on The doorstep So maybe you like the idea, but just don’t want to commit yourself to spending a lot of time at one or blowing the budget just trying the idea out. viCtOriOuS 25-27 Aug, Southsea
let’S rOCK 8-9 July, Southampton
AlreSfOrd feStivAl 8 July, Alresford
A retro festival, so if you are of the right age, you will have grown up with these acts. There’s just one stage at the front, but the day is as much about the socialising as it is about the music. Because everyone knows the lyrics, people singing and dancing at their ‘base’ is the norm, and that base is picnic blankets, chairs, picnics and plenty to drink. Headliners include Tony Hadley (ex Spandau Ballet).
Family friendly, several stages and – because it’s for charity – bargain tickets. You won’t know most of the bands, but that doesn’t mean there’s a lack of talent. Several stages, bouncy castles and camping on the Saturday night if you want it, or the option of a bus to and from Winchester station.
Victorious is unique in its truly universal appeal. It has a dedicated entertainment area for children, Rita Ora and Olly Murs for the teens and Madness and Stereophonics for the ‘non-teens’. Being a flat site it’s good for parents with buggies and elderly or disabled. And with bargain price day tickets (adults £30, age 5-15 £8) and a good train service to Southsea, well what’s not to like? victoriousfestival.co.uk
Two big ones There are two big all weekenders in this area which need a budget and some stamina to attend. BliSSfieldS 6-8 July, Winchester
BOOmtOWn 10-13 August, Winchester
Several of the Discover team went to this one last year and loved it. Blissfields has become a little gem on the festival circuit and whilst it’s never going to be a Reading, Glastonbury or Isle of Wight sized event, it has pulled loads of established names in the past such as Bastille and Mumford and Sons. An illicit journey to the Hidden Hedge at night – a party in its own right - is a must to sample the bohemian delights of fire dancers, acrobats and trapeze artists. A wonderful festival experience on a smaller scale. blissfields,co.uk
Talking of stamina, Boomtown is built around Winchester’s Matterley Bowl so bear in mind there’s a very steep hill to negotiate several times a day. This one certainly has plenty of music, but that’s not really what it’s about. Rather it’s ‘theatre’ with amazing temporary cities across the site including The Wild West, Trenchtown and China Town. The days are fairly quiet but at night Boomtown comes alive. boomtown.co.uk.