Enjoy all the perks of a festival by the sea

An eclectic mix of top bands, great family entertainment and a whole array of things to do all combine to make Victorious Festival one of the UK's top summer events. Its appeal isn’t just about what you can see on the line-up, however, but also its enviable location. After all, at how many other UK festivals can you stand on a castle ramparts and listen to live music whilst enjoying uninterrupted views out to sea?!

With the festival located right at the water's edge means that Victorious-goers can enjoy all of Southsea's seafront attractions - to pack their August bank holiday weekend with a host of fun activities, either on the weekend itself or during an extended break in Portsmouth.

On-site attractions

Victorious Festival has grown so large that, today, a number of seafront attractions are within its walls. Southsea Castle, The D-Day Story and Southsea Skatepark all sit within the festival area, and are open to ticketholders across the Saturday and Sunday.

Southsea Castle comes alive with DJs playing in the courtyard and the Champagne Bar well and truly open for business. It's a great way to enjoy this historic local attraction, whilst also keeping up the festival atmosphere.

It's a more meditative affair over at The D-Day Story, which opens its doors to festivalgoers with free entry during the weekend. It's always popular, for those wanting a break from all the goings on outside and to take in some history.

Southsea Skatepark, meanwhile, is where you can see jaw-dropping displays from daredevils on bikes, boards and scooters. Regular displays showcase the stunts and tricks that people learn on the skatepark all year round.

Off-site attractions

Though Victorious Festival takes up huge swathes of Southsea Common, the many attractions around its perimeter remain very much open throughout the bank holiday weekend. Whether you want a break from the crowds or are staying longer to enjoy more of what the city has to offer, you'll find plenty to do just beyond the perimeter fence.

Clarence Pier is the go-to for many families looking to spend a couple of hours enjoying all that is good and familiar about the traditional British seaside holiday. Here you can enjoy classic arcade games, take a white-knuckle ride at the fairground, play a round of crazy golf, and even treat yourself to a bag of candy floss or stick of rock. All the attractions at Clarence Pier are open throughout the bank holiday weekend. What's more, take along the below voucher and you can get a wristband for half price.

If one pier wasn't enough, how about two?! Over at South Parade Pier you can also enjoy a host of classic arcade games, or take a ride on the newly installed funfair - replete with a beautiful, traditional helter skelter. You can also treat yourself to fish and chips, whilst enjoying views out across The Solent.

Come rain or shine (it's the British summer, after all!) there's much to take in at Blue Reef Aquarium. With displays covering everything from local creatures to those more typically found in far-flung corners of the world, this is a truly global underwater safari. The summer sees Blue Reef host its 'festival of fishes' and, with it being situated right at the southern entrance to Victorious Festival, there's no excuse not to pop in for a visit.

If you fancy a swim but maybe not in the sea, take a trip to Portsmouth Pyramids Centre. Here you can also work up a sweat at the fully equipped gym, or opt for something a touch more relaxing with the spa facilities.

Southsea seafront is blessed with a host of restaurants, catering to all budgets and requirements. Southsea Beach Café, for example, offers modern cuisine with views out over the Solent thanks to its floor-to-ceiling windows. Meanwhile, it’s a more family-friendly pub feel over at the Brewers Fayre near Clarence Pier.

Alternatively, you can always enjoy a spot of fish and chips whilst you're at the coast. The Briny has a whole selection available, from the chip shop classics to more modern fayre, whilst over at Deep Blue you can relax in the large restaurant situated right at the end of South Parade Pier.

Whether you're setting up for the busy day ahead or keeping away from the festival altogether, the seafront restaurants are an ideal option.

Travel to and from the Isle of Wight will also go ahead as usual, with the Hovertravel port at Southsea seafront operating as usual throughout the festival. In fact, there will be more services, as late-night shuttles take festivalgoers across the Solent once the music has come to a close.

It's very much a case of 'business as usual' across the seafront this bank holiday weekend - so be sure to head out and enjoy all the attractions that will be open and waiting.