Niall Horan may be taking a rare break from performing, but the One Direction star stayed close to the action throughout the weekend at Virgin Media’s V Festival.
The 19-year-old was enjoying the annual event in Chelmsford, Essex, after flying back from Los Angeles, where One Direction had completed their final US show before their mammoth Take Me Home world tour moves to Australia next month.
After spending time mixing with Union J, Conor Maynard and Olly Murs backstage in the VIP Louder Lounge, Niall enjoyed some less familiar but equally welcome company as Saturday’s festivities came to an end.
Lucky fan: One Direction star Niall Horan plants a kiss on a young woman’s cheek backstage at Virgin Media’s V Festival on Saturday
Pictures shared on Twitter showed the Irish heartthrob greeting one lucky fan with a kiss on the cheek while relaxing in the festival’s VIP Louder Lounge that evening.
Wearing a fashionable NBA basketball vest, which he later teamed with a black Stussy sweater, Niall appeared in high spirits as he posed for photographs with fellow festivalgoers, including singer Pixie Lott.
However, while his V Festival experience appeared to be going smoothly, there was a chance of an awkward meeting with Made in Chelsea star Louise Thompson.
Celebrity company: Niall meets fans at the annual festival, including Pixie Lott, second from right
Festival fun: The Irish singer poses with female admirers at V Festival in Chelmsford on Saturday evening
Niall recently dismissed reports of a growing romance with the reality star, who is dating her Made in Chelsea co-star Andy Jordan, describing the speculation as ‘ridiculous.’
‘One meeting turned into a big story, which is ridiculous, so that’s the end of that,’ he told The Sun’s Fabulous magazine.
The Kiss You singer also acknowledged that inaccurate reports about their meeting had left him wary.
Bright arrival: Niall looks cheerful as he reaches V Festival in Chelmsford, Essex
Festival gathering: Niall spends time with Conor Maynard, second from left, and friends at Virgin Media’s V Festival on Saturday afternoon
He added: ‘You struggle with who to trust and who not to trust.’
After arriving at the Hylands Park site on Saturday afternoon, the singer watched performances by Kings of Leon, Jessie J, The Script and Beyonce.
On Sunday, Niall was also spotted watching The Saturdays perform from the side of the stage.
Taking it easy: Niall enjoys a cold drink while walking around the festival with friends
He was joined by Rochelle Humes’ husband, Marvin, and Una’s rugby player husband, Ben Foden.
The pair appeared to be enjoying themselves as they watched their wives perform, while Niall seemed not to be part of the joke.
Niall and his One Direction bandmates are due to return to the stage at Adelaide Entertainment Centre in Adelaide on September 23.
This year’s V Festival also featured a special collaboration with Cineworld, which became the first major UK cinema chain to bring the movie-going experience to a music festival. Guests at the Virgin Media Louder Lounge were treated to screenings of a host of feel-good films in a pop-up cinema.
Watching from the wings: Niall Horan takes in The Saturdays’ energetic performance alongside Marvin Humes and Ben Foden
Festival star: Ellie Goulding was among the performers on the first day of the annual event in Chelmsford, Essex
On stage: Jessie J bends and moves during her performance on the Virgin Media Stage at V Festival
Multiple looks: Beyonce Knowles wore a series of outfits during her headline performance on Saturday night
Beyond the music: Made In Chelsea’s Louise Thompson, previously linked to Niall, was among the stars who visited the Cineworld pop-up cinema in the Virgin Media Louder Lounge
