Thousands to descend on city for Victorious Festival

The event has taken place on The Common and Castle Field in Southsea since 2014

Businesses in Portsmouth have been preparing for an influx of thousands of visitors as the first day of Victorious Festival begins.

The event has taken place on The Common and Castle Field in Southsea since 2014, and organisers said it "plays a very important role in the local economy".

One local bakery owner said when the festival arrives "it's always good for business".

But the co-founder of a nearby Italian restaurant said "parking is absolutely impossible" during the weekend.

The seaside event begins on Friday and runs until Sunday.

Artists set to perform include Fatboy Slim, Snow Patrol, Jess Glynne, Razorlight, Sugarbabes, Tom Walker, Biffy Clyro and the Kooks.

Festival organisers say the city has seen a significant economic benefit from the event, estimating the impact to be almost £20m in 2023 alone.

Victorious co-founder Andy Marsh said there was "something for everyone" and the team "put it together as best they can".

Mr Marsh said the festival has always had a local feel, with a good "Portsmouth contingent".

"Our data shows over 50% come from off the island, from all round the country and abroad as well," he added.

Mehmet Basbaydar said the festival was good for local businesses

Farm Kitchen and Farm Bakery owner Mehmet Basbaydar said the festival was "always good for business".

Mr Basbaydar said: "I can easily tell you it is the best time of the year for local businesses."

"I would guess like more than 60,000 people come from outside of Portsmouth, for fours days Friday to Monday, we will get packed."

Jane Green said she hopes there will be good weather, otherwise her Sainsbury's will have leftover stock

Jane Green works at Sainsbury's on Palmerston Road said when Victorious festival arrives in the city they have to order "extra everything" because of how busy it gets.

Ms Green said it was "very good for business" and the shop makes "a bit of a profit on those days".

"The atmosphere is good and 99% of the customers are good," she added.

Sopranos co-owner Sandy Peters said parking is impossible when the festival arrives

Sandy Peters, co-owner of Sopranos, an Italian restaurant on Palmerston Road, said: "It's not a negative impact on us but not necessarily a positive one.

"The people go into Victorious have to be inside the gate before 8pm.

"Therefore, any bookings that we might get have to be really early, which is absolutely fine.

"But any other people that want to come here find it very difficult because parking is absolutely impossible."

"Also when the exit of Victorious at 11pm - it's like mayhem down Palmerston Road."