Portsmouth residents and visitors are being urged to plan their journeys in advance ahead of the busy August Bank Holiday weekend and Victorious Festival, which runs from Friday 22 to Sunday 24 August, to reduce delays.
Portsmouth City Council is encouraging people to consider alternative transport methods including walking, cycling, using rental e-scooters and e-bikes, or taking public transport to help everyone enjoy the weekend whilst minimising disruption.
The August Bank Holiday weekend typically sees high visitor numbers in Portsmouth, with people visiting city attractions alongside festival-goers. Rather than driving into the city, visitors can utilise Portsmouth Park and Ride from M275 junction 1 at Tipner, offering regular bus services to the city centre, Hard Interchange and seafront throughout the day.
The final PR3 route Park and Ride bus leaves Clarence Pier at 7.24pm. Final city centre departures (PR1) are 7.07pm on Saturday and 6.05pm on Sunday and Monday. The last PR1 service from The Hard operates until 7.15pm on Saturday and 6pm on Sunday and Monday. The Park & Ride facility closes at 8pm.
As part of sustainable travel initiatives, festival organisers are working to reduce travel emissions and will not provide on-site parking. A dedicated festival park and ride service operates from Lakeside North Harbour, transporting festival attendees to and from Clarence Pier.
Regular bus, ferry and train services operate from nearby stations, including the Xelabus X27 festival service from The Hard Interchange. Those travelling from outside Portsmouth can book National Express coach services.
Voi rental e-scooters operate until 10pm, with e-bikes available around the clock as standard. Following last year’s successful rental scheme usage, extra parking spaces are provided near Clarence Pier bus stops, Southsea Terrace, Palmerston Road opposite Avenue de Caen, Seafront Clarence Esplanade and St Helens Parade. Rental e-scooter and e-bike stations within the festival grounds will be temporarily removed, including locations at Seafront the Esplanade Car Park by Clarence Pier, Avenue de Caen, Clarence Esplanade opposite The D-Day Story, and Jack Cockerill Way.
The Council is collaborating with organisers and police on temporary road closures around the festival site to maintain safety for attendees and infrastructure teams. Vehicle access will be restricted in the surrounding area.
These closures add to existing road and footpath restrictions on Clarence Esplanade between Hovertravel and Blue Reef Aquarium for sea defence construction work.
Parking availability will be reduced as some roads form part of the festival site, whilst others accommodate temporary taxi ranks and bus stops for festival shuttles. Motorists parking near the venue should check temporary signage to avoid prohibited areas where vehicles may be removed.
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Overnight parking restrictions for caravans and motorhomes apply in seafront areas between midnight and 8am. Appropriate signage marks all restricted streets and roads. Parking in restricted zones during these hours may result in a £70 Penalty Charge Notice.
Cllr Steve Pitt, Portsmouth City Council Leader, commented: “The Victorious Festival and bank holiday weekend bring wonderful energy to Portsmouth. We appreciate everyone’s patience with road closures and additional transport network demands.
“I’m certain this year’s festival will again provide an outstanding celebration for thousands of residents and visitors. Through careful planning and simple adjustments—walking, cycling, using buses, or e-scooters—we can ensure smooth travel for everyone.”
