With more than 150,000 people descending on Southsea for three days of music, family fun and festival spirit we find out what it means to one regular festival-goer.

Jo Gray was out and about at Victorious Festival over the August bank-holiday weekend with fellow Shine Radio volunteer Tod Apps, roving through the crowds and meeting fascinating people, local artists and festival-goers along the way.

And what better place for an unexpected reunion than a festival? Jo caught up with old friend and fellow live music lover Eddie for a chat about festivals, making memories and the magic of meeting face-to-face — with a cheeky spot of Eddie’s other passion, football, thrown in for good measure. With music in the air and plenty of festival spirit, it was a Victorious reunion to remember.

We’ll be sharing more stories from Victorious Festival 2026, along with interviews and music from some of the brilliant local performers, on The Local Showcase.

So stay tuned — there’s plenty more festival fun to come!