Weather didn't dampen spirits as thousands flock to Victorious Festival - weekend round up

It was always going to happen. After that spell of ridiculously hot and dry weather it was bound to rain over Victorious weekend.

But the wind and rain didn't dampen spirits as the crowds continued to flock to Victorious Festival for its three-day fiesta on Southsea Common.

Thousands packed Southsea to enjoy performances from headliners Richard Ashcroft, The Black Keys and Kasabian on the Common Stage, and Faithless, Bastille and Basement Jaxx on the Castle Stage.

But the Bandstage Stage and Twisted Tea Rooms fell victim to the weather and were closed for the majority of the weekend. But provision was made for Southsea Alternative choir to have a special performance for Portsmouth100 - to become the 100th band of the summer to play at the bandstand after their original performance was cancelled.

Phil Buckley, 54, from Edinburgh said it was "worth the drive" after travelling down on Thursday night. It is the fourth time he has taken the nine hour drive to visit the festival.

He said: "It is just a really good vibe, its friendly. You can get to the bars nice and quick, there is great music and there is loads to do."

M60 kicked off proceedings on Friday on the Common Stage in a line-up which also features Rudim3ntal, Pixie Lott, The Vaccines and the Scissor Sisters who put a show with their colourful performance.

Meanwhile over on the Castle Stage on Friday the undoubted stars of the show were the Vengaboys in front of a packed Castle Field who were ready to party.

On Saturday there was an unexplained no-show from Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers who were replaced with local band The Hill Brothers, but Dizzy Rascal got the party started in front of a packed our crowd on the Common Stage, with Jessie J, Happy Mondays and Nile Rodgers & Chic also among those delighting the crowds.

Road to Victorious winner Matt Hennessy also played in front of a huge crowd on the Castle Stage.

And on Sunday the likes of Reef, James Arthur and The Streets also entertained the crowds, while the Under the Trees stage featured Welsh comedy hip hop group Goldie Lookin’ Chain.

New this year was also a re-creation of the much-loved Southsea pub Little Johnny Russell’s which also featured its own line-up of acts including Marley Blandford. And there was a return of the popular Kids Arena which featured wrestling and Pompey in the Community.

Festival goers said that they had an amazing weekend despite the weather - with so many highlights to enjoy.

Fiona Broomfield from Leeds said "Nile Rodgers and Chic were phenomenal and Jessie J was fantastic. It is a really family-friendly festival and just chill and fun."

For Emma Strickland, the Scissor Sisters were a standout. She said: "They put on a really good show. I knew they would be good and they were fantastic."

Prince Brandon from Drumnation Tribe enjoyed a weekend of performing to the crowds in the World Music area.

He said: "The highlight of the weekend has been playing music with my friends and keeping smiles on people's faces. Also the fact that the weather has given us every single season in three days."