Whoever came up with the phrase ‘From Small Acorns Mighty Oaks Grow’ could well have been referring to the rapid growth and phenomenal success of Victorious Festival.

In the space of three years it has gone from a couple of stages in the dockyard hosting local bands to a 40,000 plus multi-stage event attracting the likes of the Manic Street Preachers and Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds.

An early start on a slightly grey muggy day made sure I could catch some of the bands on the many smaller stages spread over the sprawling site.

As with all large festivals it was impossible to get around and see everything on my list so after some heavy editing I set off to cram as much in as possible before the big hitters started on the Castle and Common stages.

The only thing about having a plan is that it only survives until the first time you wander past a tent on the way somewhere else and pop in to see what’s going on.

These are quite often the diversions that result in the discovery of your new favourite band and supply the best moments of any festival. The organisers have done an excellent job of putting on something for everyone to attract a wide and varied audience.

There are stages for kids, fans of World Music, an introducing stage providing opportunities for small up and coming acts to play festivals along with just about anything else in between if you look hard enough.

I particularly enjoyed listening to Katy Grace on the RADWEB showcase Stage and then wandered off to watch some drummers sitting on a fire-breathing dragon!

Of course the biggest draws are always going to be on the main stages and I did catch a couple of early sets from the Boomtown Rats and the ever excellent Selector, I have seen the Rats a few times times in the last year or so and if you are reading this Bob you really need to get a new suit!

A break for some food and it was back to the main stage to catch sets from the Levellers and The Coral with just time for a cup of tea and a bimble over to the Castle stage to watch a fiery set from Editors to warm us up for the Manic Street Preachers headline slot to close the Saturday night.

As always the Manics provided a show more than worthy of headline status and unless something spectacular happens tomorrow will probably be my highlight of the weekend.

I headed home for a rest but already planning Sunday and how I was going to catch Ash, PSB, Wolfmother, Beans on Toast, Echo and The Bunnymen and of course Mr Gallagher.

All in all it was a brilliant first days entertainment. I’m slightly disappointed that I didn’t meet the Gruffalo but hey there’s always today!

By Allan Jones