Music festival unveils creation of Victorious Foundation to support most vulnerable children in Portsmouth

Event bosses plan to create their own charity which will be dedicated to supporting worthy causes all year round.

Victorious Foundation would have its own board of directors, who would have control over a pot of cash for the community.

Victorious boss James Ralls says the plan is to give the most support to vulnerable and disadvantaged children and young people and inspire them to achieve and pursue top careers.

Speaking to The News, James said: ‘The purpose will be to improve the area around Southsea where the festival is held, because the residents have to put up with it each year over the two days, as we feel we should be giving something back to them.

‘We also want to help disadvantaged and vulnerable children and young people, by helping to change their lives and help them get skills and employment opportunities in the arts and cultural scene.

‘We want to leave a legacy, and inspire the next generation of cultural entrepreneurs who will come through the ranks.

‘One day we won’t be doing this, so these people will have the opportunity to follow in our footsteps.’

The Southsea August bank holiday bonanza has already raised thousands for the community.

Following a public vote, £5,740 from last summer’s Victorious is going towards the African Women’s Forum to aid the Teekpah Village Project in Liberia.

A total of £8,464 has also been set aside for Southsea Skatepark and £28,116 is being put towards the replacement of the fountain near Southsea Castle with an interactive one for children with water jets.

Other organisations have also benefited – including the D-Day Museum to the tune of £64,700.

Tickets are selling fast for this year’s show, which is set to be the biggest yet as ex-Oasis guitarist and songwriter Noel Gallagher has been booked to headline with his band High Flying Birds on the Sunday night.

Other megastars set to perform include Manic Street Preachers, Mark Ronson, The Levellers, Ash, The Coral and Will Young. Others confirmed include Italian-English solo acoustic singer Jack Savoretti, indie rockers Space and Echo & the Bunnymen.

James said: ‘We are really excited about this year – it’s going to be the best one yet.

‘I can’t wait to get out there and see everything happen.’

For tickets, visit victoriousfestival.co.uk