Now in its 5th year, Golden Touch Festival is back at one of Portsmouth’s iconic venues, the Wedgewood Rooms, on 8th June.

The festival takes place across the day with 20 acts and 2 stages, there is no need for a clash finder here as you’ll be able to see every band playing if you wished.

This year’s lineup includes Scottish indie band Vistas headlining the main stage, an act who have made a huge impact on the music scene and their song Retrospect”, was included on the soundtrack to Heartstopper on Netflix.

Other acts on the line up include The Covasettes, who I am really excited to see after being introduced to them earlier in the year, The Clause who have supported the likes  The Reytons, the Pigeon Detectives, DMAs and The Snuts. Also on the line up is local favourite Harvey Jay Dodgson who recently won the Road to Victorious competition as well as so many other amazing artists with unique sounds.

I managed to have a quick chat with festival organiser and promotor, Billy Fitzjohn about the upcoming event-

Where did the idea of Golden Touch come from?

The idea of Golden Touch sort of came about off the back of the likes of other local festivals like Dials, Southsea Fest & Icebreaker that I went to growing up in my teenage years. It started off as a drunken idea to celebrate my first year promoting shows in Portsmouth which has since spiralled into something I never thought would happen.

Who are you looking forward to seeing and any recommendations?

That is a tough one, the thing I love about booking Golden Touch is I always book artists I absolutely love watching/listening to. My recommendations on this years lineup are naturally the likes of Overpass & The Clause that I’ve brought back to the festival just because I absolutely love their music. I’d also recommend Flo Gallop, who’s infectious Pop absolutely blew us away during our apply to play process.

Anything new for the 5^th year celebration?

Nothing drastically different this year, we’ve aimed for more of what we’re good at. Undeniable quality indie music

Portsmouth is such a great place to showcase independent music and Golden Touch is a fantastic showcase, giving both touring and local artists a platform to perform.

If you haven’t already got your ticket, you can get them here but be quick as they only have a few left!

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Words: Hannah Kenyon
Images: Rhona Murphy and Fitz Promotions