Southsea hosted Victorious Festival again this Bank Holiday weekend and it’s always the highlight of our calendar at Summer Festival Guide.

With stormy sea views overlooking the site and a diverse line-up spanning indie royalty to disco legends, Victorious delivered the magical, genre-hopping weekend it always promises and which we love coming back for. 

We’re not the only ones – as over 150,000 people descended on the south coast over the weekend.

There is so much to cover, with so many stages dotted around, but here’s how the Common Stage and Castle Stage played out across the three days.

FRIDAY

The Common Stage opened with M60, an indie rock band, oddly named after the motorway of the same name.  

Victorious is famous for its special-guest slots early each day – it definitely helps bring the crowds in at lunchtime to enjoy everything on offer.  This year was no exception, with Rudimental getting everyone bouncing before the afternoon built up.

Pixie Lott followed, and was appropriately dressed for the camera in a stunning red leotard with a billowing train – she dazzled the audience, looking like Marilyn Monroe, while mixing her own hits with Nirvana’s Smells Like Teen Spirit – it definitely was a strong start to an impressive weekend lineup.

Indie royalty followed, with Liverpudlian bands The Coral and Cast, blasting out their 90s hits including ‘Dreaming of You‘ and ‘Walk Away‘ respectively – each singer adorned a hat which they had to hold onto during the gale force winds.

Over on the Castle Stage, the day built beautifully. Vengaboys turned in an early party set that transported the crowd to Ibiza on their magical bus.

The Vaccines kept the momentum going on the main stage as evening approached, with the majority of songs coming from their debut ‘What Did You Expect’, but the real highlight came with Scissor Sisters. We certainly got more than we hoped for!

Their glitter drenched pop set was the highlight of the day, opening with ‘Baby I’m Burnin‘ before launching into ‘I Don’t Feel Like Dancin’, and working through ‘Take Your Mama‘, and ‘Filthy Gorgeous‘, plus a euphoric cover of Pink Floyd’s ‘Comfortably Numb‘.

Jake Shears had the crowd eating out of his hand, at one point telling everyone gathered that they were all Scissor Sisters now, and for the length of that set, it felt true. 

Richard Ashcroft, former Verve frontman, closed out the Common Stage, drawing on his extensive catalogue including ‘A Song for the Lovers’, ‘The Drugs Don’t Work’, ‘Lucky Man’ and ‘Sonnet’ before building to a euphoric ‘Bittersweet Symphony’.  

It’s no wonder Oasis recruited Richard Ashcroft to support them on their tour last year, having written their legendary song ‘Cast No Shadow’ about the iconic singer. Perhaps the most emotional moment of the weekend, was his opening tribute to Dolly Parton.

Over at the Castle stage, Faithless closed proceedings – despite the crowd being on their feet all day, they went wild for their anthem ‘Insomnia’. It’s no wonder if people didn’t get much sleep after such a great day at the coast.   

SATURDAY

Saturday was where the weather really made its presence felt, swinging between sunshine, strong winds and sudden downpours. The music was equally diverse with special guest Dizzee Rascal opening the Common Stage’s lunchtime slot in the bonkers weather.

Lottery Winners and White Lies brought standard indie-rock fair before Happy Mondays and Bez shook his maracas in style and Shaun Ryder twisted his melons through the middle of the day. 

Jessie J turned in one of the most talked about and moving sets of the whole weekend. In between a vocal masterclass that included a brave cover of Prince’s Purple Rain – it was a funny, heart-warming and emotional performance that crowds will remember long after the songs fade.

Nile Rodgers and Chic followed with a hit stacked, feel good set. As well as classics such as ‘Good Times‘ and ‘Le Freak‘, it was incredible how many songs the legend has written and produced, from David Bowie, Madonna, Daft Punk and Pharrell.

The Black Keys closed the main Common Stage, opening with ‘I Got Mine‘ – the crowd was split however, as many headed over to the Castle Stage.

Bastille were one of the weekend’s biggest draws, but their appearance was genuinely in doubt after frontman Dan Smith had been ordered five days of vocal rest and the band had already cancelled another festival slot midweek. 

