ORGANISERS of a free music festival in Portsmouth have described it as a resounding success – and say it could return.
Up to 35,000 people took in entertainment on offer at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard during the first-ever two-day Victorious Vintage festival.
Organised by the owners of Southsea bar Little Johnny Russells with Boutique Market and Love Southsea, visitors were treated to attractions from vintage stalls lining the Dockyard selling everything from clothing to collectables.
Crowds were wowed by performances from dozens of artists such as Mark Morriss of The Bluetones fame, The Silver Beatles, The Bog Rolling Stones as well as Sunday night headliners The Lightning Seeds.
The main stage was surrounded by the impressive backdrop of HMS Victory, and even rain that pelted down on Saturday night couldn’t deter music fans who opted to stay soggy and ride out the storm to watch Dodgy headline.
Music lovers also headed to the acoustic stage area, which was decked out with astroturf, bunting and deckchairs and played host to a raft of musical talent during the weekend.
With food stalls and outdoor bars provided by Little Johnny Russells and The Belle Isle, there was something to keep everyone entertained.
Organiser Ben Mills, co-owner of Little Johnny Russells, now hopes to keep the festival going.
He said: ‘The weather wasn’t kind to us on Saturday evening but apart from that it’s gone really well.
‘This is the first year we’ve done it but hopefully we can keep it going. It’s been fantastic. I haven’t heard a bad word said about it. I think everybody’s enjoyed it.
‘We’ve had a huge line-up of bands.
‘The acoustic stage has stolen the show, it’s been a really good atmosphere down there.’
Melissa Gerbaldi, spokeswoman for Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, said: ‘We have really enjoyed the event.
‘There was a fantastic atmosphere and it was a great community event.
‘It was nice to have different faces coming through the dockyard gates.
‘I think we had something that catered for everyone.
‘It was a perfect way to showcase our attractions, and what better back drop for a music event than HMS Victory on one side and HMS Illustrious on the other?’
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