Having spent one weekend at the IOW Festival and then spent the next watching Glastonbury on the TV, I am so ready for Victorious now!
The countdown is on for the seafront festival that drew in last year’s biggest crowds. Who remembers Sam Fender finishing off the Sunday with a sky full of fireworks?
Who Is Playing This Year
This year, we have lot’s going on. Firstly, we have the headliners which include Jamiroquai, Kasabian and Mumford and Sons and then we have some decent musicians and bands on the whole wknd!
I am loving the whole DJ sets as Annie Mac is back who last came to Victorious in 2021. Pete Tong will DJ the Castle Stage to end Friday night and he brings a whole nostalgic feeling for many. You should route out your dancing shoes and spin your moves for these sets.
Looking at the comedy stage, you can see some belters as far as comedians go this year with Omid Djalili on Friday, Jason Manford playing Saturday and Dara O’Briain playing the Sunday, so make sure to pop by and laugh your festival socks off.
Headliners Mumford and Sons will close Victorious this year, making this their only UK performance of 2023. Having just played Belgium’s festival Rock Werchter and getting such a fab response from the crowd, they head to the Southsea seafront on the August bank holiday wknd. They bring a whole folk/rock sound to their audience and having been together for just short of 20 years, are a familiar and comforting band to watch. Their songs offer a distinctive banjo sound along with accordion and make you feel like their music is timeless as well as great ballads to sing along to.
Local Delights
Bringing the local independent food businesses to Victorious has been a smart thing to do, as Southsea is renowned for good quality and diverse places to eat. You can stop by in between watching a band play and support a local food trader.
Introducing Neighbourhood Eats has been a fab way to highlight the best of Independent Southsea. This year, you can actually vote for your favourite local catering company and the winner will gain a free pitch at the festival in August. Voting closes on the 5th July.
Ones To Check Out
The one thing that came out of seeing Elton John close Glastonbury this year (and what a performance!), was his passion for new artists and new music. I do feel we should always look to the other stages for music inspiration and experience.
Tash Hills – Friday – Acoustic Stage – A local musician who recently smashed supporting the Arrested Development gig here in Southsea! And has an 80’s soul vibe mixed with modern funk.
Southsea Jazz with Alice Milburn – Friday – The Peoples Lounge – A recent hit at the Live at the Bandstand, this set brings a smooth, easy listening vibe with an incredible voice.
Crystal Tides – Saturday – Castle Stage This band won their place in the Victorious competition ‘Road To Victorious’ which gave a local band an opportunity to play on a big stage and gain more exposure. A fab live band that I feel will grow. These are so good live and can’t wait to see them smash this stage!
Indie/Rock Bands To See
The Blinders – Sunday – Castle Stage They have infectious energy and guitar riffs to get the crowd going.
Stone -Saturday – Castle Stage Liverpool’s exciting band offer indie rock and post-punk influences, a great live band.
Sea Girls – Sunday – Common Stage famous for indie pop anthems and energetic live shows, these are going to be amazing live.
So the countdown is on. Have you bought your ticket yet? And who are you looking forward to seeing? let us know!
Early Bird Tickets are available until the 10th of July! Buy tickets here.
Photo by Tom Langford
