IT rained and rained and rained.But in true British style the crowd at Chelmsford's V2001 music festival braved the elements and were rewarded with an event to compete with the likes of Reading and T in the Park.

IT rained and rained and rained.

But in true British style the crowd at Chelmsford's V2001 music festival braved the elements and were rewarded with an event to compete with the likes of Reading and T in the Park.

At last, East Anglia has something to rival the more established festivals, with this year's two-day event attracting top acts such as Texas, Coldplay, Kylie Minogue and the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

And for those who prefer their music a little less mainstream, there was plenty to satisfy, with Turin Brakes, Muse, Grandaddy and Doves all playing up a storm.

But the star-studded event was marred by allegations of the rape of a 16-year-old girl over the weekend.

The girl told police she was attacked near a beer tent on the festival site at Hylands Park, Chelmsford, on Sunday morning.

A 20-year-old man from the London area was arrested on suspicion of rape and was last night released on police bail until September 19.

A spokesman for Essex Police said the teenage girl was "distressed" following the incident, but was able to help police with their inquiries.

Over the weekend there were also a number of arrests for drug-related offences, and one man was arrested for causing a breach of the peace after trying to get into the JJB Arena where Kylie Minogue was performing.

The weather also took its toll, with the St John Ambulance dealing with a number of cases of dehydration and exhaustion after the sun eventually emerged from behind the clouds.

The incidents have left a shadow over an otherwise very impressive event, which this year attracted a record crowd of 120,000 people. Unlike Glastonbury, which has this year vanished from the scene, there is little doubt that the Chelmsford V festival will go from strength to strength.