Since the organisers made the unprecedented move of unveiling the entire line-up in one go, excitement in our household has been at fever pitch for Victorious Festival 2025. From its humble beginnings on Southsea Common to becoming a multi-award-winning giant of the UK festival scene, Victorious has grown stronger each year — and this summer it boasts what might be its most impressive line-up yet.

With so much packed into one weekend, narrowing down the highlights is no easy task. But here are some of my top recommendations for what to look forward to…

The Heavyweights

When Kings of Leon hit the stage on Southsea Common, expect nothing short of a victory lap from one of the world’s most famous rock bands. With over two decades of arena tours under their belts, the Followill clan have soundtracked countless summers with anthems like Sex on Fire and Use Somebody. But they’re no nostalgia act — their new material proves they’re still evolving. Although that being said, I am hoping that they lean into their debut album because that is all killer, no filler and would certainly be one of my Desert Island Discs.

Must Listen: California Waiting (Youth & Young Manhood)

For sheer power, Queens of the Stone Age are unmatched. Few bands blend menace and melody as effortlessly as Josh Homme’s desert rock juggernaut. Their set promises grinding riffs (Go With the Flow, No One Knows), brooding swagger, and the kind of cathartic release only QOTSA can deliver. Expect Southsea to shake when they hit their stride.

Must listen: Go With The Flow (Songs For The Deaf)

Rounding out the top line are Vampire Weekend, whose clever, sun-kissed sound is tailor-made for a seaside festival. Known for their mix of indie guitar pop, global rhythms, and whip-smart lyrics, Ezra Koenig and co. are festival favourites for good reason. From the joyous bounce of A-Punk to the sophisticated sweep of their 2025 release, this will be a set brimming with colour and positivity.

Must Listen: A-Punk (Vampire Weekend)

Indie Icons & Fan Favourites

Bloc Party – A true generational band, Bloc Party changed the face of British indie in the mid-2000s. Expect frenetic guitars, propulsive drums, and timeless tracks like Banquet, Helicopter, and Flux to ignite the crowd.

Must Listen: So Here We Are (Silent Alarm)

Circa Waves – Summer festival specialists, Circa Waves know how to turn a field (or in this case, a seaside green) into a bouncing mass of joy. Their infectious choruses (T-Shirt Weather, Movies) are destined for big singalongs. 

Must Listen: Fire That Burns (Different Creatures)

Palace – The kings of dreamy, atmospheric alt-rock, Palace bring a more introspective flavour to the weekend. Their lush soundscapes and heartfelt lyricism will create a beautiful, cinematic moment as the sun dips over the Solent.

Must Listen: Bitter (So Long Forever)

The Zutons – Fresh from reforming, The Zutons are back with their unmistakable mix of soulful indie and brass-driven energy. Valerie will no doubt be a unifying highlight, but their catalogue offers plenty more festival gold.

Must Listen: Valerie (The Zutons)

Wunderhorse – If you like your music raw, loud, emotional and infused with everything glorious about late 90s alt rock, then you need to get onto Wunderhorse. Stat. Their first release, Cub, is a thing of beauty. It’s effectively time travel, transporting us back to our angst-ridden teenage years. It’s a beautiful noise and it’s wonderful to hear music that sounds like this being made now. Their second release Midas is a solid follow up, and their Glastonbury set was vivacious, enigmatic, and it looked like they gave it every ounce of what they have. Go get it. Friday, 6.15, Common Stage.

Must Listen: The Rope (Single)

Travis – Few bands capture the bittersweet beauty of British guitar music like Travis. With anthems such as Why Does It Always Rain on Me?, Sing, and Driftwood, they defined an era and remain one of Scotland’s most beloved exports. Their Victorious set promises heartfelt singalongs and soaring melodies, uniting generations in nostalgia and pure joy. Expect Southsea Common to erupt when the first chords of Turn chime out.

Must Listen: Driftwood (The Man Who)

The Last Dinner Party – One of the UK’s most exciting breakthrough bands, The Last Dinner Party are bringing their baroque-pop theatrics to the seafront. Known for lush instrumentation, gothic glamour, and bold live performances, the Mercury Prize winners are redefining what a modern guitar band can be. Their mix of theatrical showmanship and festival-ready bangers will make their Victorious debut a genuine “were you there?” moment.

Must Listen: Nothing Matters (Prelude to Ecstasy)

Something Different

Public Service Broadcasting mix archival audio, live visuals, and soaring rock into an audiovisual history lesson? PSB’s sets are immersive, thought-provoking, and surprisingly euphoric. I first became aware of them when they opened the BAFTAs some years ago, if you were going to take a punt on my recommendations on one band then make it this one.

