Nutty Boys will bring the House of Fun to Victorious

The House of Fun stars will get spectators fired up at the August Bank Holiday bonanza’s all-new Friday opening night in 2017, as excitement builds over the occasion.

The announcement follows this weekend’s social media frenzy over whether a big name had been snapped up for the Victorious bill after the words ‘It Must Be Love’ – a famous hit by Madness – were put up in lettering similar to that used by the festival previously in Castle Field.

Victorious bosses remained silent and did not confirm what it meant as fans asked whether a deal had been struck with the 1980s ska outfit.

Confirming that Madness had been signed for next year’s line-up, Victorious Festival director Andy Marsh said: ‘When we added the Friday, we weren’t sure what people would think, but we thought if we can get someone the calibre of Madness in, that would really clear up what the party feel is.

‘They are the best party band, loved by everyone and they’re great for a sing-along. They have a really special place in Portsmouth. They sold out the football club, they have that mod feel.

‘It’s an amazing way to start the Friday night before the weekend event.

‘And for £20, the tickets should fly out. It’s a great last-minute Christmas present.’

Last year’s mega spectacle – which featured the likes of Oasis songwriting legend Noel Gallagher, Manic Street Preachers and DJs Mark Ronson and Annie Mac – pulled in more than 100,000 spectators across the Southsea Common arenas. And Victorious boss Andy Marsh has revealed there are plans to increase the capacity yet again next year as they look to continue to grow and emulate the likes of Glastonbury and Reading.

The Craig Charles Funk N Soul Club is also set to feature on the opening night, set to be held on Castle Field, in a ‘scaled down’ version of Victorious before a host of mega acts – yet to be announced – perform over the weekend.

Around 35,000 spectators are expected to pack out the Friday night celebration.

Last year’s Victorious pulled in £5.8m for the local economy.

Tickets for the party night are £20 each and go on sale today. Tickets for off-site camping – a new feature of next year’s festival – are now also on sale.

Early bird tickets for the Saturday and Sunday ended over the weekend.

See victoriousfestival.co.uk.