Festival success has put the city on the map

POLITICIANS have backed Victorious Festival and said its efforts have put the city on the map.

Portsmouth South MP Stephen Morgan and Portsmouth South MP Penny Mordaunt spoke out after a report found the festival brought in a major boost to the economy.

Mr Morgan said: ‘Victorious Festival has become part of Portsmouth. It is essential that events that take place in this city benefit both local residents and visitors, Victorious Festival excels at maintaining this balance.

‘As a regular attendee, it is clear from speaking to people there that there is a healthy mix between local revellers and visitors who have come to join in the festivities.

‘The festival generates millions of pounds for Portsmouth’s economy, projects the city’s name as a destination of culture and arts and showcases Portsmouth’s capabilities on the global stage.

‘The fact that around a third of festival-goers last year said that Victorious Festival would encourage them to visit Portsmouth again is testament to the benefits brought about by the three-day celebration of arts.’

Referencing D-Day 75 where world leaders including US president Donald Trump visited Southsea, defence secretary Ms Mordaunt said: ‘Portsmouth is on the global stage, we had 16 world leaders visit the other week.

‘Our city has changed so much over the last decade and Victorious has been a big part of that, generating income but also changing how we are seen.’