Victorious Festival 2026: Day Two with The Black Keys, Nile Rodgers & Chic, Kate Nash and more

It’s another day at Victorious Festival, battling the rainy high winds in the name of live music, with sound issues anticipated and today’s performers perhaps feeling nervous.

Absolutely not The Upcoming’s first artist though; showing no hint of nerves whatsoever, rapper Dizzee Rascal blasts through his afternoon set. He gives the crowd classics (Bonkers of course, but the highlight goes to Bassline Junkie) and some friendly encouragement with “This is British festival weather!” before instigating a bizarre and hilarious left and right crowd rivalry, as thousands happily yell “F*CK THAT SIDE!”. Jus’ a Rascal, indeed.

Then it’s a chaotic 30 minutes of sound issues, swears and sprightly indie pop from the Lottery Winners. Frontman Thom Rylance could possibly be the Tasmanian Devil in human form, breaking his microphone stand attempting to “do a Freddie Mercury”, then failing to censor his own profanities with beeps while teaching the Turn Around routine. “See you when we headline!” he yells to the drenched yet laughing audience. What an impact made in just half an hour – at least 45 minutes next time, Victorious?

Over to the Castle Stage for the fantastic songwriting of Kate Nash, outspoken as ever – her impassioned speech before GERM has people cheering or leaving altogether. Wasteman is chirpy and cheeky, and there’s a touching cover of Sinead O’Connor’s Famine. “You’ve had your history lesson, you’ve had your feminism lesson, now I’m gonna give you a f*cking pop song, people!” is the introduction for Foundations, itself a strong contender for loudest singalong all weekend long.

The good vibes continue for the Common Stage’s penultimate artist, the legendary Nile Rodgers & Chic, giving a set of funk, disco and hits galore. There’s a reason he dubbed his main guitar the “Hitmaker”, as Rodgers has collaborated with titans like Madonna, David Bowie and Daft Punk, all of whom are represented here – Material Girl! Let’s Dance! Get Lucky! Not to mention Chic’s Le Freak and Everybody Dance. Despite the fierce onstage winds, Rodgers is clearly having the best time with his fantastic band, and the crowd is right there with him.

Headlining tonight are Grammy-winning rockers The Black Keys, but here’s the thing: Dan Auerbach, Patrick Carney and co are an undeniably great band worthy of headline status, yet they just don’t match the high energy of Rodgers & Chic. It’s not a total misfire, with Howlin’ For You and Gold on the Ceiling well-received, yet their placement here was a mistake on the organisers’ part. Had there been another rock or indie band before them (perhaps The Vaccines yesterday?), this Saturday night may not have landed with such a thud.

So yes, it’s been a day of bad weather with a somewhat muted ending, but all the other acts witnessed were wonderful, proving that great music is completely worth battling the elements for. There’s excitement to see how Sunday will wrap it all up, hopefully with a guest appearance from the sun.

Gem Hurley
Photos: Victorious Festival/Carousel PR

For further information and future events, visit Victorious Festival 2026’s website here.

Watch the video for Nobody But You Baby here: