1996-1999
Virgin Express airline takes off, operating services from the UK to Brussels and on to European cities.
V2 Music is created, comprising the UK label, V2 Records and V2 Music Publishing. The Stereophonics and the Kings of Infinite Space are the first two bands signed to the label.
Virgin.net launches as an Internet service provider.
Virgin Brides opens its doors… and Richard shaves his beard off, but his wife doesn't like it so he grows it back.
The Virgin Voucher is launched.
Virgin Atlantic makes its inaugural flights from Heathrow to Washington DC and Johannesburg.
Virgin Trains is launched as the Virgin Rail Group is awarded the CrossCountry rail franchise, which operates InterCity/Express services across mainland Britain.
The iconic Virgin Megastores in Times Square opens its doors for the first time.
The first V Festival is held in the UK across two different locations in one weekend. It was Jarvis Cocker’s idea apparently.
Virgin Trains is awarded the 15 year franchise for the InterCity West Coast, with the promise to introduce 40 high-speed tilting trains and reduce journey times considerably.
Virgin Radio is acquired by Chris Evans and Ginger Productions.
The Virgin Cosmetics Company launches with its first four flagship Virgin Vie stores in London, Bromley, Sheffield and Thurrock.
Virgin Direct (later to become Virgin Money) unveils the Virgin One Account mortgage.
The V2 Benelux record label is founded.
Virgin Books publishes the first edition of Richard Branson’s autobiography ‘Losing My Religion’.
Virgin Atlantic heads to the Caribbean and launches its Gatwick to Barbados, St Lucia and Antigua routes.
Virgin Mobile launches Virgin’s first consumer telecommunications venture.
Virgin Cinemas is sold for £215m to UGC of France. A Japan chain remains operating.
Virgin Active launches the first of its health and lifestyle centres in Preston, Leeds and Stockley Park.
The Virgin Vie stores rebrand as Virgin Cosmetics stores.
Digital station Radio Free Virgin begins broadcasting over the Internet.
Virgin Atlantic flies from Heathrow to Shanghai and Cape Town for the first time.
Ulusaba, a private game reserve near the Kruger National Park, South Africa, is acquired by Virgin Hotels (later to become Virgin Limited Edition).
Richard Branson is knighted.
