Music-lovers who fancy a sense of history alongside their favourite bands will be able to soak up the atmosphere in the shadow of Nelson's flagship HMS Victory in a hotly-tipped festival this summer.

The Victorious Festival is returning for the second year at the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard with Maximo Park, Level 42, Katy B, Charlotte Church, The Cribs and Reef among the line-up which ranges from alternative and indie bands to popular DJs such as DJ Yoda.

But away from the main stages, visitors will be able to tour the newly-opened Mary Rose Museum and step aboard HMS Victory, the world's oldest-commissioned warship.

And families will be able to enjoy the Kids Deck which will have fun and games with Peppa Pig, circus skills, stilt walkers, face painting and other attractions.

Andy Marsh, event spokesman, said: ''Imagine sipping on a mojito whilst listening to the soothing sounds of Charlotte Church, strolling through the ages on a Tudor battle ship, buying vintage goods and saying hello to Peppa Pig, and then getting lost in dance to DJ Yoda. That is the fantastically diverse experience that Victorious promises to deliver, all in the heart of beautiful historic Portsmouth.

''How many festivals can boast Level 42, Maximo Park and hundreds of other acts while using a 248-year-old national treasure, in the shape of HMS Victory, as a backdrop?

''Combining Portsmouth's rich history with a contemporary festival feel and with hundreds of local businesses trading at the event we think we have provided the perfect bank holiday family outing.''

Other up-and-coming acts appearing at the festival include Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs, Welsh rock trio The Joy Formidable, all-female vocals group The Boxettes and electro-popsters Fenech-Soler as well as Portsmouth-formed 1940s retro-group The Three Belles.

Mr Marsh said: ''Plenty more confirmed acts will grace the various stages in front of Portsmouth's stunning cultural backdrop. Last year's festival, where just under 40,000 people crossed the gates over the Jubilee weekend, was a huge success enjoyed by thousands. Following this success, the festival will also be providing an acoustic arena, street entertainers, boutique and creative markets, and plenty of local produce food stalls.''

Alongside these attractions, Victorious Festival ticket-holders can also visit the National Museum of the Royal Navy, enjoy a free 45-minute harbour tour, or find themselves at Action Stations battling with the Royal Marines and flying a helicopter in interactive simulators.

Lincoln Clarke, chief executive of Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, said: ''We are delighted to be working with local businesses to build an event that the whole city can enjoy and to also re-affirm Portsmouth as a desirable visitor destination.''

The Victorious Festival is being held at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, Hampshire, on August 24 and 25. For more information visit www.victoriousfestival.co.uk.