Must Listen: Go! (The Race For Space)

Long-time festival heroes, The Cuban Brothers are more than a band — they’re a phenomenon. Expect funk, breakdancing, comedy, and outrageous antics, proving once again that Victorious doesn’t take itself too seriously. Thinking of them is making me nostalgic for Bestival, where they would be on the main stage every year, Rob Da Bank’s Southsea Alternative Choir if you will. I wish they’d bring it back, even for just one year. So many good memories!

Must Listen: I Hate Hate (EP)

A genuine cultural icon, Don Letts has been at the crossroads of punk, reggae, and British counterculture for decades. As a DJ, filmmaker, and tastemaker, he’s always pushed boundaries and challenged norms. His Victorious appearance will be a deep, eclectic DJ set that threads together reggae basslines, punk energy, and global grooves — the perfect soundtrack for a sun-soaked afternoon by the sea.

Must Listen: Wrong (Outta Sync)

A guaranteed highlight for anyone ready to dance, Craig David’s TS5 show is part DJ set, part live performance, and all party. Mixing old-school garage, R&B classics, and chart-topping hits with his silky vocals, Craig transforms the stage into a nightclub under the stars. Expect 7 Days, Re-Rewind, and plenty of bass-driven surprises.

I reviewed one of his homecoming shows a few years ago, and I’ve got to admit, he does know how to get a crowd going. If you’ve not seen him live before, then he will no doubt throw out tunes that might not have crossed your path in over a decade.

Must Listen: Fill Me In (Born to Do It)

One of the most exciting names on the bill is Caity Baser, Portsmouth’s own rising pop powerhouse. Since first bursting onto the scene with her witty, confessional lyricism and bold personality, she’s become one of the UK’s brightest new stars. Her Victorious set will be a genuine hometown triumph — expect the loudest singalong of the weekend.

I caught up with her for Strong Island; you can read the interview here.

Must Listen: Watch That Girl (She’s Gonna Say It) (There, I Said It)

A true local treasure, the Southsea Alternative Choir bring their communal energy and big-hearted singalong vibes back to Victorious. Known for their joyous reinterpretations of indie, pop, and rock favourites, they embody the spirit of Portsmouth’s music scene: inclusive, celebratory, and proudly grassroots. Their set is sure to be one of the warmest, most life-affirming moments of the weekend.

Must Listen: You can’t miss them over the weekend, and nor should you.

This year’s winner of the Road To Victorious competition, Mackenzie, will be bringing the vibes for her final set of this year’s festival season, having performed at Truck, Y-Not and Kendal Calling!

Must Listen: That Much Better (Single)

Family First: The Kids Arena

Victorious prides itself on being one of the most family-friendly festivals in the country, and the Kids Arena is a huge part of that. Designed as a safe, fun space, it’s bursting with activities: live performances from beloved children’s TV characters, science and craft workshops, circus skills, storytelling, adventure play, and more. The beauty? It’s all included in the ticket price — making Victorious not just a music festival, but a full family day out.

With two kids under six years old, we will be spending plenty of time around here.

Beyond the Music

Of course, Victorious is about far more than just the music. The setting itself is part of the magic: sweeping sea views, historic landmarks like Southsea Castle, and those unforgettable sunsets over the Solent. Off-stage, the festival is bursting with flavour and character — world food stalls, craft beers, wellness areas, boutique shopping and more — all adding to the sense that this is a celebration of culture as much as sound.

And yes, as always, Strong Island Clothing Co will be back in our familiar spot by the Beach Volleyball courts. Tristan has been busy crafting fresh new designs that are guaranteed to turn heads — but take it from us, don’t leave it until Sunday afternoon to grab the piece that catches your eye. They won’t be hanging on the rails for long.

Although I am sorry to tell you that the Tenth Hole Mac n Cheese will not be making an appearance this year while they have a well earned break this year. I am sure that there will be no shortage of alternatives. If you know of any that you recommend then hit us up in the comments.

Why Victorious 2025 is Unmissable

From globe-conquering headliners to cult favourites and rising stars, from euphoric crowd surf moments to family-friendly fun, Victorious Festival 2025 captures the magic of a true all-rounder. It’s not just about the music — it’s about celebrating summer by the sea, bringing people together, and making memories that last long after the final firework lights up the Portsmouth sky.

Website: victoriousfestival.co.uk
Facebook: facebook.com/VictoriousFestival
Twitter: twitter.com/VictoriousFest
Instagram: instagram.com/victoriousfestival

Photos: Victorious Festival/Strong Island & Bestival