In a statement to fans beforehand, Smith had described it simply as quite a serious vocal issue. In the end they arrived around fifteen minutes late due to technical issues, but Dan’s voice showed no signs of strain as the band tore through crowd favourites, finishing with the anthemic and appropriately named ‘Pompeii.’  

SUNDAY

Sunday was arguable the strongest line-up of the weekend, with the Common Stage afternoon special guest slot belonging to Norwegian singer Sigrid – who brought a sunny, assured energy that cut straight through the unsettled skies. 

Reef and The Enemy kept the guitar music flowing before James Arthur‘s slot drew one of the biggest crowds of the weekend.

The Streets turned in one of the most striking sets of the weekend, working through their landmark album A Grand Don’t Come for Free in a contemplative, almost theatrical way against the backdrop of a bus shelter. With tracks like ‘Fit But You Know It‘ and ‘Blinded by the Lights’ getting a rare full outing, main-man Mike Skinner headed into the crowd for the closing songs. 

Kasabian returned to Victorious and brought the Common Stage to a close with their usual swagger, opening with ‘Club Foot’ and never letting the energy drop after that. 

At one point frontman Serge Pizzorno paused to tell the crowd this is where it is at, we are living it right now, and for a field of people who had just survived three days of unpredictable weather to see them off, it landed perfectly.

The Castle Stage’s Sunday bill built through Brit-pop legends Sleeper, before our highlights of the weekend followed in close succession.

Jalen Ngonda demonstrated what an incredible young talent he is. With an incredible voice which barely needs a microphone to be heard, he certainly won over many fans on Sunday.

Icon Kelis followed, delivering a powerful self-assured serving of ‘Milkshake‘, with a flash of lightning getting the crowd even more excited.

Basement Jaxx closed the Castle stage, and the weekend in euphoric style, with a full live band leaning on the same run of club favourites they had been playing all summer, including ‘Red Alert’, ‘Do Your Thing’ and ‘Romeo’. 

It was a genuinely special way to bring the festival to a close.

What makes Victorious stand out is the sheer variety of acts across the weekend. We haven’t even had chance to cover other artists across the many stages, including up-and-coming Brummies GANS, Preston from Big Brother’s return with The Ordinary Boys, or Welsh rap ‘legends’ Goldie Looking Chain.

You truly can go from pop theatrics to blues rock, from grime to disco, from a heartfelt album performed front to back to a wind battered pop diva cracking jokes about her own stage rig – all within a single weekend on the same patch of common overlooking the Solent. 

The weather threw everything it had at this year’s event, but the lineup, and the crowd, were more than a match for it.

Early bird tickets for next year’s festival are already available at the following link:

You don’t want to miss out while they are at a reduced price. https://www.victoriousfestival.co.uk

Words: Graham Tarrant & Helen Lillistone

Photos: Graham Tarrant

We Out Here is one of the UK’s most joyful celebrations of music and culture.

It truly is such a beautiful festival for many reasons – whether it’s the music, talks, well-being workshops, or even the swimming, there is a very relaxed vibe as soon as you enter the idyllic grounds at Wimborne St Giles. It’s easy to see why people come back year after year.

Curated by DJ Gilles Peterson, the festival seamlessly blended a mix of jazz, soul, hip hop, house, afrobeat, electronica and global sounds – few other UK festivals we cover offer such an adventurous and thoughtfully assembled line-up.

Many of the names on the line-up may not be household names (yet), but one of the joys of We Out Here is discovering new exciting music, and then playing it repeatedly when you get home.

That’s not to say the headliners weren’t special. At the top of the bill on Thursday was Digable Planets. The trio have created a unique style of hip-hop which incorporates funk and jazz samples – more than 30 years after their debut, their music still shines and makes you want to dance all night.

Friday raised the bar further and offered one of the best line-ups across the summer festival season. Mercury Prize nominees corto.alto impressed with a fine multi-instrumental jazz performance, before Anaiis dazzled the crowd. Backed by a choir, the Senegalese singer shone bright in a stunning outfit and head-dress, while performing songs from her incredible album ‘Devotion and the Black Divine’.

Over at the aptly titled Lush Life stage, Sampa The Great also lived up to her name. The Zambian singer got the party going with her powerful blend of hip-hop, spoken word, rap and soul – Sampa and her impressive band really are one to see live as there was so much energy and love.

