For one weekend of the year, a sea of rainbows and ass-less chaps descend on an unassuming park in South London. Mighty Hoopla, a part of the Brockwell Live series, is a two-day celebration of all things queer and colourful. Ten stages, including a roller disco and a cocktail lounge, make up the festival, alongside a packed musical lineup of nostalgic joy.
It is a flip-flop between the Main Stage and Candy Crush Arena to catch the big names, although Gemma Collins and Chico do make their own appearances in the Pleasure Palace tent. The wonderful feature of Mighty Hoopla is the amount of things to see and do. There is always something on – one doesn’t have to go far for an hour of George Michael or Taylor Swift tracks, a UFO-themed rave tent, or a drag show in the sun. The magic is in the quirks just as much as the hitmakers, whether it be Vengaboys’ mid-set Macarena or a bit of karaoke with Barry from Eastenders. Handheld fans adorned with NSFW slang are present throughout, while “less clothing the better” appears to be a motto for many.
The Saturday lineup reads like an early 2000s playlist with 911, Aqua, Natasha Bedingfield, Jamelia and Kelis all on the bill. It is so wonderfully gleeful to hear a crowd of people singing along to songs that soundtracked their childhoods. Whether it be Barbie Girl by Aqua or Unwritten by Natasha Bedingfield, the hearts are full and the voices loud. Kelis is a particular standout, delivering a rousing set that makes Milkshake feel like a B-side.
After the sun sets on Brockwell Park, it’s time for Kelly Rowland to put on a show-stopping headline performance. Accompanied by a troupe of shirtless male dancers, the American songstress delivers a thrilling set of her solo tracks, alongside a medley of Destiny Child hits. Her 2010 single Commander is a highlight and unsurprisingly goes down a treat. Fitted in a skintight black catsuit, the singer’s captivating stage show is a perfect and dramatic end to a day of pop royalty.
In a climate in which festival organisers say there are few non-male acts to book, this little festival in South London begs to differ. Instead, they choose a lineup of predominantly female and queer performers. It is a refreshing change and one warmly embraced by the communities it represents.
Sunday is all about the bands, as Liberty X (or at least 3 of them) show that they’ve still got it and the Vengaboys deliver the most energetic set of the weekend. Later, Years and Years close out the festival like only they can, with a delightfully sexy performance and some very special guests. They seem an obvious choice of headliner, given frontman Olly Alexander’s outspoken inclusion and support of the LGBTQ+ community. “I just feel safe here”, he acknowledges, before piano ballad Eyes Shut. Accompanied by a trans choir, it is the most tender moment of the festival and one that reminds us why we’re here. Beneath all the glitter and sequins, Mighty Hoopla is first and foremost a celebration of identity and pride. Not exclusive to just the LGBTQ+ community, it is a safe place to land for many and a fantastic way to kick off the summer.
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