It’s that time of year again! But before Victorious Festival passes you by in a blur, take a moment to read our guide to the “must-see” moments for 2024.

Fatboy Slim on the Common Stage

See one of the world’s most legendary DJs close the opening day of the festival (Friday 23 Aug) with an epic set of dancefloor fillers including ‘Rockerfeller Skank’, ‘Praise You’ and ‘Right Here, Right Now’! Rumour has it that Norman Cook was booked for Victorious when he came to Portsmouth for the street art festival, Look Up, last September. When someone asked “Why have you never played Victorious”, he replied “They’ve never asked me”, and the deal was done.

The Seaside Stage is Back!

Party while big ships, little ships and various-sized ferries and tug-boats with spray cannons sail past the seaside stage. One of the festival’s most iconic stages returns after brief hiatus (while the Southsea Coastal Scheme works transformed the seafront). The stage will be presented by Victorious’ big beat sound crew Beats and Swing and they return with a huge line-up including Dub FX, a ‘superstylin’ DJ set from Groove Armada and the closing party hosted by UK rap legend Professor Green.

Who’s playing the Secret Set?

Remember when Mcfly made a surprise appearance last year? Well you’ll be pleased to hear that the organisers have another surprise act planned for 2024.  You’ll need to download the app to get the latest news but since Victorious shared the cryptic “There’s something major going down on Portsea Island” post on their socials, rumours have been circulating that it could be Busted. Their 2003 song, ‘Thunderbirds Are Go!’, if you want to be geeky about it, contained the lyrics “There’s something major going down on Tracy Island” and it has got fans in a bit of a spin!

Carnival vibes with Batala

It wouldn’t be Victorious without Batala! Founded in 2001 by Paulo Garcia, a visiting Brazilian student, Batala Portsmouth has been a fixture at many events over the south for the past 20 years – so you’re sure to be familiar with their smiley, infectious style of music (unless you’ve been hiding under a rock). Batala is a form of Samba drum music which originated in North Eastern Brazil and the Portsmouth group currently have a membership of 90 dedicated and talented drummers. Watch them bring the ultimate feel-good, carnival atmosphere to Southsea – they’ll be performing several times over the weekend.

Barrioke

Head to the Comedy & Cabaret Big Top where Barrioke will make its Victorious festival debut on Sunday. Expect audience participation and plenty of laughs all rolled into one joyous karaoke session with the EastEnders legend. Read more in Stu’s interview with Shaun Williamson (and yes, I am supremely jealous he got to talk to him!).

Portsmouth Creates

Discover amazing local music and handmade goods at the Portsmouth Creates area. Here you can celebrate the city’s vibrant grassroots creative talent – with performances from local up-and-coming artists and an artisan market with an incredible lineup of traders. From unique handmade accessories to upcycled fashion, you’ll find a treasure trove of creativity. Check out Hannah Southsea and POLLYNOGG, who both upcycle pre-loved clothing into funky one-off pieces (you’ll find something to finish off your festie outfit, for sure!)

Skatepark Shows

Witness an extreme sports spectacle from Portsmouth’s best in BMXing, Skateboarding and more at Southsea Skatepark, which is right in the heart of the action. The park has stood on Southsea Common for 45 years which makes it one of the oldest and most iconic Skatepark in the UK.

Make time for a roller disco. too. You can hire skates and join in the fun at various times over the weekend.

The Banghra All Stars

Banghra performer/singer and cultural icon Bee2 will perform with BBC DJ and South Asian music legend Bobby Friction alongside dancers, dhol drummers and live vocals for explosive an energetic musical experience. Catch them in the World Music Village on Sunday afternoon.

Watch the Road To Victorious winner

Harvey Jay Dodgson is this year’s worthy winner of the Road To Victorious competition. Having performed at Truck, Y-Not and Kendall, solo artist Harvey will bring big energy for his final festival of the season – and, of course, the one in his home town.

Fill your belly

Support small businesses and eat like a local at Neighbourhood Eats. This area is designed to showcase the city’s local and independent food eateries. The area also offers the opportunity to vendors the chance to win the Neighbourhood Eats and People’s Choice awards with rewards like a free pitch for the following year! I’ll definitely be saving room for dishes from Slap Noodles, The Cookhouse Street Food and Fries Love.

Extra fun for families

Described as a ‘mini festival in itself’, Victorious’ Kids Arena is packed with entertainment throughout the weekend including TV presenter Katy Ashworh who will take to the stage on Friday a disco party! I loved volunteering for Aspex gallery here last year, helping many children with free craft projects, and I can’t wait to see what they bring to the area in 2024.

Elsewhere, children can enjoy the Lidl Mudder Zone, bounce fitness session, Jedi training, the world’s biggest bouncy castle, climbing walls, retro gaming, cupcake decorating and face painting.

British Sign Language Interpreters

The  incredibly talented team from Performance Interpreting will deliver passionate and mesmerising interpretations for d/Deaf customers and those with other accessible needs at the Common, Castle and Comedy stage.

Portsmouth Supergroup Choir

James Walsh from Starsailor with be performing 3 songs with a Portsmouth supergroup choir made up of some of Portsmouth finest solo artists. Including his work with Starsailor, he has sold over three million albums globally – and he’s been rehearsing with the Pompey talent at Casemates Studios in Hilsea.

Henry’s House

Henry’s House is, of course, Southsea Castle – one in a series of forts constructed for King Henry VIII.  The castle was built in 1544 and is said to have been designed by the King himself. This year in the over 18s venue you’ll be able to enjoy bubbles, DJs and amazing sunsets.

Want to know the exact timings? Make sure you download the official Victorious Festival app where you can favourite your own moments to build your own schedule.

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