Joy Crookes followed and delivered one of the weekend’s standout main-stage sets. Stating how she grew up buying Gilles Peterson’s compilation albums, she launched into her hit ‘Feet Don’t Fail Me Now‘ as featured in the FIFA game and many adverts – it’s no wonder she proclaimed that the song has helped pay her rent for many years.

The main stage on Friday concluded with multi-Grammy Award winner Thundercat. Combining incredible bass playing with effortless charisma, he proved once again why he remains one of contemporary music’s most compelling live performers…and a fellow geek!

Elsewhere, there was never a shortage of reasons to roam between stages until the early hours, with Kenny Dope playing at The Grove.

Saturday was even more of an eclectic mix. Over on the Lush Life stage, rappers MIKE and Kofi Stone separately delivered two of the best sets of the weekend, with heartfelt songs dedicated to those no longer with us.

The main stage belonged to Brazilian composer Arthur Verocai however. Joined by the Nu Civilisation Orchestra, he delighted the crowd with an expansive and emotional performance. Concluding the evening for us was Chicago house and soul pioneer Peven Everett who graced the stage with such elegance. His musicianship and talent was impossible to ignore.

Sunday offered a fitting conclusion. Embracing the world-wide culture on offer throughout the whole weekend, Anglo-French band Stereolab and American jazz icon Gary Bartz captivated the crowd, despite many weary legs and heads from the late night fun and dubious cocktails over the weekend.

Closing Rhythm Corner was a secret guest set by iconic DJ Kieran Hebden, better known as Four Tet – it’s always an absolute joy to listen to a master of his craft at work, and this was a fantastic finale to another great weekend in Dorset.

Gilles Peterson summed up the weekend so well:

“We’ve had people join us from all over the world for this year’s edition of We Out Here. There have been so many highlights; thanks to all the artists, all the incredible live musicians, the jazz, the soul, the dance, the security, the team, all the people, all the stages, Love Dancin’, Rhythm Corner, The Bowl, everyone. It’s been so amazing, thank you all for coming, and take care.”

We cannot wait to return again next year.

We Out Here 2027 has been confirmed as 19th – 22nd August 2027.

Returning festival goers can secure tickets on Thursday 27th August at 10am, with early-bird tickets going on sale on Tuesday 8th September at 10am

Tickets will be available on the We Out Here festival website at the following link – https://weoutherefestival.com

Words and Photos: Graham Tarrant

The Southampton Summer Sessions came to a fantastic finale on Saturday night after three great weeks of live music.

The event has offered so many highlights, from the nostalgia of Billy Ocean and Marti Pellow bringing love all around to Skunk Anansie and Garbage demonstrating that female fronted bands are the best in the business.

But Saturday finished just as the event began – with a truly great Scottish band closing proceedings.

Before Deacon Blue entertained the crowd on the Guildhall Square stage one last time, the Lightning Seeds certainly had the crowd singing along.

Ian Broudie and his Scouse bandmates were in good form. The singer repeatedly states ‘It’s great to be here on Friday night‘ before being corrected by multiple laughing audience members stating that it was in fact Saturday.

It was incredible how many catchy songs they have in their catalogue.

From the dreamy pop of ‘Change‘ to the saccharin ‘Sugar Coated Iceberg’, the band could have easily headlined the event themselves.

The timing of the event could not have been better either. On the evening England were playing in the World Cup, the band play their anthemic ‘Three Lions‘ to cheers of ‘It’s Coming Home‘

Due to the song being written originally for Euro 96, the lyrics have now been updated to reflect that it has no longer been merely ‘30 years of hurt‘ since the men’s team have won a tournament – it’s now ‘60 years of hurt’.

It’s lucky the Women’s football team continue to outperform their male counterparts by winning multiple tournaments themselves in the intervening years.

Most bands would finish with such an anthemic singalong, but they still had even more hits to come – playing their first single ‘Pure‘ before finishing with huge song ‘The Life of Riley‘, named after his son (who also now acts as their manager and fellow guitarist.)

It’s now time for the final band of this year’s Southampton Summer Sessions.

