Quick Read
- Victorious Festival 2026 will take place in Portsmouth from August 28 to 30.
- Richard Ashcroft, The Black Keys, and Kasabian are confirmed as headliners.
- Supporting acts include Scissor Sisters, Nile Rodgers & CHIC, Primal Scream, Faithless, and Basement Jaxx.
- Organizers have pledged greater inclusivity after controversy at the 2025 festival.
- Tickets for the 2026 edition are now available.
Richard Ashcroft, The Black Keys, and Kasabian Anchor Victorious Festival’s 2026 Lineup
Portsmouth’s seafront is gearing up for another unforgettable summer as Victorious Festival unveils the first wave of its 2026 lineup. Returning from August 28 to 30, the UK’s largest metropolitan music festival is once again set to be a melting pot of genres, generations, and experiences.
The announcement, made on November 27, 2025, reveals a roster headlined by three towering acts. Richard Ashcroft, the soulful former frontman of The Verve, will take the main stage Friday night, fresh from opening for Oasis on their ‘Live ’25’ reunion tour and dropping his latest solo album ‘Lovin’ You.’ His presence sets a nostalgic yet forward-looking tone—Ashcroft’s blend of classic Britpop and introspective songwriting remains magnetic, especially on a stage that’s witnessed so many defining moments over the years.
Saturday sees The Black Keys step up as headliners for their first confirmed UK festival appearance in 2026. The American duo, riding high on their new album ‘No Rain, No Flowers,’ are expected to bring a gritty, blues-infused energy to the seafront. Their return to the UK festival circuit is a highlight for fans who have been waiting for a chance to hear new material alongside their chart-topping hits.
Closing the festival on Sunday, rock heavyweights Kasabian are set to make a triumphant return, headlining for the first time since 2023. With their upcoming album ‘ACT III’ slated for release in the spring, anticipation is running high for new tracks mixed with classics like ‘Club Foot’ and ‘Fire.’ Their signature swagger and relentless live energy promise a powerful send-off for the weekend.
Eclectic Supporting Acts: From Disco Legends to Indie Icons
But Victorious Festival isn’t just about its headliners. The supporting lineup, revealed in this first wave, reads like a snapshot of contemporary music’s diversity. NYC’s Scissor Sisters are slated to bring their vibrant pop theatrics, while Nile Rodgers & CHIC will deliver a masterclass in funk and dance. Indie veterans Primal Scream and dance icons Faithless further anchor the bill, offering something for nearly every musical palate.
Basement Jaxx will cap off Sunday evening with a full live band—marking their first such appearance after a decade-long hiatus. The festival’s ability to attract artists who span eras and genres is part of its unique appeal, creating a communal atmosphere where crowds can move seamlessly from nostalgic singalongs to fresh discoveries.
Other confirmed acts include Rudimental, Dizzee Rascal, Sigrid, Jessie J, James Arthur, Vengaboys, Jalen Ngonda, Kelis, The Coral, Hard-Fi, Happy Mondays, Lottery Winners, Pixie Lott, Doves, Kate Nash, The Royston Club, Cast (who also opened for Oasis), and more. There’s a clear intent to balance legacy acts with breakthrough talent, making Victorious a celebration of both past and future.
Milestones and Anniversaries: Special Performances to Watch
Among the standout moments expected at Victorious 2026 are milestone sets and full-album performances. The Streets will take the stage to play their chart-topping album ‘A Grand Don’t Come for Free’ in its entirety—a rare treat for fans. Bastille returns after releasing new music for the first time in three years, and The Vaccines will mark the 15th anniversary of their debut album ‘What Did You Expect from The Vaccines?’ These kinds of sets transform the festival into not just a gathering, but a live timeline of pop and rock history.
Festival organizers have emphasized the breadth of this year’s lineup. Andy Marsh, Lead Booker at Victorious, commented, “We are so proud of the lineup we’ve curated for 2026! From rock royalty that will have the crowd bouncing to disco, funk and dance that will have the whole family singing along and up dancing, the bill really does span every genre and promises something unforgettable for every member of our audience.”
Marsh’s words reflect a deliberate effort to make Victorious a space where friends and families come together—where memories aren’t just made, but shared across generations.
Addressing Past Controversies: A Renewed Commitment to Inclusivity
The 2025 edition of Victorious was not without its challenges. Controversy arose when Irish band The Mary Wallopers had their sound cut mid-performance and a Palestinian flag removed from the stage. The incident drew criticism from the band, other artists, and parts of the festival’s audience, leading to boycotts by acts including The Last Dinner Party and The Academic. Vampire Weekend, headlining later in the weekend, used their set to publicly challenge the festival’s actions, stating it was “wrong” to punish artists for political expression.
In the aftermath, Victorious organizers issued a formal apology and pledged a substantial donation to humanitarian relief efforts for the Palestinian people. Their statement acknowledged the impact of their decision and signaled a commitment to learning and improving.
This year, the festival’s programming and messaging reflect a renewed focus on inclusivity and open dialogue. By curating a lineup that represents a wide array of backgrounds and genres—and by openly addressing past missteps—Victorious is positioning itself as more than just an entertainment event. It’s striving to be a space where diverse voices and perspectives are welcomed, and where music is seen as a bridge rather than a barrier.
Looking Ahead: What Makes Victorious 2026 Special?
Tickets for Victorious Festival 2026 are now on sale, with organizers eager to welcome thousands back to Southsea’s historic seafront. The festival’s unique combination of blockbuster headliners, genre-spanning support acts, and a family-friendly atmosphere continues to make it a standout in the UK’s summer calendar.
As Portsmouth prepares to host music fans from across the country and beyond, the question isn’t just who will play, but what kind of memories will be forged under those late August skies. Will Victorious 2026 mark a turning point in how festivals navigate the intersection of music, identity, and community? Or will it simply be remembered for three days of exceptional live performances? Either way, the festival’s commitment to growth and reflection sets it apart.
Victorious Festival’s 2026 edition signals a thoughtful evolution for one of the UK’s premier music events. By blending a star-studded lineup with a renewed dedication to inclusivity and dialogue, the festival is not only responding to the lessons of its recent past but actively shaping a more welcoming future for artists and audiences alike. The result is a program that promises both entertainment and impact—a balance that many festivals strive for, but few truly achieve.