Victorious Festival 2023: What to know before you go

Victorious Festival is just around the corner, with some of the music world's biggest names gearing up for a weekend of live performances. There's loads to enjoy, not just from the music line up but also top comedy, family fun and even entry to some of Southsea's best attractions.

If you've not yet got your ticket then don't hang around - the final allocation is available here: victoriousfestival.co.uk/buy-tickets/.

If you do have your ticket and are counting down to some bank holiday festivities, here's all the info you need ahead of the big event.

Opening times

This year Victorious Festival is on for a full three days - meaning the gates open at 10am on Friday morning to offer the full site experience. Each day's festivities run from 10am to 11pm, with re-entry permitted until 8pm.

Car parking

There is no on-site parking at the festival this year so those travelling by car are not advised to drive to the festival site. Instead, there is a Park & Shuttle service operating out of Lakeside Car Park, with regular services taking you right to the festival. You can book car park tickets on this link. Alternatively, there are later crossings to Gosport and the Isle of Wight. Please note, there are rail strikes planned for Saturday 26 August. See the National Rail website for further details. There are also bus strikes expected over the whole bank holiday weekend - further information will be published on the First Bus website.

Road closures

There will be some closures in place during the bank holiday weekend, either because the roads fall within the festival site, or as a way to allow attendees to leave the event site safely. The Portsmouth City Council website has further details, but road closures over the weekend include:

From 8am on 24 August to 8pm on 29 August: Avenue de Caen, Serpentine Way, Clarence Esplanade (from the west flood gate to Jack Cockerill Way), Victoria Avenue (southbound from Bellevue Terrace), and Victoria Avenue Spur.

From 10.30pm to 11.59pm on 25, 26 and 27 August: Duisburg Way (from Clarence Parade to the festival car park exit), Clarence Parade, Jack Cockerill Way, Jack Cockerill Way Spur, and Clarence Esplanade (from Jack Cockerill Way to The Dell).

In addition, Portland Road and Clarendon Road (between Richmond Road and Portland Road) will also be closed to traffic except taxis and buses between 10.30pm and 11.59pm on 25, 26 and 27 August. There will also be no through traffic (apart from resident egress) across a number of roads in Central Southsea at these times - see the Portsmouth City Council website for the full list and latest updates.

Other FAQs

The Victorious Festival website has all the info you need ahead of the big event, with a comprehensive Info section covering everything from ticketing to rules of entry, getting to the festival, information for disabled festivalgoers, lost property, and loads more besides. There's also information on the Victorious app - which also offers a very hand planner so you can create a bespoke itinerary featuring everyone you want to see across the weekend.

Seafront attractions open as usual

As well as all there is to enjoy within the festival walls, don't forget that which is just beyond the perimeter. The seafront attractions not within the festival site will be open as usual all bank holiday weekend. They include Blue Reef Aquarium, the Pyramids (and Exploria), South Parade Pier, Clarence Pier, Canoe Lake and Southsea Model Village.

All the pubs, bars and restaurants of central Southsea will also be welcoming guests as usual, whether you're a festivalgoer dipping out for a short while or in the area for the weekend. It's a similar story for those on the seafront, with Deep Blue, The Briny, Southsea Beach Café, The Beach Club and others all open for food and drink.

You can find out more information on our dedicated 'Seafront Attractions Open as Usual page.

Festival highlights

As well as all the music performances there's plenty more to get excited about at Victorious Festival 2023. Here are just some of the quirky or different goings on you won't want to miss.

Batala

Watch the 270-person Samba band - featuring drummers from across the world - entertain guests at Gate A from 11am to 12pm on Saturday. If you caught Sam Ryder's performance last year you'll know what to expect.

England Women’s Beach Soccer Sessions

Kids of all ages are welcome to give Beach Soccer a go, with sessions lead by the England Women's Team (of which Victorious Festival is a lead sponsor).

Neighbourhood Eats

Support small businesses and eat like a local at Neighbourhood Eats. This area is new for 2023 and has been designed to showcase the city’s local and independent food eateries from those with a PO postcode.

Southsea Castle

Enter through the custom flower arch (created by talented local florist Ewa at Blossom Boutique) and over the drawbridge to enjoy bubbles and DJ sets. How many other festivals offer a bar in a castle overlooking the sea?!