Organisers hail another 'incredible' Victorious Festival as they look ahead to next year
‘We can’t wait to welcome everyone back next year’
The organisers of Victorious Festival have heralded another “incredible year” as 150,000 people flocked to Southsea Common over the weekend.
Music lovers were treated to live performances from headliners Richard Ashcroft, The Black Keys and Kasabian between August 28 and 30 while the weekend was packed full of an eclectic mix of acts.
Even the arrival of rain, long forgotten in these parts, didnt dampen spirits as festival goers also enjoyed sets from Basement Jaxx, Faithless, Bastille, Primal Scream, The Vaccines, James Arthur, Kelis, Pixie Lott, Hard-Fi and Happy Mondays.
James Ralls, Festival Director said: “It’s been another incredible year for the festival with new venues, huge performers and thousands of friends and family coming together on the stunning Southsea seafront for an unforgettable August Bank Holiday celebration.
“From Kasabian and The Black Keys on the Common Stage to parkour and wrestling in the Kids Arena – Victorious Festival 2026 was the ultimate family festival holiday and we can’t wait to welcome everyone back next year.”
Amongst the highlights was Jessie J who delivered a vocal masterclass during her set which included an incredible cover of Prince’s ‘Purple Rain’. Nile Rodgers & CHIC played disco and funk classics from Nile’s long and illustrious career, later revealing on social media that it was the windiest show he had ever played.
A standout for many music lovers was Scissor Sisters captivating display on Friday as brought their brand of fun pop to the Common Stage. While in a much different but no less brilliant performance, The Streets played hits from their 2004 album ‘A Grand Don't Come for Free’ in a contemplative and artistic set before letting loose and heading into the crowd for the final songs.
The headliners lived up to their billing with Richard Ashcroft belting out the anthemic ‘Bittersweet Symphony’ while The Black Keys grooved out with ‘Gold on the Ceiling’. Bringing the festival to a close, Kasabian got the crowd jumping in an energetic and explosive set which featured ‘Fire’, ‘You’re in Love with a Psycho’ and ‘Club Foot’.
Victorious is about much more than music though, boasting the biggest kids area of any UK festival where the enjoyed appearances from Fireman Sam (Friday), Bluey (Saturday) and Supertato (Sunday), plus fun and games at the target-tag Blaster Battle Zone and professional wrestling from fan favourites British Empire Wrestling.
This year also saw a nod to the festival’s beginnings with Little Johnny Russell’s recreated onsite, the pub which James ran in 2012 when tasked with supplying a Diamond Jubilee event which eventually morphed into Victorious.
Tickets for Victorious Festival 2027 (27 – 29 August) are on sale now with weekend tickets from just £179 (fees apply). More details can be found at https://www.victoriousfestival.co.uk/buy-tickets-2027/