Victorious Festival 2021
As I stepped through the gates at Victorious Festival 2021 it felt like live music was back where it belonged. Being performed in front of wonderful people, surrounded by friends old and new, with a loving family by my side. After all, while I’d been lucky to attend a handful of gigs during lockdown, they’d almost all been with social distancing measures in place.
With that in mind, there was a degree of apprehension in the build-up to the larger crowds of festival season. Yet, by the time that first over-priced beer had touched my lips, it was soon time to appreciate what Victorious really meant. Live music, right here in sunny Southsea.
World Music Stage, a festival of its own
There’s something special about the World Music Stage and the Peoples Lounge, in that it’s got a mini-festival vibe all of its own. Independent traders, food stands, tribal drumming, Thai Chi and a place to relax and mingle. Plus, a captive audience who often find it hard to venture further than the wash of tie-dye and incense sticks.
Opening the Friday festivities were a “funky mix of reggae and progressive poetic psychedelia” aka Frosty Shadows of Dawn. It’s a worthy description penned ahead of the festivities, one that certainly grabbed the attention of many-an-onlooker. Despite any bias towards the band from myself, the ripple of appreciation I overheard throughout the day indicated Frosty’s are indeed grrrreat.
Across the weekend the World Music Stage then hosted everything from a locally based Africappella group to Cuban rhythms, Salsa, jazz and reggae. Personal highlights included Pompey legends the Racketeers with their mix of ska and RnB, Flamingods side-project Noon Garden and rather surprisingly the Latin pop of Nono.
Friday Madness to Sunday with Nile Rogers
Given early bird tickets were in the region of £25-£35 a day (plus booking fee), the main headliners came as a bargain. Well, on paper at least, as in reality it was all a bit of a mixed bag.
Although Madness and the Manic Street Preachers had both headlined Victorious previously, I was still keen to give them another go. However, while I’m sure their allegiance of diehard fans may disagree, I was left a little underwhelmed.
Don’t get me wrong, the hits sound OK live and the Manics covering Echo and the Bunnymen was a nice surprise, but in general, there just wasn’t anything exciting to write home about. Although – granted I had cut the Manics set short to go check out the awesome Seth Lakeman instead.
In complete contrast, Sunday ended with a tough choice between Royal Blood or Nile Rogers and Chic. The former a fairly bold statement as headliners, I had originally thought, yet justifiably so.
Officially a two-piece: the combo of distorted bass lines, drums and vocals were interspersed with additional keys and backing singers. At times Royal Blood were balls-out rock n roll, others almost redefining pop music altogether.
As for Nile Rogers over on the Castle Stage, I somehow managed to split my time perfectly. While “Freak, Le Chic” was always going to play out well, it was clear Nile still has enough funk n soul throughout his repertoire. Orchestrating the bigger band where necessary, while stripping things back for a brief version of Pharrell’s “Happy” summing up the party atmosphere.
Other Victorious Festival 2021 Highlights
I could easily rave on about how tight Supergrass were and the fact Feeder absolutely smashed it following technical issues. Likewise, the non-stop dancing of an out of breath Tony Wright from Terrorvision and the sheer joy of Frank Turner both deserve a mention.
However, these are acts I’ve seen 100 times over and continue to impress. Stereo MC’s meanwhile, were a blast from the past I’d missed live the first time around. Victorious Festival clearly has a thing for bands that were big in the ’90s. Yet since the turn of the century, Stereo MC’s have gone fairly unnoticed – although based on this performance, hopefully, that’s all set to change.
As for newer bands on the scene, Dublin’s Fontaine’s D.C took to the stage with the confidence of future headliners. On record, their second album is just as strong as their debut, while live it’s only a matter of time before they’re even higher up the bill.
Whereas Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs (no, that’s not a typo) joked they’d already been asked to headline but turned it down. The banter didn’t stop their either, an incredible live show from Newcastle’s alternative stoner rock band. The combination of Black Sabbath inspired riffage and immense volume resulting in a circle pit as out of place at Victorious as the band themselves.
Another of the newbies with an amusing frontman was that of Lottery Winners. Hailing from Manchester with a cheeky Mancunian on vocals and guitar, these guys soon became my “favourite new discovery”.
Beats and Swing to the Acoustic Stage
Elsewhere across the festival site, it’s impossible to do it all. As such, I found myself drawn towards the Beats and Swing area or that of the more relaxed acoustic stage. The former hosting DJ sets from the likes of an eclectic Prince Brandon to the ever-talented singer-songwriter Tom Bryan and his trusty loop-station.
Meanwhile, into the evening Natty Campbell whipped the D-Day car park into a frenzy. As part of the Reggae Roast Soundsystem, the London based MC was a masterclass in reggae, hip-hop and ragga vibes to get the crowd bouncing.
In stark contrast, the acoustic stage would largely have a more sedate feel about it. Yet after dark, even the largely solo acts managed to liven things up. In fact, I’d like it on record that Seth Lakeman is way better than the Manics.
Likewise, when it came to the loveable Beans on Toast closing the Sunday. Beans (or Jay to his Mum) performs with lyrics of a personal narrative. Whether it be about political observations, the birth of his child or a lost passion for Weatherspoon’s pubs.
Kids Arena feat Andy and the Oddsocks
In between the bigger bands, I often spend time supporting local music across the smaller stages. Although during the day this year, it became harder to escape the Kids Arena. Here you’ll find all the usual fairground attractions, but also a variety of inflatable bouncy castles, obstacle courses and face painting all often included within the price.
Then there’s the stage itself, one that offers a chance to meet and greet famous faces such as Paw Patrol and the Gruffalo. Along with stage shows from the captivating science of Maddie and Greg (Do You Know?/Maddie’s Amazing Machines) and a lovable, over-enthusiastic compare.
As for the music, Andy and the Oddsocks delivered not one but two great sets. Backed with his trusty and talented band, CBeebies frontman Andy Day encourages everyone to be themselves through the likes of “Unique”. Plus, what’s not to like about a bunch of young children and adults alike singing along to a cover of Sham 69’s “If the Kids Are United”?
Thank You Victorious Festival 2021
After missing out last year due to Covid-19, all in all Victorious 2021 marked a triumphant return, albeit one with a noticeable lack of toilets. Yes, the cost may be creeping up but let’s face it – even with ludicrous beer prices and a line-up many of us have seen before, you’ll be hard pushed to beat the overall value for money.
As for next year, tickets are already on sale at the reduced early bird prices. Available to book online via links on the official website here.