Fans of Deacon Blue had clearly come from far and wide to see their favourite Scottish band.

Sometimes such bands who were huge in the 80’s and 90’s can feel a little stale to watch and photograph long after their hey-day.

But Deacon Blue still have their signature sound and offered such charisma and personality – they really were a delight to watch.

Ricky Ross and his fellow band mate and wife Lorraine McIntosh are still clearly so much in love and their warmth comes across.

From their classic hit ‘Wages Day‘ to ‘Chocolate Girl‘, all of their biggest hits were given time to shine in the sun. Even new song ‘The Great Western Road’ from their 11th studio album was well-received by their passionate fans, particularly when it is dedicated to a former band-mate who is sadly no longer with us.

A lively cover of ‘Twist and Shout‘ got every body dancing, before the band launch into their biggest and best hit ‘Real Gone Kid‘ – it still sounds as fresh as when it was released over 35 years ago.

Saving the best for last, timeless classics ‘Dignity‘ and ‘Fergus SingsThe Blues‘ play just as the sun sets over the stage for one last time.

Before leaving the crowd around 10pm, the band finish with a beautiful rendition of ‘I’ll Never Fall In Love Again‘ by Burt Bacharach.

We cannot wait to find out what music the Southampton Summer Sessions book for 2027.

After the incredible success of this year’s line-up, we’re sure it’s going to be one NOT to miss.

On the hottest day of the year (so far), those who came to the Southampton Summer Sessions to witness two of the best live bands around were in for an incredible night.

This was the final night of their joint tour – and my god, we hope they team up again soon as this was such an epic partnership.

Both bands were on fire!

After Du Blonde warmed up the crowd even more, the mighty Garbage took to the stage with the appropriately epic theme from Twin Peaks playing over the sound system.

Shirley Manson, striking in red boots, strode onto the stage to a huge cheer and wearing a t-shirt of her idol, Madonna.

Garbage began with the bittersweet ‘There’s No Future In Optimism‘, with the repeated opening line ‘if you’re ready for love, if you’re ready for love‘.

The crowd certainly were. This was the most electrifying performance of the Southampton Summer Sessions, so far.

It’s incredible to think that Garbage have been together for over 30 years, with the line-up remaining constant since their inception in 1993. The energy and passion is still as fresh as ever.

The biggest cheers come from songs from their self-titled eponymous album from ’95, with all the hits played, including ‘I Think I’m Paranoid‘, ‘Stupid Girl’ and ‘Vow‘.

Shortly after, Shirley dedicates a song to Robert Smith, stating she grew up a young goth girl and without The Cure, they wouldn’t be here tonight – another big thing to thank Mr Smith for.

Their cover of ‘Lovesong‘ is strikingly beautiful – with it reimagined from a female perspective, the hauntingly simple lyrics took on deeper meaning:

However far away
I will always love you
However long I stay
I will always love you
Whatever words I say
I will always love you

Demonstrating the sheer love between the two bands co-headlining tonight, during an appropriate performance of ‘Only Happy When It Rains‘, Skin and her fellow Skunk Anansie band-mates Ace, Cass and Mark crash the stage and serenade with rainbow umbrellas to shield their friends from Garbage against the suns rays.

It was clearly a surprise to Shirley, who in hysterics, allowed Skin to join her on main vocals while she regained her composure.

Garbage were such a tough act to follow and there are very few musicians who would even come close to comparing to this stunning opening.

But Skunk Anansie may just have managed it somehow…

The mighty Cass and Ace take to the stage first for Skunk Anansie.

It’s no wonder Skin is covered in muscle repair K-tape under her long pink socks when she bounds on stage to huge applause. She is the ultimate front-woman and energetic throughout the whole set. Like a dynamo, it’s the most athletic performance.

Beginning with the bombastic ‘This Means War” – it’s clear she’s not here to take any prisoners tonight. Spitting out lyrics fighting against fascism is what we love best, especially in these difficult times. Sometimes we all need a wake-up call.

Skin gives the crowd no time to catch a breath, launching into ‘Charlie Big Potato‘ before ‘Because of You‘ gets the crowd clapping, despite the heartbreaking lyrics sung in her vibrato voice ‘Because of love, I feel nothing‘.

