Golden Touch Festival first kicked off in 2019 as the brainchild of Billy Fitzjohn from Fitz Promotions. After spending a year booking shows and uncovering an exciting wave of new artists in Portsmouth, Billy had an idea: bring the best of them together for one unforgettable night. That idea became Golden Touch – a celebration of emerging talent, right in the heart of the city.
The festival started small, a one-day event at The Wedgewood Rooms, one of Portsmouth’s most loved grassroots venues. The idea was simple: give a proper stage to the best up-and-coming bands from around the UK, and shine a light on the city’s growing indie music scene. And it worked. Over the years, the festival has become known for spotting future stars- artists go from playing Golden Touch to selling out tours and smashing festival slots across the country.
This year, Portsmouth’s music scene is set to shine brighter than ever, as the Golden Touch Festival returns for a special two-day edition packed with unforgettable performances, buzzing crowds, and raw indie energy. Taking over both The Wedgewood Rooms and its sister venue, Edge of the Wedge, the festival takes place on Friday 13th and Saturday 14th of June.
On Friday, the headliner is Fickle Friends, who are known for their catchy and fun indie-pop. They’re joined by The Covasettes, Keo, and The Mercians – who just might be your girlfriend’s favourite band. It’s a great way to kick off the weekend with some feel-good tunes.
Saturday brings even more energy with The Clause and Somebody’s Child headlining. You’ll also catch acts like Jerry Williams, Bleach Lab, and Spyres – a perfect mix of fresh sounds and local favourites to keep the party going.
Unlike many festivals, Golden Touch offers a more intimate experience. There are no muddy fields – just two rooms, packed crowds, and a shared passion for live music. It’s the kind of festival where artists and fans can actually connect, where you can stumble across your next favourite act before the rest of the world catches on.
Golden Touch isn’t just about a weekend of good music- it’s about supporting the future of the indie scene. It gives space to artists still carving out their sound, building their audience, and dreaming big. And judging by this year’s line-up, that future is looking very bright.
Written by: Aleksandra Trusczyńska
Edited by: Marieke Weeda
