Victorious Festival, 26th-28th August 2022, Southsea Common

Long established as a local festival, Victorious has grown over the years and now attract tens of thousands of people from near and far across the late summer bank holiday weekend. Family friendly and with some huge names performing, there’s a wide variety of music and activities running over the three days and, at the risk of throwing in a well versed cliche, there really is something for everyone.

Previously a two day event, the Friday opener is now well established and this year kicked off with Primal Scream playing in the hot, hot sunshine. From Bobby Gillespie’s Screamadelica inspired suit, to the gospel voices joining the stage, to the entire crowd singing along to Come Together, this was the perfect start to the weekend and a beautiful reminder of the power of live music.

Another standout on the main stage was (unsurprisingly) Self Esteem. Victorious has been criticised in the past for a lack of female artists on its line-up. It was really good to see a significant turnaround on this, as the rows of teenage girls loving every second of this set will attest – would be great to see a switch-up in the daily headliners too next year – 2022 offered up Stereophonics on Friday, Paolo Nutini on Saturday and Sam Fender on Sunday. Other big names across the weekend included James, Anna Calvi, Bastille, Sports Team, Anne Marie and Suede.

There was also plenty going on at the selection of smaller stages with some great showcases from loads of local favourites – amongst others Jerry Williams, Marley Blandford, Flowvers, Welly and the inimitable Van Gosh, who never disappoint visually but don’t be lulled into thinking they’re just a gimmick band; they can really play. Lots more to see and discover across the common too with a kids’ area, comedy tent, skatepark and an impressive choice of food and drink vendors and festival shops.

All in all, a really successful weekend with lots of memories made. If you want to join in the fun, tickets for 2023 are on sale now here. Check out our photo gallery below and see if you can find your favourite act (or even yourself) in there!

Common Stage

Primal Scream

Primal Scream, We Are Scientists

Self Esteem

Soak

James

Acoustic Stage

Paddy Taylor

Amba Tremain, Margo Cilker, Jerry Williams

Marley Blandford

Beats & Swing Stage

Utah Saints

Showcase Stage

Ben Brookes

Andy Foster

World Music Stage

Hutch

Welly

Castle Stage

Sports Team, Coach Party, Only The Poets

White Lies

Casemates Stage

Filta, Jordan Duke

Flowvers

Van Gosh

Words by Siobhan
Photos:
Acoustic Stage, Beats & Swing Stage, Showcase Stage and Casemates Stage by Hannah Mesquitta
Common Stage, World Music Stage and Castle Stage by Siobhan

2nd September 2022