Richard Ashcroft headlined the first night of Victorious Festival on Friday, with festival-goers enjoying the last of the summer sunshine on Southsea Common in Portsmouth, Hampshire.
Thousands of music-lovers descended on the site for the three-day event, which will also feature headliners Kasabian and The Black Keys. Psych rock veterans Primal Scream are among the acts performing, along with Bastille and The Vaccines, who are celebrating the 15th anniversary of their debut album What Did You Expect From The Vaccines?
Special guests and attractions
Afternoon special guest spots during the weekend have been handed to UK dance act Rudimental, British rapper Dizzee Rascal and Norwegian singer-songwriter Sigrid. Festival-goers were enjoying blue skies on Friday as they took part in some of the event’s other attractions, including a roller disco at the onsite skate park.
However, the festival is not expected to escape a change in the summer weather, with rain and thunderstorms forecast at times during the weekend.
Full line-up and festival history
Other acts taking to the stage during the event are Nile Rodgers and Chic, Basement Jaxx, Scissor Sisters and Faithless, while The Streets will perform their number one album A Grand Don’t Come for Free in full. Kelis, known for her hit Milkshake, will also be appearing during the weekend along with Jessie J, Vengaboys, Jalen Ngonda, James Arthur and a selection of other British acts including The Coral, Hard-Fi, Happy Mondays, Cast, Lottery Winners, Pixie Lott, Doves, Kate Nash and The Royston Club.
Last year, Victorious was hit by controversy after the sound was turned off during a pro-Palestine protest by Irish band The Mary Wallopers. The organisers apologised, but their response led to some bands including The Last Dinner Party pulling out from the event.
Victorious was first launched in 2013 and was located in Portsmouth Historic Dockyard before moving to Southsea Common the following year.
