Victorious Festival made its exciting annual return to Southsea Common for its twelfth year, drawing thousands of music lovers to the seaside across the bank holiday weekend.

Words & Pictures: Micha Thompson and Olivia Brown

VICTORIOUS FESTIVAL

Under surprisingly great weather (a rarity for England), the park buzzes with energy as the sound of live music echoes from every stage. Festivalgoers roam the grounds in search of rising stars and stake out prime spots to catch their favourite headliners in action.

Audiences were treated to electrifying sets on the main Common and Castle Stages, while the more intimate Seaside Stage and Under the Trees Stage offered a chance to discover emerging talent in a laid-back, atmospheric setting.

FRIDAY

Crowds poured into the Castle Stage to catch a highly-anticipated set from rising indie stars – The K’s, following the success of their sophomore album released just last month. A mix of crowd favourites like Chancer and Sarajevo alongside powerful new tracks such as Gravestone and Before I Hit The Floor impress. The band’s performance was so well received that many in the audience wished it had lasted longer. This wasn’t The K’s first appearance at Victorious Festival, they previously played the Common Stage in 2022, but their return made it clear just how much their fanbase has grown. As they leave the stage, frontman Jamie Boyle shouted out to the crowd, “Victorious, we love you, we’ll see you again!”

Over on the Common Stage, fast-rising stars Wunderhorse captivated the crowd with a powerful performance. Kicking things off with the Iconic Midas, they had fans hooked from the very first note. Anticipation for their set had been building all day, with Wunderhorse merch spotted across the festival field: a clear sign of their growing influence. Closing with Rain, the crowd had the energy in them and showed their passion for the band. 

LAST MINUTE REPLACEMENTS

Also on the Common Stage, the Kaiser Chiefs stepped in as last-minute replacements for Michael Kiwanuka, and the crowd more than rose to the occasion. Frontman Ricky Wilson brought his infectious energy, commanding the stage and even scaling the rigging during I Predict A Riot. With mosh pits erupting and flares filling the atmosphere, the band’s explosive set and infectious instrumentals proved they were a perfect fit for Victorious Festival. They’ve proved festival winners for the past two decades.

The Under The Trees Stage was a highlight, with the chance to see an intimate performance from performers. Mia Kirkland brought her energy and vocals nearly 300 miles away from home. The crowd was singing to every tune and these catchy tunes were perfect for an evening performance slot. At only 21 years old, Mia has already proven her talent and deserves her success and more. 

Closing out the first day on the Castle Stage were headliners Madness, nearly 50 years after their formation in 1976. With iconic hits like It Must Be Love and Baggy Trousers, they had the crowd completely immersed in the nostalgic and wholesome atmosphere. Their set brought generations together, proving that their music still resonates just as strongly today. It was a feel-good finale that set the perfect tone for the weekend ahead.

SATURDAY

Afternoon special guests Rizzle Kicks had the crowd in the palm of their hands from the moment they stepped on stage. They playfully engaged fans, encouraging them to shout out the title of their new album, Competition Is For Losers, as they marked their long-awaited return after nearly a decade-long hiatus. Nostalgia hit hard when Mama Do the Hump dropped, sending the crowd into a frenzy, while Jordan Stephens joined the audience multiple times, bringing an infectious energy that never stopped. They wrapped up their set with Skip to the Good Bit, bathed in sunshine: the perfect way to close their set. “One last time I want to see everyone jump as high as they fucking can,” shouts Stephens – and the crowd obliges.

YOU’RE THE FIFTH MEMBER NOW…

The ultimate festival band, Scouting for Girls, were next up on the Common Stage, with the crowd singing along from the very first lyric. Frontman Roy Stride makes everyone feel like part of the show, declaring, “You’re all the fifth member of Scouting for Girls now.” Southsea Common was packed, and not a single voice stayed silent. A standout moment came during Everyone Wants to Be on TV, when Stride asked, “Who wants to be on TV?” before filming the crowd with a phone on a tripod. The energy only built as the band launched into a cover of Can’t Help Falling in Love, splitting the audience into two sides to compete for the loudest singalong.

