Blending Music And History
Music-lovers have been enjoying a mix of naval history and modern music at a new festival held in the shadow of Nelson’s flagship HMS Victory.
The Victorious Festival has returned for the second year at the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, with Maximo Park, Level 42, Katy B, Charlotte Church, The Cribs and Reef among the line-up, which ranges from alternative and indie bands to popular DJs such as DJ Yoda.
But, away from the main stages, visitors to the two-day event are able to tour the newly-opened Mary Rose Museum and step aboard HMS Victory, the world’s oldest commissioned warship.
And families are able to enjoy the “Kids Deck”, which will have fun and games with Peppa Pig, circus skills, stilt walkers, face-painting and other attractions.
Lisa Twyman, who travelled from Bristol for the event with husband Craig and son Campbell, said: “It’s nice for us to be able to see all the historic ships which are so famous and enjoy the music and for our little man to have lots to do as well.”
Andy Marsh, event spokesman, said: “Imagine sipping on a mojito whilst listening to the soothing sounds of Charlotte Church, strolling through the ages on a Tudor battle ship, buying vintage goods and saying hello to Peppa Pig, and then getting lost in dance to DJ Yoda.
“That is the fantastically diverse experience that Victorious provides, all in the heart of beautiful historic Portsmouth. How many festivals can boast Level 42, Maximo Park and hundreds of other acts while using a 248-year-old national treasure, in the shape of HMS Victory, as a backdrop?
“Combining Portsmouth’s rich history with a contemporary festival feel and with hundreds of local businesses trading at the event we think we have provided the perfect bank holiday family outing.”
Other up-and-coming acts appearing at the festival include Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs, Welsh rock trio The Joy Formidable, all-female vocals group The Boxettes and electro-popsters Fenech-Soler as well as Portsmouth-formed 1940s retro-group The Three Belles.
Alongside the main stages, ticket-holders can also visit the National Museum of the Royal Navy, enjoy a free 45-minute harbour tour, or find themselves at Action Stations battling with the Royal Marines and flying a helicopter in interactive simulators.