Victorious Festival 2021: 14 crimes reported as police in Portsmouth seize £1,825 worth of drugs

The three-day extravaganza returned to Southsea Common after a year off due to Covid restrictions – with The Streets, Manic Street Preachers, Royal Blood and Madness rocking crowds.

Superintendent Sarah Jackson, in charge of policing at the festival, said the vast majority of people ‘enjoyed themselves safely’.

Drugs, including cannabis and cocaine, worth £1,825 on the streets was seized in searches and from amnesty bins at the entry points to the festival.

Supt Jackson said: ‘The policing operation at Victorious Festival 2021 was a success.

‘We have a positive working relationship with the organisers of this popular, family orientated event in Portsmouth.

‘We appreciate how much people have looked forward to returning to some kind of normality after a difficult year and a half and we are pleased to report that the vast majority of people enjoyed themselves safely, responsibly and respectfully.

‘The event ran really smoothly this year which is testament to the organisers’ safety and harm reduction plans, and the proactive partnership and planning that goes into ensure the safety of the public at such events.,’

Police said two thefts were reported, two incidents of criminal damage, six assaults, a drug offence and three ‘other crime’ types. These related to concerns for welfare, and a resolved matter about a drone.

In 2019, 10 crimes were reported.

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

You can subscribe here for unlimited access to our online coverage, including Pompey, with 70 per cent fewer adverts for less than 20p a day.