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After the announcement of one of their biggest line-ups to date, Portsmouth’s Victorious Festival last week revealed a new wave of amazing artists. Joining headliners such as The Prodigy, Paul Weller, The Libertines and The Kaiser Chiefs are a whole host of incredible acts including music royalty Brian Wilson, social commentators Sleaford Mods and indie rockers The Cribs.
As the de facto leader of The Beach Boys, Brian Wilson changed music history with his distinct blend of pop, rock and psychedelia. With the album Pet Sounds, The Beach Boys secured their place in pop history and Wilson secured his place as a writer, producer and musician. With no new album to support, there is no doubt that Wilson will offer festivalgoers the once in a lifetime chance to see him perform some of his greatest hits!
Since forming in 2007, Nottingham duo Sleaford Mods have provided fans with a critical social commentary of austerity-era Britain and working-class life. Their electro punk sound has received acclaim from numerous critics and the release of their tenth album English Tapas last year proves why. Although the novelty of the band could have worn off after their first album, they have firmly cemented their place as liberal punk heroes with their topical brand of music and lo-fi sound.
Labelled by Q magazine in 2008 as ‘the biggest cult band in the UK’, Yorkshire brothers The Cribs have come a long way since they first formed in 2001. Their 2007 album Men’s Needs, Women’s Needs, Whatever thrust the band into the public eye and spurned the singles ‘Moving Pictures’, ‘I’m a Realist’ and ‘Men’s Needs’, which finished at number three on the NME’s ‘Songs of the Year 2007’. With their latest album, 24-7 Rock Star Shit, reaching number 8 in the album charts last year, it’s clear that The Cribs will be a stellar addition the Victorious’ line-up.
Also adding to their extensive line-up are electronic veterans Dub Pistols who have been on the scene for over 20 years and had their music featured on numerous film and video game soundtracks. In contrast, Indie quartet Stereo Honey seem to be the ones to watch this year after breaking onto the scene in 2017 with just two singles to their name. Now the boys are back on the Festival scene and their set at Victorious will no doubt prove just how big they are going to be.
You would be forgiven for thinking that 20-year-old Catherine McGrath was from Nashville, but the Irish native has proved that you don’t have to get your start in the Bluebird Café to be a country star. Since the release of her debut EP in December 2016, McGrath has gone from strength to strength, even landing a coveted spot at the Country 2 Country Music Festival in both 2017 and 2018.
Rounding off the line up announcement are critically acclaimed Bang Bang Romeo, tropical rock trio Cassia, London rockers Electric Pyramid and alternative folk musician Nathan Ball. None of which are newcomers to the festival scene and all promise to deliver memorable performances which will convert anyone who hasn’t heard of them.
Held in the seaside resort of Southsea over the August bank holiday, 24th – 26th August, Victorious Festival offers an experience for everyone. The Common and Castle Field plays host to the Festival’s four main arenas which contains multiple venues and events including two main stages, the Common and the Castle stage. Connecting the Common Stage and the Castle Stage, an Acoustic Stage, a Kids Arena and Happy’s Circus. There is also the Market Way which is perfect for anyone who likes to trawl market stalls looking for quirky and unique finds. If you prefer your music with an alcoholic beverage there is the Real Ale Village which boasts a wide array of brews and food vendors, all accompanied by the Mayfield Studio Stage showcasing indie, folk and covers music. If you prefer cider and chilled-out beats from Radio X, there is the Strongbow Yard, who proudly sponsor the festival.
Not only is the festival family friendly, but it is also price friendly too with Friday tickets available from £30 and Saturday and Sunday tickets £45 per day.
Friday Night Opening Party – 4-11 pm
Saturday – 10am-11pm
Sunday – 10am-11pm
For more details and to purchase tickets, go to www.victoriousfestival.co.uk