Victorious Festival 2022: Stereophonics, Paolo Nutini and Sam Fender headline a feast for music fans on the Southsea seafront

The sun kisses the Portsmouth coast as Victorious Festival kicks off on a hot Friday. The last Bank Holiday weekend of the year promises a bounty of fun and, most importantly, good music in this small town on the south coast of the country where, every year, thousands of visitors gather to join the family festival. And, indeed, the show attracts a crowd of all ages, from very young children and babies to more mature concertgoers. And that’s because of the variety of music on offer, as well as the extra activities in the programme. Aside from the Common and the Castle stages, the site map is populated with other points of interest: the World Music Stage, the Beats and Swings Stage for the dance devotees, and the Acoustic Stage for a dive into folk and soul. In addition to the kids’ area, which is full of entertainment for the little ones, there is a comedy stage and there are food and drink stalls scattered around the grounds. Glitter and garlands of flowers adorn faces and colour the mood of this summer celebration.

Getting to the main attraction of these three days, the lineup for the 2022 edition is comprised of such an array of talent – both up-and-coming and established – that it’s basically impossible for anyone not to find something to truly enjoy, especially when there’s so much energy.

In the early afternoon on the opening day, pop singer-songwriter Self Esteem graces the Common stage in shades and all black, welcoming the shining Portsmouth crowd with the namesake track from her latest album, Prioritise Pleasure. The sassy Favourite Problem and How Can I Help You are hits, from the harmonious backing singers to the choreography and the singer’s solo vocals gliding through highs and lows. Emanating pure feel-good vibes, James throw themselves – quite literally – into the core of the festival, voice, body and soul: Tim Booth can’t hold back any longer after Isabella; for Come Home he starts embracing the front row and soon dives in for a too-long postponed crowd surf. Electronica-infused indie rockers Bombay Bicycle Club salute the sunset with their neat and swinging guitar riffs in Eat, Sleep, Wake (Nothing But You).

It’s past dusk when the Stereophonics make their entrance to the subtle notes of Do Ya Feel My Love. The Welsh band are a charming powerhouse, and rock their way into the audience’s hearts with C’est la Vie. Dropping a few anecdotes along the way, Kelly Jones engages in a sort of conversation between his guitar and the festival goers as an introduction to Hanging on Your Hinges. The more acoustic version of Maybe Tomorrow brings a magical atmosphere, then the raspy voice of Jones soothes in Mr Writer before the group make everyone jump in a frenzy to The Bartender and the Thief. Dakota provides a crackling finale to an incredibly exciting set whose memory will no doubt linger for the audience.

The day after is a continuous spectacle of performers. The Common stage hosts a breeze of indie rock from across the pond with We Are Scientists. Keith Murray sports his platinum quiff as his voice and guitar undulate in The Great Escape. The band’s infectious style reaches across the field with the heavy drumming of It’s a Hit. They are followed by a refreshing turn from Inhaler, who gush into an energetic rendition of I Won’t Always Be Like This.

Meanwhile, the Castle stage is also attracting a vast crowd, as Sports Team get on with a thumping rendition of Here It Comes Again. Alex Rice’s low voice is enrapturing throughout the crazy progression of songs, and his stage presence is magnetic as he dominates the space with the energy of a tornado. In the unbridled Camel Crew, he is obviously enjoying himself at least as much as the throng, to the point that not even the microphone cord can restrain him and he eventually dives in, carried in the arms of the fans screaming from all directions. A loud greeting for White Lies is embodied in the thunderous Farewell to the Fairground.

Competition is high for the two headliners of the night, as they stand at opposite poles but hold equal appeal. Paolo Nutini’s show is nothing short of mesmerising. Opening with the more abstract Afterneath from his latest album, he delves soon after into an upbeat Jenny Don’t Be Hasty that dissolves into absorbing hits Coming Up Easy, Candy and Iron Sky.

Bastille set up an open-air disco on the other side of the seafront. Things We Lost in the Fire is audible metres and metres away from the gates. “As you may have noticed, our songs may sound happy, but they are all very depressing,” says Dan Smith, laughing with the thousands of people gathered as he introduces a good example of that, Good Grief. Back to the Future, part of their latest project, tackles relevant themes while maintaining strong, danceable DNA. Everybody’s phone lights are up in the air for a goosebump-inducing performance of Flaws. The frontman directs the audience in a singing session for Survivin, and the ground trembles under all the jumping feet during Pompeii. Leaving the field feels like leaving an electrifying party.

Sunday sways with mind-boggling rhythms (though perhaps some of that dizziness is also due to the sudden overcrowding).

Champion of English music in the European arena Sam Ryder reaches for high pitches on the Common stage. He calls for the festival goers to sing back, Freddie Mercury-style, then unexpectedly cracks on with a vigorous cover of Metallica’s Master of Puppets, complete with violent shaking of his long, blond hair. Editors’ performance is entrancing, with first-class frontman Tom Smith moving between instruments, taking the time to complement the lyrics with a range of bodily gestures. The notes of Karma Climb vibrate through the air, followed by a throbbing And End Has a Start. The low register of the vocals for Sugar seduces while Munich makes for a pulsing closer.

“Look at that! There are so many of you, as far as the eye can see!” Sophie Ellis Bextor is amazed at the human sea covering the mount in front of her at the Castle stage. Her voice and choreography can cheer up even the most sombre end-of-the-holidays mood, from the cover of Madonna’s Like a Prayer to Murder on the Dance Floor. Neon colours and flashing lights accompany Becky Hill on I Need Your Love and My Heart Goes. The atmosphere drastically changes from disco to alternative rock with Essex boys Nothing But Thieves, who give a performance that is explosive with tunes and confetti. 

The melodious climax arrives with Sam Fender, whose set is attended by an enormous number of people exceeding all expectations. The young and talented Geordie songwriter has headlined three festivals this summer alone, and the initial chords immediately prove his alluring power. Will We Talk is a popping, euphoric number. As he moves into the banging Getting Started, the presence of the saxophone adds an extra smooth touch. Dead Boys, about his hometown, aptly communicates his memories and the elevated flair of his style. The acoustic conclusion couldn’t be without the hymn to our younger selves, Seventeen Going Under.

The evenings always end in fireworks, and Victorious Festival’s displays are visual, musical and emotional. The warmth and the chemistry quickly established between artists and audience add gloss to this feast in Portsmouth.

Cristiana Ferrauti
Photos: Virginie Viche

Victorious Festival was on from 26^th until 28^th August 2022. For further information and future events visit the festival’s website here.