Victorious Festival reveals new wave of acts alongside nostalgic re-creation of iconic pub Little Johnny Russell’s
Discover the exciting new acts announced for this year’s Victorious Festival - and the creation of a nostalgic pub
In just over three months, Southsea will once again host one of the UK’s biggest family-friendly festivals, with a fresh wave of acts and a new venue announced.
Victorious Festival, which will take place on August 28, 29 and 30, has already confirmed a huge bill of acts including the likes of Richard Ashcroft, Scissor Sisters, Faithless, The Black Keys, Kasabian, The Streets and more.
The team behind the three-day weekend has now announced indie-rock heavyweights White Lies have officially joined the Saturday line-up, bringing their unmistakable sound of the noughties to the festival. They will be joined by a host of 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 Hennessy has also earned a coveted Saturday slot on the Castle Stage, while runners-up Eloise Carter, Rosie Hollins, and Rosewater will perform 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.
On top of the newly confirmed performances scheduled, Victorious will also dish up a massive dose of local nostalgia by recreating the legendary Portsmouth pub - ‘Little Johnny Russell’s’ - which is where the festival started.
The new venue, which is sponsored by Radweb, will pay tribute to the festival’s unique roots as it recreates the spirit of an era known for unforgettable nights and iconic DJ sets.
In collaboration with Portsmouth 100, the 100th band to perform at Southsea Common Bandstand in 2026 will take to the stage during the festival marking the city’s centenary with an extra special musical milestone.
Festival goers will also have the opportunity to watch Bobby Friction, Bhangra All Stars, She’s Got Brass, UKG and Fulu Miziki perform in the World Music Village, while Look Mum, No Computer has been added to Friday’s Under the Trees lineup.
On top of this, the immersive Stone Age Village interactive experience, a target-tag Blaster Battle Zone and Parkour Area for little adventurers will all be making their debut to the kids arena.
The spokesperson added: “Expect a huge weekend of dance as the incredible Nile Rodgers & CHIC will pull crowds on Saturday evening with a celebration of disco, funk and dance with a feel-good set of huge anthems including ‘Good Times’ and ‘Le Freak’. Meanwhile Scissor Sisters take to the stage on Friday evening with a maximalist pop set.
“Following a decade long hiatus, Basement Jaxx will perform on Sunday evening with a full live band whilst dance music legends Faithless take to the stage on Friday and The Streets will burst onto the stage to perform their ground-breaking number 1 album; ‘A Grand Don’t Come for Free’ in full.”