Picture: HLD Media.
On Friday night (8/3/36) Victorious Festival announced the winner of its Road to Victorious competition.
The competition offers one emerging artist from the Portsmouth postcode area the chance to win a summer of touring some of the country’s biggest festivals, accompanied by a professional touring crew and dedicated documentary filmmaker and photography team.
Festival performances include Truck Festival, Tramlines, Kendal Calling and Y Not Festival, before a grand finale performance at Victorious Festival.
Acknowledging barriers to progression in the industry, the lucky winner will also be offered free rehearsal and recording time at Casemates Studios, one-to-one industry mentoring, a professional band photoshoot and further development opportunities throughout the year.
On Friday night at The Wedgewood Rooms, Southsea, four finalists performed to a packed crowd to determine the winner which was announced as Matt Hennessy (pictured). The night was accompanied by a panel of industry experts who were present and factored into the votes.
The 2026 finalists included Portsmouth locals Rosie Hollins, Matt Hennessy, Eloise Carter and Rosewater.
Matt said: “Winning this year’s Road to Victorious is a dream come true. Playing to a sold out crowd on Friday was already special, but to now have the chance to take my music to festivals across the UK this summer is a once in a lifetime opportunity. I’m really grateful for the opportunity and I can’t wait to get on the road.”
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