After ‘Yes It’s F’ing Political‘ the band keep their fight against far right extremism front and centre. Skin introduces the next song stating that as a four year old, she saw a little nazi symbol scrawled on a wall. She later wrote her song ‘Little Baby Swastikka‘ about the harrowing experience.

Never one to shy away from her fans, Skin jumped into the crowd and got very close with some of the audience. Displayed on the special ‘Skin-Cam’ she now wears, this is a highlight of all their shows – no matter how big the venue, Skin will always head in and loves a mosh.

The biggest cheer of the evening goes to their epic timeless classic ‘Hedonism‘ or ‘Just Because It Feels Good’, as it’s more commonly known.

Phones are held in the air as the crowd sing along to the lyrics:

Just because you feel good
Doesn't make you right 
Just because you feel good
Still want you here tonight
I wonder what you're doing now
I hope you're feeling happy now

Skunk Anansie refuse to stay quiet for long and burst into an incredible cover of ‘Highway to Hell’ by AC/DC – somehow Skin’s vocal range and Ace’s guitar hero skills make this sound even more insane live.

If you ever get the chance to see Skunk Anansie or Garbage, don’t think twice!

Both were absolutely incredible at the Southampton Summer Sessions.

Even in the blistering heat, this is a show which will live long in the memories of everyone who came.

Next at the Southampton Summer Sessions on Friday is Bowling For Soup – supported by local legend Mr Frank Turner.

Definitely another not to miss – click the link below to get your tickets:

Bowling for Soup / Frank Turner – LINK

Pete Tong brought his Ibiza Classical experience to Southampton on an appropriately sunny Sunday evening.

The lively crowd may be in for a slow start on Monday morning after a fun-filled weekend at the TK Maxx Summer Sessions.

There was a real mix of ages present with many reliving their youth through the Balearic tunes. There were also many younger fans loving the timeless dance classics.

Pete Tong and the incredibly talented Heritage Orchestra begin the show with ‘Right Here, Right Now’ – made famous by Summer Festival Guide favourite and headliner at many events this year, Fatboy Slim.

There’s something truly special about hearing club classics recreated by so many talented passionate musicians on stage.

Club classic ‘Pjanoo’ follows, with its simple seven note melody.  

Following this, the party steps up a few gears, with special guest singer Holly Petrie joining the stage.  Holly may not be a household name (yet), but she has written songs for the iconic Anastacia, as well as arranged choir backing for the likes of Ed Sheeran and Quincy Jones.

Holly begins singing ‘Lola’s Theme’ with the haunting lyrics 

'I was just a lost soul, I needed a guide
And the moment that you came to change my life
You fired up my heart and made me smile
And you and I know that
I'm a different person, yeah
Turn my world around.’

Who knew house music could be so poignant?

Many more club classics follow, including covers of Children by Robert Miles, Rhythm of the Night by Corona, and even Cafe del Mar, invoking memories of the classic Ibiza sunset bar with the most incredible sunsets over the balearic seas. 

The biggest crowd pleaser comes from Pete Tong’s impressive orchestra reproducing ‘Insomnia‘ live – there’s not many who will get much sleep after this pulsating version. 

‘Freed from Desire’ follows shortly after with the crowd bouncing and singing every ‘na na na na na na‘ loudly while holding their phones in the air as the impressive lasers and light show illuminate the Southampton skies after sunset.

Some people in the audience commented that the volume of the music tonight was a little quiet, but the city centre location necessitates that sound levels cannot disturb the local neighbours.  It also ensured a strict curfew at 10.30pm.

The orchestra finish with an impressive version of ‘You Got The Love’ – originally recorded by Candi Staton, it was made more famous by Florence and the Machine. With Holly Petrie on vocals here on the south coast, this version is equal.

The following morning after the show, this reviewer couldn’t get the tunes out of his head.  It’s always a good sign when the music stays with you and encourages you to revisit timeless classics days after.

Such a great evening and it’s a show everyone young, and well, young at heart, will enjoy.

There are still a few tickets left for the Beach Boys and Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark later this week. Links to these shows are below:

Beach Boys: LINK

OMD: LINK

Alex James left his country house and Big Festival preparations to tour his Britpop Classical extravaganza. 

