inSYNC | review

2026 Festival Season in Review

October 25, 2026 No Comments Tobi Stidolph

Victorious Festival 2026 – 28–30 August 2026 · Southsea Common, Portsmouth Victorious Festival once again proved its status as one of the UK’s most unique urban events, drawing 50,000 people per day to Southsea Common despite a weekend of rain and strong winds. Scissor Sisters delivered a flamboyant Friday highlight,

Victorious Takes Over Southsea Common Once Again

September 30, 2026 No Comments Tobi Stidolph

As we sadly near the end of the summer, and the end of festival season, August Bank Holiday weekend has become an evermore important date in the calendar, which now plays host to some massive weekends across the country. With so many events happening including Notting Hill Carnival and Reading

A True Hidden Gem: ALSO Festival 2026

September 15, 2026 No Comments Tobi Stidolph

This tiny festival in the heart of rural Warwickshire is seldom heard of but has now had 13 editions. Centred around talks and conversations, ALSO Festival might not have booked huge musicians to play but does offer an unparalleled weekend vibe not found at many festivals. A beautiful location with

Portsmouth’s Biggest Event Returns: Victorious 2026

July 16, 2026 No Comments Tobi Stidolph

There are few better ways to spend an August bank holiday than on the Southsea seafront with a cold drink and a world-class lineup. Victorious Festival, now in its 13th year, returns to Southsea Common from Friday 28th to Sunday 30th August 2026 and if the billing is anything to

The Smyths @ Portsmouth’s Wedgwood Rooms

July 12, 2026 No Comments George Hall

There are tribute bands, and then there’s whatever The Smyths are doing, because for two hours at the Wedgewood Rooms in Portsmouth, it genuinely felt like watching The Smiths. Not a version of them, not an approximation. The real feeling. A huge part of that is the venue itself. The

Shawn James @ O2 Islington, London

March 25, 2026 No Comments Tobi Stidolph

Shawn James delivered a spellbinding performance at the O2 Islington last month, showing why his live shows have built such a loyal following. From the moment he stepped onto the stage, there was a quiet intensity in the room, mixed with a real sense of excitement. James knew exactly how

Nova Twins @ Engine Rooms, Southampton

March 25, 2026 No Comments Tobi Stidolph

Nova Twins, the English rock duo consisting of Amy Love and Georgia South, formed in 2014, had kicked off the second leg of the Parasites & Butterflies tour the previous night at Chalk. I attended the following night at the Engine Rooms in Southampton. A well sized venue for live

Mogwai @ Portsmouth Guildhall

March 9, 2026 No Comments Tobi Stidolph

There are few bands capable of turning a vast civic hall into something deeply intimate, but Mogwai managed exactly that at the Portsmouth Guildhall last week. The Scottish post-rock titans delivered a set that was equal parts meditative beauty and tectonic, ribcage-rattling force; a reminder that subtlety and sheer volume

Roller Derby – When the Night Comes Tour November 2025

January 22, 2026 No Comments George Hall

In early November, we attended Roller Derby’s penultimate show of their ‘When the Night Comes’ Autumn 2025 tour. This sold-out show took place at The Edge of the Wedge in Portsmouth, an intimate venue attached to the famous Wedgewood Rooms. We were lucky enough to enjoy support from Moon Idle

Sports Team at The Wedgewood Rooms, Portsmouth

January 21, 2026 No Comments Tobi Stidolph

Sports Team arrived at the Wedgewood Rooms last November in full, chaotic stride, delivering a set that felt less like a conventional gig and more like a brilliantly unhinged house party that just happened to have one of the UK’s most exciting indie bands at its centre. From the moment

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