Victorious gets off to a rocking start for 2018

The three-day music festival, now in its seventh year, rocked up once again on Southsea Common to kick off the Bank Holiday weekend in style as revellers soaked up the pumping array of music. 

Started in 2012, Victorious Festival was originally held in the Historic Dockyard near the HMS Victory but has since expanded over the years.

And if the opening day yesterday was anything to go by then the 2018 festival will deliver on its promise to be the best one yet '“ with The Libertines leading the way by headlining on the opening night.

They were joined by indie rock legends the Kaiser Chiefs who boomed out classics galore '“ sending the crowd into a frenzy.

Shed Seven and Lightning Seeds, who played the first Victorious Festival, also featured on the opening day to the delight of the thousands of festivalgoers who turned up despite the drab weather.

Music lover Sue Ryder, 61, of Southsea, said: '˜It's been a really strong start to the festival this year with the Kaiser Chiefs and The Libertines.

'˜Last year Madness headlined on the opening night but they are past their best.

'˜It promises to be a great weekend '“ there's something for everyone.'

Sabrina Taylor, 39, of Southsea, said: '˜I love it here. What a way to start the festival with the Kaiser Chiefs, The Libertines and the Lightning Seeds. It's such a great festival with so many top bands.'

Barney Bowens, 47, and wife Sonia, 54, came all the way from Suffolk just for the opening day.

Barney said: '˜We had a great day. The weather didn't help but you just get on with it. I'm a massive fan of Shed Seven so I had to come and see them '“ they were brilliant.'

Today and Sunday also promise to go down a storm with rock legend Paul Weller headlining Victorious Festival tonight.

Paloma Faith will be bringing a dose of her signature pop/soul to Southsea Common, while former Beach Boys singer Brian Wilson will be bringing a life-long catalogue of hits.

Other confirmed acts include veterans Happy Mondays, Everything Everything, The Cribs and Billy Bragg.

In a UK festival exclusive performance The Prodigy will close Victorious Festival out with the headline slot on Sunday. 

Rapper/singer Example and DJ Wire and  Sleaford Mods are also on the bill for the Sunday.