Victorious is literally days away and it always evokes memorable feelings about the highlights of last year and also what exciting memories will be made over this wknd. I caught up with one of the most loveliest and influential couples this week to chat about what they are looking forward to the most. Helen from Little Portsmouth Foodies and the Southsea Snapper joined me for a chinwag about the festival this wknd.
First up is Helen, thanks for joining me to talk about the wknd event of the year in Southsea!
1. What are you most looking forward to at the festival this year?
I’m looking forward to spending time outside with my friends. For me, Victorious is not just about the music, it’s about bringing local people and businesses together – it makes me proud to be able to call Southsea home.
2. Is there anyone musically you want to see?
The People’s Lounge! I always enjoy this stage more than the big acts as the music brings together a selection of genres and most of the artists are local.
3. Being a Foodie, what kind of festival food delights you?
Ahh the food! The most exciting bit! I love seeing (and pre-guessing) which local food vendors will be trading each year. We usually start the day with an iced coffee (this year at Little Coffee Southsea) and move onto something with a bit of zing like a burger from Need Street Food, Three Cuts or a flatbread from Earth to Oven. After a day of dancing, we usually need something hearty to soak up the beers, mac and cheese from the Tenth Hole does the trick.
4. Have you heard of Neighbourhood eats? How do you feel about that?
Yes, I think it’s a wonderful idea! It’s always great to find something new, like all those years ago when Natty’s made his debut – now look at him, he has his own venue! I’m so pleased Victorious are giving local street food vendors a chance to show off their food with subsidised fees, I will come prepared with an empty stomach!
5. Do you like to go for the whole wknd or just the day?
The whole weekend! The area is so big and there’s so much to see and do. Even last year there were bits that we missed so this year we’ve got more of a plan of what we want to see.
6. What tips would you give someone going for the first time?
Take a look at the festival map and make an effort to visit some of the smaller stages like the People’s Lounge, World Music Stage and Acoustic Stage. Also, don’t call it a day if you get tired, you’ll be amazed at what a quiet drink in one of Southsea’s independent eateries can do. Last re-entry is at 8pm.
Next up I chatted to Helen’s other half The Southsea Snapper and to be honest I am looking forward to seeing his photos of the music festival as he always takes such cool photos!
Thanks Carlos for chatting about the things you are looking forward to the most this wknd!
1. What are you most looking forward to at the festival this year?
The Victorious vibe: the big gigs, the local vendors, bumping into friends, the less known bands getting a chance to shine. It’s the best event of the year.
2. Is there anyone musically you want to see?
No one in particular, I like to go with the flow. I usually find myself spending lots of time at the World Music Village stage, a personal favourite.
3. Being a cool photographer, do you want to capture a certain musician this year?
I’d try to capture the general atmosphere, rather than a particular musician or band.
4. What kind of equipment do you take to a festival like this?
I’ve lived long enough in Portsmouth to know the weather is very unpredictable. Sunscreen, sunglasses, bottle of water and a light rain jacket are a must.
5. Do you like to go for the whole wknd or just the day?
The whole weekend!
6. What tips would you give someone going for the first time?
Do not get obsessed with timetables and moving from one stage to another constantly. It can get very busy and you will find yourself stuck in between bands for a long time.
If you are heading to Victorious this year for the very first time or have been going since the Dockyard days I hope you have the most beautiful of wknds and hope to see you all there.
Did you know there are still a few tickets left and also info on what you need to take if you are heading down to Southsea seafront which you can read here.
Featured Image by Tom Knibbs