Victorious Festival Announces New Acts, Stages And Family Attractions For 2026

Victorious Festival has announced a major wave of additions for 2026, including new music acts, updated stages and new venue areas as it builds towards next year’s event on Southsea Common.

The UK’s biggest metropolitan family-friendly festival says the updates strengthen its reputation as one of the country’s most diverse seaside events.

New Music Additions

Indie-rock band White Lies have been confirmed for the Saturday line-up, joining previously announced acts for the 2026 edition.

They are among a wider group of newly confirmed performers including Tom Rowley, Jasper Hodges, Little Grandad, Jos Rivers, The Covasettes and Finne Forster.

Emerging Artists Programme

The festival’s Road to Victorious competition has named Matt Hennessey as its 2026 winner, earning a Saturday slot on the Castle Stage.

Runners-up Eloise Carter, Rosie Hollins and Rosewater will also perform across the weekend.

Now in its fourth year, the initiative supports emerging Portsmouth artists with performance opportunities at major UK festivals, alongside mentoring, rehearsal time and industry support.

New Venue: Little Johnny Russell’s

A new area called Little Johnny Russell’s will be introduced for 2026, inspired by a former Portsmouth pub linked to the early days of the festival.

Organisers say the venue will reflect the festival’s origins, with live DJ sets and performances in an intimate pub-style setting.

Wightlink Presents The Bandstand

The Southsea Common Bandstand area will return in partnership with Portsmouth 100, offering panoramic views of the Solent and a programme of local artists.

The 100th band to perform at the Bandstand will appear during the 2026 festival, marking a centenary milestone for the city.

The area will also feature the return of Twisted Tearooms, serving food alongside live entertainment, and live broadcasts from Express FM.

World Music Village And The People’s Lounge

The World Music Village will feature international acts including Bobby Friction and Bhangra All Stars, She’s Got Brass, and Fulu Miziki, a group from the Democratic Republic of Congo known for creating instruments from recycled materials.

Under The Trees Stage

The Under The Trees Stage will feature electronic artist Look Mum, No Computer as part of its Friday line-up.

Kids Arena

The Kids Arena will return with daily headline shows from Pop Kids and Rock Kids, along with character appearances including Fireman Sam, Bluey and Supertato.

New additions for 2026 include an interactive Stone Age Village experience, a Blaster Battle Zone and a Parkour Area.

British Empire Wrestling will also return with live shows across the weekend.

Returning Attractions

Other returning features include Henry’s House at Southsea Castle, skate sessions and demonstrations at Southsea Skatepark, the Spoken Arts Parlour, and The Piano Tree featuring live performances curated by Portsmouth Music Academy.

Festival Line-Up

Victorious Festival 2026 will be headlined by Richard Ashcroft, The Black Keys and Kasabian.

Other performers across the weekend include Scissor Sisters, Faithless, Bastille, Nile Rodgers and CHIC, The Streets and Basement Jaxx.