THE GREATEST names and some of music’s most exciting new acts rocked Victorious Festival this weekend.
And organisers confirmed last night that it was the biggest event so far in the festival’s nine-year history with Sunday tickets selling out.
More than 70,000 fans were on Southsea Common yesterday as Newcastle superstar Sam Fender played the final set after performances by other main acts Anne Marie, Suede and Nothing But Thieves.
Though no stranger to success, it is still an incredible achievement for the 28-year-old songwriter to headline festivals of this size after only two albums.
Sunday’s attendance dwarfed the already high 65,000 people who saw Saturday headliners Paolo Nutini and Bastille, plus The Wombats, Kula Shaker, Declan McKenna, White Lies, Ocean Colour Scene and Sports Team.
Read more: Victorious Festival wows crowds on Southsea Common - In pictures
This year, the festival are putting on big acts, including 2018 headliners The Libertines, in afternoon slots and getting people through the gates early.
On Friday, 40,000 fans watched Stereophonics on the main stage alone, with the Welsh band showcasing a 30-year career of hits after sets by James, Self Esteem and Primal Scream.
Frontman Kelly Jones, bassist Richard Jones, rhythm guitarist Adam Zindani and drummer Jamie Morrison showed why they have stayed at the top of their game for so long and 25 years after the release of their debut album.
The unique location of Victorious was highlighted on Saturday when aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales sailed past in full view, heading for exercises on the USA Eastern Seaboard, during a set by The Sugababes.
On Saturday, Earlestown four-piece The K’s drew a big early crowd on the main stage, playing their third of four festivals in four days.
Read more: Victorious Festival - Summary of day 2
Lead guitarist Ryan Breslin told The Echo they enjoyed playing at Victorious as well as main stage sets this weekend at Reading and Leeds: “The crowds are getting bigger, the flares are getting better, and it's been ace, really good.”
Even with a long career ahead, it’s unlikely The K’s will warm-up for many acts like The Sugababes again.
The original 1998 line-up of Keisha Buchanan, Mutya Buena and Siobhan Donaghy, reignited memories with killer songs like Push The Button, Round Round and About You Now. They return to play Southampton Guildhall in October.
Local acts Crystal Tides, Devin Jade, Jerry Williams and Harvey Jay Dodgson also performed on one of the 15 music stages, while South Yorkshire stars The Reytons, who sold out The Joiners in October, brought tracks from their acclaimed debut album Kids Off The Estate.
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