IT became one of the iconic images of the first V Festival.

But Kate Byrne’s rock and roll moment at Victoria Park in 1996 actually came about when the crowd at the main stage became concerned about the then 15-year-old’s safety.

The former St Gregory’s RC High School pupil was determined to get near the front of the stage with friends

She said: “I think Cast were on when there was a bit of a crush and everyone was trying to get me out of there because I started having a panic. I’m really little so I wanted to get out of there.”

So with the help of the audience Kate pretty much crowd surfed to the first aid tent for a bottle of water and a check up. Kate, now 35, spoke to Weekend to celebrate Neighbourhood Weekender coming to Warrington in May – it is the biggest festival to come to the town since V96.

The Orford resident added: “The picture always makes me laugh. My grandad was showing my nan the last time it was in the Guardian.

“I’ve still got my V Festival ticket and there was a double page spread in the Guardian that I kept. When I heard that Cast played in the town centre for Warrington Music Festival that brought it all up again as I was telling some friends the story. I just loved all the Britpop at the time so getting to see Supergrass, Cast and Pulp was really exciting. I think I’d gone to see Take That when I was 11 but it was my first proper festival experience.

“It’s great to see another festival coming to Victoria Park. It’ll be quite nostalgic.

“My uncle has got tickets even though he lives in Carlisle. It’s around the time of his birthday so he’s really excited for that.

“I’ve noticed a lot of friends saying on Facebook they’ve got tickets. I think it’d be stupid to miss out with it being so close by. I’m most looking forward to seeing Noel Gallagher. I’ve never seen Oasis which I’m quite gutted about because I’m from that era.”

So will Kate be recreating the crowd surf moment at Neighbourhood Weekender?

She said: “If I can get my picture taken I will absolutely do it. I won’t have the short haircut or the miniskirt but I might get some Reebok Classics again for the occasion.”