It didn’t stop there. Stride jumps into the crowd during Raise a Glass, handing the mic to fans and turning the performance into a true shared experience. And of course, no Scouting for Girls set would be complete without She’s So Lovely to close things out, with the crowd’s energy reaching its peak.

ROAD TO VICTORIOUS

Mackenzie lit up the Castle Stage this year, after playing on a smaller stage in 2024. She caught attention by winning the Road to Victorious competition, something she says has “completely changed her life for the better”. Midway through her set, she surprises fans by announcing her debut EP, Drama Queen. Her performance was bursting with life; fans were jumping, singing along and matching her playful, dance filled stage presence. It was clear she was born to perform. Adding a personal touch, she even made handmade bracelets for her fans; a sweet and memorable gesture.

Later, Circa Waves took over the Castle Stage as returning favourites from the 2023 line-up. Opening with their punchy hit Do You Wanna Talk, its prominent drumbeat and instrumental breaks sparking moshing and crowd clapping. Latest single Cherry Bomb kept things moving, while Move to San Francisco and Sad Happy had people on shoulders, arms swaying. During Jacqueline, the crowd erupts as Frontman Kieran Shudall asks, “Who’s called Jacqueline?” to which many people in the crowd (not called Jaqueline) responded. With pink lighting flooding the stage, the band launch into an enthusiastic song “about drugs” and hog roasts, prompting wild jumping and pit openings. They close with fan-favourite T-Shirt Weather, the crowd chanting back, “It’s gonna be okay.”

POWERFUL & INTIMATE SETS

Manchester’s The Guest List delivered a powerful and intimate set on the Under The Trees Stage, blending emotionally charged lyrics with energetic, socially conscious indie rock. Formed in 2021, the band has quickly built a reputation for tackling heavy themes with their unique, anthemic sound. Unreleased track Ruines was a standout moment, featuring backing vocals from Tom Quigley and Leio Hunter, and a rare vocal appearance from bassist Sid Wallace along with lead vocalist Cai Alty’s powerful vocals.

161 was a highlight of the set, written to honour the 161 lives lost on Chapel Street, its message landing with quiet intensity amid the energy of the show. Despite the weight of their messages, the band keep spirits high with catchy choruses and dynamic visuals: bubble machines and lighting synced to the drumbeat during Plasticine Heart added an immersive touch. They close with Weatherman, an upcoming single, bathed in soft blue lighting as the crowd clapped along, fully immersed in the moment.

CAITY BASER

Caity Baser delivered a special set to a packed out Castle Stage. Her energy was unmatched, she owned the stage running up and down, laughing and radiating pure joy. She treated fans to hit songs like Pretty Boys and X&Y, before moving into more emotional territory with The Weight of You, which had the crowd in tears. Caity’s connection with her audience was effortless and genuine; she even brought her photographer Dakota into the fun, with her jumping around on stage. 

NELLY FURTADO

Nelly Furtado headlined the Castle Stage on Saturday night to a packed audience. Opening with Say It Right, Furtado set the tone for the night. Her set was filled with nostalgia, with throwback photos projected behind her and classics that had the crowd singing and clapping along. She showcased her versatility, singing in Spanish, harmonising in French with violins, and even surprising the audience by turning a slow instrumental into an upbeat dance track. The crowd waved their arms, danced, and sang every word – especially during I’m Like a Bird, which featured horse visuals nodding to the viral TikTok trend.

Maneater and Promiscuous kept things lively, turning the stage into a full-blown dance party as the crowd sang every word back to her. With a heartfelt “Thank you for coming to see me,” and a final reminder that All Good Things (Come to an End), Nelly proved her vocals and stage presence are still as strong as ever.

SUNDAY

Harvey Jay Dodgson opened the Common Stage for the final day of Victorious Festival. A familiar face at Victorious and winner of the 2024 Road to Victorious competition, this show held extra weight: it was his biggest crowd to date, and right in his hometown of Portsmouth. Opening with Kids on the Firing Line and flowing into fan favourites like Marilyn Rose and Caroline, Harvey had the crowd fully engaged.

