Victorious Festival, the UK’s biggest metropolitan family-friendly festival has announced a wave of new acts, family friendly entertainment, and nostalgia laden events – cementing the festival’s reputation as one of the UK’s most vibrant and diverse seaside events.
Indie-rock heavyweights White Lies (pictured) have officially joined the Saturday line-up, bringing their unmistakable sound of the noughties to the festival’s already stacked line up. They’re joined by a host of newly announced artists including Tom Rowley, Jasper Hodges, Little Grandad, Jos Rivers, The Covasettes and Finne Forster.
As part of this year’s Road to Victorious competition, 2026 winner Matt Hennessey has earned a coveted Saturday slot on the Castle Stage, while runners-up Eloise Carter, Rosie Hollins, and Rosewater will perform elsewhere across the weekend.
Now in its fourth year, Road to Victorious gives one emerging Portsmouth artist the chance to tour major UK festivals aboard a 16-berth touring bus, supported by a professional crew, filmmaker and photography team. Year-round development opportunities include industry expert mentoring, rehearsal and recording time, and a professional photoshoot.
A brand-new addition for 2026 and a massive dose of local nostalgia is new venue Little Johnny Russell’s. Victorious is paying homage to its roots by recreating the legendary Portsmouth pub the ‘Little Johnny Russell’s’ where the genesis of Victorious Festival began. Little Johnny Russell’s (sponsored by Radweb), will pay tribute to the festival’s unique roots as it recreates the spirit of a legendary era known for unforgettable nights, iconic DJ sets, and performances from artists that went on to global recognition including Annie Mac, Bloc Party, and Soulwax. Festival-goers can expect an electric atmosphere where past and present collide to bring the festival’s origins to life in an intimate and nostalgic pub setting. The legend is back!
In collaboration with Portsmouth 100, the much-loved Southsea Common Bandstand will offer breathtaking panoramic views of the Solent alongside a curated programme of genre-spanning local talent. Cementing a historic year, the 100th band to perform at the Bandstand in 2026 will take to this stage during the festival marking the city’s centenary with an extra special musical milestone.
The area also hosts the return of fan favourites including Twisted Tearooms, serving locally sourced food with live entertainment, and Express FM, broadcasting live with exclusive on-site interviews and programming.
A globally inspired line-up brings diverse sounds and high-energy performances to the World Music Village and The People’s Lounge, including Bobby Friction and Bhangra All Stars delivering a unique blend of UK bass and Punjab beats, She’s Got Brass the vibrant London-based female brass band, mixing jazz brass with hip-hop, house, and UKG and Fulu Miziki the Afrofuturist group from the Democratic Republic of Congo that transforms recycled rubbish into handmade instruments, elaborate costumes, and striking masks. Fulu Miziki loosely translates from Lingala to “music from garbage” so expect the weird, wonderful and unexpected! These new additions will join a host of expertly curated world music acts across the weekend.
The Under The Trees Stage (sponsored by Rhino AV & Casemates) will welcome electronic innovator Look Mum, No Computer to its Friday line-up, adding a unique experimental edge to the weekend.
Described as a mini festival in itself, the Kids Arena returns with daily headline appearances from Pop Kids/Rock Kids, alongside family favourite meet and greets, from the likes of Fireman Sam (Friday), Bluey (Saturday) and Supertato (Sunday).
New to this year’s Kids Arena will be the immersive Stone Age Village interactive experience, a target-tag Blaster Battle Zone and Parkour Area for little adventurers. Along with this year’s exciting new additions, Kids Arena fan favourites British Empire Wrestling will be bringing professional wrestling back to Victorious for another year of epic flips and high-octane aerial manoeuvres!
Beloved festival favourites will return this year including Henry’s House with its fan favourite DJ and party area inside the historic Southsea Castle, originally commissioned by Henry VIII. Southsea Skatepark will once again host skate taster sessions and awe-inspiring professional demonstrations, while the Spoken Arts Parlour returns with a vibrant programme of spoken word, poetry readings, rap and cultural performances. Also returning this year will be The Piano Tree where festival goers can enjoy performances from maestros, musicians and mischiefs, all curated by the team at PMA (Portsmouth Music Academy).
This year’s festival is headlined by Richard Ashcroft, The Black Keys and Kasabian and will also see performances across the weekend from Scissor Sisters, Faithless, Bastille, Nile Rogers and CHIC, The Streets and Basement Jaxx.
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