This past weekend, the UK’s largest pop music festival, Mighty Hoopla, kicked off Pride Month with a spectacular celebration in Brockwell Park, London.
Blessed with blazing sunshine, the festival attracted over 60,000 fans who gathered to revel in a diverse and inclusive atmosphere. With an impressive lineup of pop icons, noughties nostalgia, and queer excellence, Mighty Hoopla once again proved its status as a highlight of the summer festival season.
The highly anticipated UK-exclusive headliner, Nelly Furtado, delivered an electrifying performance that featured a career-spanning set of hits. She opened with the unforgettable 00s banger “Say It Right” and continued with fan favorites like “Maneater,” “Give it to Me,” and “Promiscuous Girl.” The crowd joined in a heartfelt singalong to “I’m Like a Bird” before Nelly concluded with her new single “Love Bites” and “Broken Strings.”
Alesha Dixon made a surprise appearance on the Main Stage, captivating the audience with an eight-minute set that included hits such as “The Boy Does Nothing,” Mis-Teeq classics “Scandalous” and “All I Want,” and her latest single “Ransom.” The day also featured sensational sets from R&B legends En Vogue, pop princess Rebecca Black, and the first lady of Ruff Ryder, Eve.
Other standout performances came from Slayyyter, Claire Richards, Bananarama, Cher Lloyd, Countess Luann, B*Witched, and Say Now. Mighty Hoopla continued to celebrate diverse queer nightlife, cabaret, and drag performers across The Hayu Stage and Pleasure Palace, with acts including Drag Race Winner Tia Kofi, The Cocoa Butter Club, Pxssy Liquor, and George Michael Disco.
Dance enthusiasts enjoyed high-energy sets by Maya Jane Coles, Gok Wan, and Georgia on The Bump stage. A new addition for 2024, the Queertopia stage, showcased emerging queer talent, including Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Kamille, rising girl group Say Now, and Keiynan.
Organizers Glyn Fussell and Jamie Tagg expressed their gratitude, stating, “HOOPLA – we did it! Day one of 2024 done and wasn’t it EVERYTHING? Thank you so much to the best community there is – the Hoopla crowd never fails to amaze us with the impeccable energy you guys bring.”
The second day of Mighty Hoopla saw Jessie Ware triumph as the main stage headliner. Her set included hits like “That! Feels Good,” “Spotlight,” “Free Yourself!,” and “Save a Kiss.” Jessie’s performance reached new heights when she welcomed Gossip’s Beth Ditto on stage for a rendition of “Standing in the Way of Control” and a cover of Cher’s “Believe.”
Rita Ora showcased her enduring appeal with a set featuring “I Will Never Let You Down,” “R.I.P,” “Hot Right Now,” and her new single “Ask & You Shall Receive.” Rachel Stevens made a solo comeback, delighting fans with pop gems like “Sweet Dreams My LA Ex” and “Some Girls.” Fast-rising Ouija-pop star Bambie Thug, fresh from their Eurovision triumph, delivered a spellbinding set, while Jojo Siwa’s UK festival debut of “Karma” left the crowd in awe.
Other notable performances on the main stage included Alison Goldfrapp, Cat Burns, The Veronicas, and Beth McCarthy. Delta Goodrem headlined the Hayu stage, joined by Claire Richards for an emotional performance of “Born to Try” and “Lost Without You.” Countess Luann, boyband V, and 90s pop sensation Louise, reunited with former Eternal member Kéllé Bryan, also graced the Hayu stage.
The Queertopia stage continued to impress with performances from Lynks, Walt Disco, and Geo Jordan, highlighting the best of LGBTQIA+ talent.
True to its roots, Mighty Hoopla continues to elevate queer performers and voices. The festival supports numerous charities through its community fund, including Not A Phase, Medicins Sans Frontiers (Doctors without Borders), and Gig Buddies.
Mighty Hoopla will return in 2025, confirmed for May 31 and June 1, with tickets going on sale on Wednesday, June 5. As organizers Fussell and Tagg stated, “Roll on next year….tickets on sale WEDNESDAY!”
The 2024 Mighty Hoopla was a resounding success, celebrating pop music, queer excellence, and community spirit in a vibrant and inclusive setting. Fans can look forward to another unforgettable experience next year as the festival continues to grow and inspire.
Photos by Luke Dyson, Sarah Louise Bennett, and Corinne Cumming
