If you’re searching for fun things to do with family or friends this summer, then look no further than a music event like Victorious Festival. Set in the historic navy town of Portsmouth and complete with a stunning seaside backdrop, this three-day UK music festival, designed with families in mind, guarantees both scenic views and top-class entertainment.
Founded back in 2011, Victorious Festival has been drawing crowds of over 60,000 each year. From contemporary pop music to some of the UK’s favourite indie bands, the Victorious Festival line up never fails to disappoint. And with multiple different stages and areas including The Victorious Kids Arena, it’s hardly surprising that this music festival has won numerous different awards. These include Best Family Festival 2018 and Best Metropolitan Festival 2018.
Victorious Festival takes places on the last weekend of August each year, from Friday to Sunday. Read on to find out more about this festival, including how to get there and what to expect.
Where is Victorious Festival?
Victorious Festival is held in the Castle Field and Southsea Common areas of Southsea, within the city of Portsmouth, Hampshire. Portsmouth is located on England's south coast, in between Chichester, Southampton and the Isle of Wight, and has excellent transport links to London.
How do I get to Victorious Festival?
Portsmouth makes for a great family weekend away and has excellent public transport links. There are a total of three train stations which are all within walking distance of the festival: Portsmouth & Southsea, Portsmouth Harbour and Fratton, making it easy to get there by public transport.
Travelling by train
Popular routes to Victorious Festival include Woking, Winchester, Havant, Fareham and Cosham. From all three Portsmouth train stations, it’s a 25-30-minute walk to the festival.
Festival gear can be heavy, and if you’d prefer not to walk, you can make the most of the bus services on offer, such as the Xelabus X27 bus that runs from Clarence Pier, which is just a short walk away from Portsmouth Harbour station.
With 10 stages, a champagne bar, a market, a comedy tent and even a circus, there’s plenty to keep you entertained, whether you’re here for the day or the entire weekend. You can buy your tickets on the website, and with only a limited amount available, make sure you book in advance!
Line up and music
Expect to be spoilt for choice all weekend at Victorious Festival where each stage has something different to offer. For top music artists, head to the Common Stage Arena or the Castle Stage Arena, which sits next to Southsea Castle and is a superb backdrop for a festival selfie or two. The Acoustic Stage Arena promises more intimate vibes and a chilled-out atmosphere as you settle down on your very own hay bale.
For a journey across the globe, head to World Music Village, where you can enjoy a variety of performances from bands, artists and DJs from all over the world. Or head to Beats and Swing Arena, which promises the very best of hip hop and swing—and you can even get involved in some swing dance sessions. To support your local rising stars, head to Seaside Stage Arena, where you can watch the best up and coming talent from Portsmouth and the surrounding areas with a beautiful beach backdrop.
The Southsea Castle Champagne Bar makes for the perfect relaxing evening, where you can admire the stunning views of the Solent while sipping on a glass of bubbly and listening to an incredible line up of DJs. Alternatively, end your day with a visit to Strongbow Yard, where you can sip on an ice-cold pint and embrace the good times with your friends as you groove to fresh beats from some of the UK’s best DJs.
Kids Arena
How many festivals can you say you’ve been to that have their very own dedicated kids’ area? The Victorious Kids Arena is a must-visit for families of all ages. Not only is it packed full of entertainment for the kids, but as a bonus, everything is included in the price of your ticket.
There are so many fun things to do in the Kids Arena, including the Kids’ Stage (which is jam packed with family TV favourites), meet and greets with some of your favourite characters, live music, circus skills workshops, arts and crafts, face painting and so much more.
Comedy
Take a break from the music and head to the comedy tent, which features a fabulous line up of some of the most hilarious comedians in the UK. The comedy tent is pretty easy to spot, since it’s pitched directly under some giant “HAHA” letters.
Market Way
Shopaholics know that there’s always time for grabbing a bargain, and at Market Way you can find a whole host of quirky thrift stores. Take your pick from a range of handmade goods, or make some of your own souvenirs in the arts and crafts section.
Literacy Live
Those with a creative flair should visit Literacy Live, a vibrant area of “calm and culture” which is stacked full of bookish events and fascinating talks.
Southsea Skate Park
As if there wasn’t already enough to do, Victorious Festival has its own skatepark which the whole family can try their hand at. From Roller Discos to BMX sessions, prepare to get stuck in, with roller skates, skateboards, scooters and safety equipment available for hire.
Food and drink
One of the best things about festivals is the chance to sample some delicious food and drinks, and there are plenty of mouth-watering dining options at Victorious Festival. For a relaxed setting, head to The Food Court, where you can choose from a whole range of delicious meal options. Alternatively, those after food on the go should head to Street Food Way, which offers delicious snacks, meals and drinks from all over the world.
For scenic views and a selection of your favourite alcoholic drinks, head to Southsea Castle Champagne Bar, where you can admire the views of the Solent from the walls of the historic Southsea Castle.
Places to stay in and around Victorious Festival
No matter what your budget, there are plenty of accommodation options both in and around Victorious Festival. To get the full festival experience, head to the fields and pitch up your tent for two nights under the stars! Camping is located offsite at Farlington Fields, which provides a free shuttle bus to and from the festival site. Whether you’re a seasoned festival goer or this is your first rodeo, our top ten festival tips will help you prepare for your weekend away.
If hotels are more your thing, then why not plan a stay in nearby Portsmouth? Family-friendly stays here, include Southsea Rocks Hotel, Best Western Royal Beach Hotel and Everley Guest House, while on a budget can stay at Premier Inn Southsea, Holiday Inn Portsmouth, or the Seacrest Hotel. If you’re after a touch of luxury, head to either Somerset House Boutique Hotel, Queen Hotel Portsmouth, or Florence Gardens Boutique Hotel.
Victorious Festival accessibility
Having won an award for its Commitment to Being Accessible back in 2018, Victorious Festival is dedicated to ensuring all festival goers have a great time, regardless of their abilities or needs. Disabled guests can make the most of free carer tickets, accessible platforms, accessible entrances and toilets, BSL services and hearing loops, and lots more.
