo at Y Not

Set in the heart of Derbyshire in the beautiful Peak District, the Y Not festival attracts thousands of eager festival-goers each year as they gear up for the three-day event which takes place from July 27-30. All four tier tickets have currently sold out, however fear not, as tier five weekend tickets are still available at a price of £144.50.

Maybe Tomorrow singers Stereophonics and indie superstars Two Door Cinema Club are set to headline the event this year, followed by the likes of The Vaccines and Nottingham's own Jake Bugg.

The event is 16+, and anyone under the age of 15 must be accompanied by an adult aged over 21. If you look under 16 you will more than likely be asked to provide ID – so make sure you don't forget to bring yours. Y not accept BLine cards, driving licences, passports or Citizen cards, but no photocopies.

Live bands come from all over to play at Y Not
Live bands come from all over to play at Y Not

If you like the quieter life or are attending with family, you can opt to stay in the quiet family camping area situated a few minutes' walk away from both the main area and car park, complete with showers and toilets.

Like the Virgin V Festival, glass is not allowed so put all alcohol in plastic bottles, and remember to only bring your own and not for anyone else, as the festival does not permit excess alcohol. Disposable barbecues and pen knives are among some of the objects not allowed into the site, as well as an advisory note from the festival to try and not bring any valuables.

The festival also has a themed fancy dress code every year, which you can vote for on their Facebook page. Food, sun cream, baby wipes and wellies are recommended, along with spare cash as the ATM machines on the site will charge to withdraw.

Download

The rain comes at Download Festival

Heavy-metal lovers rejoice, Download is back and is ready to rock Donington Park from June 9-11. The three-day long event is a must-have for fans of Aerosmith, System of a Down and Scottish band Biffy Clyro. With weekend camping tickets available at a face value of £215 + £10 booking fee, there's still time to attend the "spiritual home of rock" right on your doorstep.

The festival announced they would be adding major improvements to their site after admitting there were problems with last year's event. In 2016, a flash-flood drenched the fields across Donington Park, resulting in tents being washed away and a lot of muddy festival-goers.

According the The Birmingham Mail , the amount of rainfall seen last year could have filled 106 Olympic size swimming pools in just 45 minutes.

Bearded Theory

Crowds enjoying Bearded Theory
Crowds enjoying Bearded Theory

Bearded Theory is set to spring into action from May 25-27 May, with the likes of Seasick Steve and 80s sensation Madness headlining the festival. Held in Catton Hall in South Derbyshire, Bearded Theory differs from its musical competitors, in that it is an independent music festival which has no sponsorship or branding.

If you purchase a ticket, you must be made aware that all tickets cannot be exchanged, refunded or returned after purchase, and any lost tickets will not be replaced, so keep them in a safe place! Gates open at 10am on Thursday, May 25 for weekend ticket holders.

Bearded Theory is held in Catton Hall, South Derbyshire
Bearded Theory is held in Catton Hall, South Derbyshire

Bearded Theory boasts four fantastic public bars operated by the award winning Thornbridge Brewery from Bakewell. Although most alcohol served at festivals are known to break the bank, Bearded Theory offers a great selection of real ales, ciders, spirits, lagers, wines and soft drinks at pub prices.