Victorious Festival has ‘room to grow’ as it was revealed the event brought in £12.5m to Portsmouth’s economy last year

The three-day music festival topped the £9.8m contributed to Portsmouth in 2018 as more than 100,000 people gathered on Southsea Common over the August bank holiday weekend to see acts such as New Order, Lewis Capaldi and Clean Bandit.

Now Portsmouth council is set to extend the festival’s contract for another three years – taking it to 2030, with the event likely to build on the success of previous years.

An aerial shot of crowds at Victorious Festival in 2019. Picture: Shaun Roster/www.shaunroster.com Copyright: Other 3rd Party

One of the organisers, Andy Marsh, said: ‘I think this festival ticks so many different boxes for every type of person. There are so many different types of music and different things to do, with things for the kids as well.

‘Last year the weather was fantastic, it was great. And we worked across the whole site to make it that extra bit special with decor and things to do. We all pulled together. 

‘We have got room to grow but we want to make sure it’s still comfortable and nice for everyone.’

A report to be heard at a council culture and leisure meeting estimated the overall direct economic impact of the event in 2019 was £12.5m. And it noted that the festival supports 154 full time jobs annually and has contributed £310,000 to 40 charities since 2014.

The council’s culture boss, Councillor Steve Pitt, praised the event. ‘Victorious Festival not only delivers one of the country’s leading music and cultural festivals it also has a surrounding influence in the local community,’ he said.

‘It gives to local charities and projects, creates jobs and adds to our city’s prosperity.’

The report also detailed how upcoming work on sea defences at Southsea could affect future festivals.

But coastal team manager Guy Mason said: ‘The coastal defence work will not affect the festival this year.

‘We’re working closely with the organisers on plans for future years, when some minor adjustments might be needed to the area used.’

Mr Marsh added: ‘We have planned to make some arrangement around it if needed. It is such a big site.’

No announcement has been made by the Victorious team in relation to coronavirus yet.

News from The News, Portsmouth