It was such a feel good concert – especially for those who can remember the iconic tunes from the 90’s.

Three decades later, many of the songs have lost none of their charm.  

Beginning with a montage video of artists highlighting their favourite Britpop moments,  the full orchestra and Blur bassist took to the Southampton stage in front of the Guildhall and a beautiful solstice sunset.

The Riverboat Song by Ocean Colour Scene, best known as the TFI Friday theme, kicks off proceedings. 

Special guest Saffron from Republica joins the party afterwards and by now the crowd are in full nostalgia mode and certainly ‘Ready to Go’, in the words of their biggest hit.

Other indie classics got their time in the sun – from Common People by Pulp, Bittersweet Symphony by The Verve, Alright by Supergrass and even Blur’s old ‘rivals’ Oasis get a nod as Alex confesses the Manchester scene was his favourite from back in the day.

Alex even plays homage to fellow bass player Peter Hook on ‘Love Will Tear Us Apart‘ (who is due to support OMD next week at the Southampton Summer Sessions – LINK HERE FOR TICKETS).

It’s all a bit of a blur by the end – Phil Daniels joins the fun to re-enact his classic cockney monologue from Parklife.

To add to the special guests, Reef singer Gary Stringer comes on board the nostalgia trip for his crowd pleaser ‘Place Your Hands‘.

The combination of Alex James on bass, the guest vocalists and the concert orchestra ensure the songs take on a new dimension. 

Alex James recently said: “Somehow all of these songs mean more to people now than they did when they were first released.”

Although we all may not have our same youthful looks and energy from the 90’s glory days, I think he could be right. Nostalgia for days gone by remains special.

Tomorrow, Pete Tong brings his Ibiza Classics to the Southampton Summer Sessions – click the link below to buy your tickets:

Pete Tong: Ibiza Classic – Tickets

There’s a positive Scottish vibe around the music booked for this years’ TK Maxx Summer Sessions in Southampton.

From Deacon Blue to Garbage‘s Shirley Manson, that’s definitely not a bad thing down on the sunny south coast.

It’s emphasised even more by the up-and-coming artist kicking off three weeks of great music – Cammy Barnes.

Proudly taking to the stage with his ‘weapons of mass destruction‘ (or bagpipes as we call them down south), he charmed his way into the hearts of many of the group who arrived early.

It’s little wonder Cammy made it all the way through to the semi-finals of Britain’s Got Talent in recent years – this man has a fine set of lungs on him.

Next up, taking a slight intermission from the Scottish theme are one of Liverpool’s finest bands The Coral. It’s incredible to think that possibly their biggest song ‘Dreaming of You’ is nearly 25 years old now.

It’s also impressive how many known and loved songs they have in their catalogue – from the opening song ‘Bill McCai‘ to their toe-tapping finale, they are the masters of three minute pop songs.

Possibly one of the most overlooked bands of the century.

Onto the main headline act which fans in the front row have come from all over the country to see – one couple in the front row stating they’ve travelled from her home town of Glasgow – Amy MacDonald.

Dressed in her Scottish football shirt, patriotic Amy begins with songs from her new album ‘Is This What You’ve Been Waiting For‘ – based on the joyous reaction from the crowd, the answer is a resounding ‘yes’ – this clearly is what everyone here has come for.

She charms in between songs with witty jokes about the rivalry between Southampton and nearby Portsmouth.

She finishes the main set with her incredible huge hit ‘This Is The Life‘ – she wrote this song after watching Pete Doherty of The Libertines play his first solo gig.

It’ll be interesting to see if anyone writes a song after witnessing these bands tonight.

"And you're singin' the songs, thinkin' this is the life
And you wake up in the mornin', and your head feels twice the size
Where you gonna go, where you gonna go?
Where you gonna sleep tonight?"

Unfortunately there is a strict curfew due to the city centre location of the summer sessions, but all those present left with their hearts full.

Roll on tomorrow night and Alex James’ Britpop Classical spectacular – it’s sure to be full of 90s hits!

Don’t miss out and click the link below to buy your tickets:

Tickets for Alex James’ Britpop Classical – LINK