The big festival buzz this weekend will be at Reading & Leeds, but what if you’ve failed to get tickets in time to see Biffy Clyro and Foals rock the main stage. Not to worry, Portsmouth’s Victorious Festival has tickets to see some quality acts at a fraction of the price of the big hitters.
The real question isn’t should you go, but who you should squeeze in the time to see. Here’s our guide to ten acts you should catch this weekend at Victorious.
Tickets are still available for £35 a day from https://www.victoriousfestival.co.uk/
The Coral – The Castle Stage – Saturday
They may have been on extended hiatus for what seemed like forever, but March’s The Distance Inbetween proved that the Wirral boys could still make compelling music that fused psychedelia and Beatles melody in a way that few other artists can.
Urban Voodoo Machine – World Music Stage – Saturday
Take it from me; these guys are insane, like blooming crazy! Fusing rockabilly, blues and gypsy folk, this band of misfits will amuse and amaze you with their theatrical cruise across the genres.
Public Service Broadcasting – Common Stage – Sunday
Is there a better place for a band who use soundbites of Winston Churchill and Spitfires than Southsea seafront, just a stone’s throw from the D-Day and Royal Marines museums? We think not. Prepare to be transported to a different time by their history inspired instrumentals!
The Boomtown Rats – The Common Stage – Saturday
In a relatively early slot on the main stage. Bob Geldof and co should wake you up for the big hitters with their unflinching passion and energy that remains nearly 40 years after their formation. Sir Bob may be known for his charity work, but on stage don’t expect him to show any mercy, as evidenced by his rant at Brentwood Festival.
Emmy The Great – Rhino AV Acoustic Stage – Saturday
Still, as fresh and witty as the days of her debut First Love, Emmy The Great is the connoisseur’s choice of the headliner on Saturday night. Bringing her blend of indie, pop and folk to Victorious, you can expect a chilled out end to the first night of acts over at the acoustic stage.
Levellers – Common Stage – Saturday
Is a festival a festival without the Levellers? Do we even want to know the answer? They might be aged and annoying at any other time, but put them in front of a cider infused crowd of festival goers and they manage to start a party. See their weird festival alchemy for yourself!
Ash – Castle Stage – Sunday
Presumably, they were asked to take a year off Reading after accumulating ten appearances in twenty years. That stat alone is tantamount to the continuing success of a band now hitting 25 years in existence. Fueled by mega hits including Girl From Mars, Oh Yeah, Shining Light and Burn Baby Burn, it’s not hard to see why fans return to Ash time and time again.
The Horrors – Castle Stage – Saturday
Traditionally The Horrors were always a little hit and missed live, some nights they’d seem lacklustre and then others they would conquer the whole room with energy and passion. Thankfully, the group are considerably more consistent. Arguably at the peak of their imperial phase with the quality trio of albums Primary Colours, Skying and Luminous, expect an energetic showing equally inspired by disco, Psychedelia and punk.
Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds – Common Stage – Sunday
Does much need to be said about the songwriting genius behind two of the biggest selling albums of the 90’s? Pretty much every song in his set will be a sing-a-long banger. Expect a combo of Oasis classics along with his popular solo material as Noel brings the festival to an anthemic close.
Credit: FacebookManic Street Preachers – Common Stage – Saturday
Fresh off their throwback touring efforts for Everything Must Go and The Holy Bible, the band have never been tighter or more confident. Expect bombastic classics like Motorcycle Emptiness; You Love Us, Design For Life and If You Tolerate This… alongside belters from their return to form Futurology.
