Victorious Festival 2025 is shaping up to be one of the top festival line-ups in the UK this year. We take a look at some of the bands who will be performing.

SOUTHSEA COMMON

It’s not long until the sun beams once again on Southsea Common for one of the highlights of the year: Victorious Festival. With iconic headliners from the likes of Queens of the Stone Age, Vampire Weekend and Kings Of Leon. Throw in an undercard of stellar talent including Michael Kiwanuka, The Last Dinner Party, The Charlatans, Caity Baser, The Mary Wallopers and Madness, it is going to be an event you won’t want to miss.

All the usual commodities you find at a modern day festival are present, but there is the chance to leave and return during the day at the festival. This allows people to explore the local area and support local businesses (you just have to be in by 8pm for the evening entertainment). There is also a fantastic family feel at the festival; The Victorious Kids Arena has been nominated for several awards over the years. You can find out more about what the festival holds for children, here.

Across the line-up, there is a variety of performers that At The Barrier has had the pleasure of seeing and reviewing in recent years, offering a range of sounds to satisfy all tastes. 

UP AND COMERS…

Victorious is home to rising artists and has enabled them a platform to grow. Previous years have seen Portsmouth’s own Harvey Jay Dodgson take to the stage many times, and this year you can catch him on the Main Stage on Sunday. I was lucky enough to see Harvey’s headline show at Wedgewood Rooms last March, and you’re definitely in for a treat with his infectious stage energy. 

Bradley Simpson makes his first appearance at Victorious this year, playing hits from his debut album released in February: The Panic Years. He’s no stranger to the stage, despite just releasing his debut album. Bradley is the frontman of British pop group The Vamps, and hopefully, he might even play some of their songs! Bringing his irresistible stage presence, he’s sure to be a highlight of the weekend. 

RETURNEES

Wunderhorse are returnees to the festival, following their appearance in 2023. After their whirlwind year with their sophomore album Midas, Wunderhorse will take to the Main Stage on the Friday of the festival. It’s one of many festivals they will play this year, with a busy schedule playing festivals such as Glastonbury, Truck Festival and Reading and Leeds. Their performance is sure to be a must-watch, with their festival-favourite anthems like Midas and Purple. 

Circa Waves are no strangers to the festival. Fresh off the success of their Death & Love tour in February, the Liverpool indie-rock band is set to take on Victorious Festival and others. With their signature indie-summer anthems like the iconic T-Shirt Weather and contagious energy, they’re guaranteed to deliver an adrenaline-filled performance, leaving fans wanting more.

CLASSICS

Public Service Broadcasting are set to bring their distinctive sound to Victorious Festival this August. Known for their blend of archival audio samples, historical narratives and dynamic instrumentals, the band creates immersive musical narratives that captivate audiences. Their genre-blending style, combining rock, electronica, and indie, creates an immersive listening experience that promises to be even more captivating live. They’re favourites of ours and we can’t wait for their set on at Victorious.

Starsailor are ready to grace the stage this summer, bringing their signature blend of heartfelt lyrics and memorable melodies. Known for timeless hits like Poor Misguided Fool, Four to the Floor Good Souls and Silence Is Easy, the band’s emotive sound has captured fans for over two decades. At The Barrier caught Starsailor in Liverpool in February, where they kicked off their 25th anniversary celebrations. The celebrations continue to take place on Southsea Common this August! Their set promises a nostalgic journey through classic tracks, with a hint of more recent work.

DISCOVER

Many smaller artists are on the line-up every year and it’s a great way to discover new up-and-coming talents. If you are yet to listen to the music of Luvcat, Feet, The Guest List and Overpass to name a few… you’re missing out. 

A highlight on the lineup is The Pill, travelling from just across the water on the Isle of Wight. I caught the band perform back in February at Engine Rooms Southampton when they supported Bilk on tour. Their infectious stage presence and empowering feminist anthems create a show that feels both fresh and captivating. If you don’t know- get to know. Expect to be hooked by their punchy, rock-infused tunes.

From mosh-pit high-energy performances to laid-back acoustic sunset sessions, Victorious offers something for every music lover to enjoy.

For such a stacked line-up, a weekend ticket with camping costs just £210. Day tickets are £80. It represents excellent value for money. There are also payment plans available. You can buy tickets here.

Take a look back at Victorious Festival 2024, below.

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