Journalist and editor Samantha Bartlett headed down to one UK festival that hit headlines this year, and despite the chaos and controversy, here’s why she thinks you shouldn’t write it off
There’s nothing much I like more than a festival during the summer. From great bands to tasty food stalls and good vibes, there’s no better way to spend a day in the sun. And being from Portsmouth myself, it’s amazing that Victorious Festival has gotten so big now that I get to see some top bands right on my doorstep.
I enjoy going every year and its’ definitely one of the highlights of my summer. However, this year’s festival was blighted by chaos and controversy, I have to admit. Here’s why I don’t think you should write it off though.
Kicking off with controversy
Things started with controversy on the Friday as The Mary Wallopers had their set cut short after flying the Palestinian flag onstage and leading a chant of “free Palestine”.
This saw several artists, including the Last Dinner Party, subsequently pulling out of their scheduled performances in protest.
Victorious Festival organisers since apologised in a statement and state they “support the right of artists to freely express their views from the stage, within the law and the inclusive nature of the event”.
Luckily the apology and explanation seemed to stop any more bands pulling out and the festival continued. Hopefully, it just means things can be handled better if anything similar arose in future years.
However, the drama didn’t end there.
More chaos
Comedian Chris McCausland also announced he would no longer performing at Victorious due to illness.
Thankfully, Portsmouth’s own Crystal Tides jumped in last minute to fill the vacant comedy slot, much to the excitement of fans who were sad to find out they weren’t supposed to be performing this year.
Meanwhile singer-songwriter and fellow Portsmouth resident Marley Blandford filled another two empty slots.
Poor Marley was thrown in to the deep end when he appeared on the stage in front of fans waiting for Shed Seven and introduced himself.
With his name not even appearing on the screen at the start of his set, festival-goers had no idea what was going on as organisers moved things around.
Luckily, Marley triumphed with a mix of his own tunes as well as covers, including Bohemian Rhapsody which certainly got the crowd going. He then played at the Under The Trees stage, with people loving him once again.
Amazing acts and stages
Despite all the changes, there was still amazing music to be experienced across the weekend. I really enjoyed the huge artists such as Queens of the Stone Age, Vampire Weekend, Nelly Furtado, Kings of Leon and Bloc Party.
Rizzle Kicks, Scouting for Girls and Craig David also put on roaring performances. Meanwhile the Kaiser Chiefs – who were a late replacement for Michael Kiwanuka – brought the right sort of chaos with Ricky Wilson climbing up the band’s stage set and entertaining the crowd with the band’s hits.
The Kids Arena was amazing this year with so much for them to do (all for free) from princess parties to karaoke, mini-discos, arts and crafts and a beach area. Many parents were enjoying the £6 kids meal deals, which will hopefully be returning next year.
Bit of confusion
What was missed was the comedy tent – as Joel Dommett found himself failing to connect to the wider audience of the Common Stage. But hopefully it will be back next year for us all to enjoy.
The festival had a different layout due to the new sea defences installed, which left people some confused and unable to find the relocated toilets. The premium area was also moved – and it came with a chic new-look viewing platform.
Why you shouldn’t write it off
There’s so much competition when it comes to music festivals in the UK now, it’s hard to know which ones to spend your money on, especially with the cost of living crisis still going on.
Of course there’s the big ones such as Glastonbury, Reading and Leeds, and Download Festival and smaller events like End of the Road Festival in Tollard Royal and the West Lake District’s Krankenhaus. However, Victorious Festival is the perfect mix of big bands and smaller artists, all while being in a picturesque setting.
Now being from Portsmouth myself, I must admit I’m a bit biased. However, there is a reason that Victorious Festival is often described as one of the prettiest UK music festivals.
You’re so near the water that you could even take a little beach break in between the bands and soak up some of the summer rays before heading back to the music.
And it’s not just fields either, the stunning Southsea Castle – which keen historians will known was constructed for King Henry VIII – is also one of the festival areas you can head to. Here you can enjoy the views of the Solent from the top or party within the castle walls to a line-up of top DJs.
How much does it cost?
Early Bird tickets for Victorious Festival 2026 are already on sale on its website, costing £179 for an adult weekend ticket without camping (with £14.32 booking fee). Those meanwhile who want to camp pay £189 (with £15.12 booking fee).
If you just want a day ticket, Early Bird prices start from £70 for an adult when they go on sale.
