Victorious Festival has become one of the UK’s leading family-friendly festivals and attracts visitors from across the country to Portsmouth each August bank holiday weekend. The event supports local businesses, raises Portsmouth’s profile nationally and contributes to a wide range of local charities and community projects.
Since 2014, Victorious has contributed more than £926,000 to charities and good causes with the majority going to local organisations and, supported hundreds of community initiatives across Portsmouth. The festival has also provided a £159m boost to the local economy since the same date.
The festival’s contribution goes far beyond one weekend in August. Through its Victorious in the Community programme, the team provides support, funding, expertise and infrastructure to community groups, charities and events across the city. This year, Victorious has also supported the Portsmouth100 celebrations, including sponsoring a lion as part of the Pride of Portsmouth art trail and contributing to activities marking 100 years of city status.
Looking ahead, Victorious is also supporting Portsmouth’s bid to become UK City of Culture 2029, helping champion the city’s cultural strengths and creative communities on a national stage
Importantly, while part of Southsea Common and the seafront forms the festival site, much of the wider seafront remains open and accessible throughout the festival weekend. Residents and visitors can continue to enjoy beaches, cafés, restaurants, attractions and businesses across Southsea, with attractions including South Parade Pier, The Pyramids, Exploria, Blue Reef Aquarium, Southsea Beach Cafe and Clarence Pier remaining open.
Council teams have been working alongside organisers and partner agencies for months to prepare for this year’s event. Services including highways, licensing, environmental health, community safety, parking and cleansing all play an important role in helping the festival run safely and successfully.
Cllr Steve Pitt, Leader of Portsmouth City Council, said:
“Victorious has become an important part of Portsmouth’s events calendar and brings significant benefits to our city. It attracts visitors, supports local charities and community projects, and helps showcase Portsmouth to a national audience.
“We recognise that an event of this scale can bring disruption for some residents and businesses. That’s why council teams work closely with organisers and partners throughout the year to minimise impacts wherever possible.
“Victorious also supports Portsmouth beyond the festival weekend, from backing community initiatives and Portsmouth 100 celebrations to supporting our bid to become UK City of Culture 2029.
“I’d like to thank everyone involved in preparing for the event and helping make it another success for Portsmouth.”
James Ralls of Victorious Festival, said:
“Victorious Festival is incredibly proud to be part of Portsmouth’s cultural legacy and to have grown alongside the city over the years. What makes the festival so special is the people, the setting and the Pompey atmosphere – there really isn’t anywhere else we could do it.
“We know an event of this size can have an impact on the city, so we’re hugely grateful to the residents, businesses, council teams, partners and everyone else who supports us throughout the year. We want Victorious to be something that creates a positive impact for the city, well beyond the festival weekend. Working closely with our regional partners ensures we deliver as smooth an experience as possible for local residents and businesses alike.
“Portsmouth has given us so much over the years, and it’s an honour to be part of such an important year for the city as it celebrates its 100 years city status. We can’t wait to welcome everyone to the seafront and hopefully put a few smiles on faces along the way.”
Residents are encouraged to visit the council’s dedicated Victorious Festival webpage for information on access arrangements, travel advice, what remains open during the festival weekend and other key information for residents: https://www.portsmouth.gov.uk/events/victorious-festival-28-30-august-2026/