During Love Hurts, arms waved in unison, followed by thunderous clapping for Tell Me, where he shouted, “I wanna see everyone’s hands in the air,” before jumping into the crowd. As the audience chanted “Ohhh Harvey Jay Dodgson,” the energy surged. He closes with For the Love of It, as fans jumped, sang, and celebrated a hometown hero’s biggest moment yet.

POP ROYALTY

Bradley Simpson was better known as frontman of pop royalty, The Vamps. He has been paving his own solo career in the past year, with his debut album being released in February this year. His set kicked off with Getting Clear, igniting the crowd as he led fans in hand signals to the lyric “Going from okay, to alright, to fuck yeah, it’s my time.” The energy only built from there. During Almost, he dives into the crowd, later scaling the speakers for Picasso in true Bradley fashion. A fan-favourite is Simpson’s cover of Chappell Roan’s HOT TO GO!, followed by warm band introductions. With Always Like This and Daisies, he had the crowd fully in sync, jumping on command as he effortlessly conducted the chaos of the crowds.

Indie-rock four-piece Coast drew an impressive crowd to the Seaside Stage, riding the momentum of their recently released debut EP, Is This Love? Opening with Her, the band had the audience clapping and singing along from the start. They surprised fans with the live debut of a brand new track, Black Smoke, written just days before with Billy Gregory of Crystal Tides. Guitarist Luke Meaden shares that their upcoming Wedgewood Rooms show would be their last for a while, as he’s moving to University – making their set all the more special. “Victorious, I need your help, can you sing back to me?” Frontman Niall shoutes, and the crowd of 117 answered without hesitation.

You’re not from New York City, you’re from Rotherham…

The Reytons, hailing from Rotherham, tore into the Common Stage with Red Smoke, as flares and pyro lit up both the stage and crowd. With smoke rising and chants of “Reytons! Reytons! Reytons!” echoing through the field, the energy peaks during Harrison Lesser, with the crowd moving in every direction. The unsigned and independent band had the crowd there for the taking, especially during adrenaline-fuelled tracks like of course, Adrenaline,  and On the Back Burner (with fire blazing across the stage).

Frontman Jonny Yerrell calls Victorious “the best festival in the UK” and proudly reminded fans, “This is our last festival of the season – what a way to end it.” Tracks like Kids Off the Estate stir emotion and nostalgia, with Yerrell recalling their first performance of it at the festival three years ago, now to a much bigger crowd on shoulders and screaming every lyric. The set ends with Low Life, a fire-filled, explosive finale.

BLOC PARTY

Bloc Party delivered a bold set at the Common Stage, reminding everyone why they remain one of the most influential indie bands of the 2000s. From the opening riff to the final encore, their set is packed with raw energy, tight instrumentation, and the unmistakable urgency of Kele Okereke’s vocals. Fan favourites like Banquet, Helicopter, and Flux had the crowd jumping, while tracks like Blue had the crowd reflecting.

Kings of Leon closed out Victorious Festival on the Common Stage with a commanding headline set that reminded fans exactly why they’ve been arena mainstays for over two decades. Opening with Supersoaker, the band wasted no time diving into a setlist packed with hits spanning their career.

From the anthemic Use Somebody to the gritty Molly’s Chambers, each track is met with roaring singalongs and hands in the air. The Southsea crowd lit up for Sex on Fire, echoing every word across the seafront. Despite their stadium-rock status, there was an intimacy in Caleb Followill’s raw vocals and the band’s tight chemistry that made the moment feel personal. The finale was topped with a fireworks display and it was a fitting, euphoric end to a weekend of live music that will be hard to top.

Victorious Festival delivered yet another unforgettable weekend of music, energy, and seaside magic, proving why it remains one of the UK’s standout festivals. From breakout solo sets to stadium-worthy headliners, the line-up had a balance of nostalgia with fresh talent, all set against the scenic Southsea backdrop. With sunshine, surprise moments, and something for everyone (no matter the age) to do.

Early Bird tickets for Victorious Festival 2026 are on sale now, here.

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