Michael Hassanyen (left) and Anturo Pereiza from Chilli Tattoo working at Victorious Vintage at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard 2nd June 2012
Picture: Steve Reid 121916-645Michael Hassanyen (left) and Anturo Pereiza from Chilli Tattoo working at Victorious Vintage at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard 2nd June 2012
Picture: Steve Reid 121916-645
Michael Hassanyen (left) and Anturo Pereiza from Chilli Tattoo working at Victorious Vintage at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard 2nd June 2012 Picture: Steve Reid 121916-645

Do you remember the first ever Victorious Festival in Portsmouth?

It’s nine years today since the first Victorious Festival was held in Portsmouth.

We all know the scenes on Southsea Common when the festival is on – the large crowds, the party atmosphere and the sunny weather (hopefully!).

But how many of you remember the first Victorious Festival? Compared to last year’s bank holiday fest, the first event in 2012 was slightly more intimate.

The festival – then known as Victorious Vintage – was held at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, attended by about 35,000 people, and headliners included The Lightning Seeds and Mark Morriss. It coincided with the Queen’s diamond jubilee.

The dockyard also hosted Victorious in 2013 before a decision was made to switch venues to the Common, where the festival now attracts annual crowds of well over 100,000.

Tickets are now on sale for the 2021 festival – which organisers say will definitely go ahead in some form – and hopefully we can see a return to the crowds of previous years.

Were you at the first Victorious Festival? What are your memories?

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