Every year, Brockwell Park in South London transforms from a quiet dog-walking spot into a sanctuary for pop-obsessed souls, the unapologetically iconic, and chaos in the BEST way possible.
We’re talking huge lineups featuring pop royalty, nostalgic legends, and queer icons, all spread across multiple stages. Over 200 performers, and just when you think you’ve seen it all… you stumble into a voguing battle or a random mass karaoke moment. Because honestly, why not?
Whether you’re there for the nostalgia, the inclusive vibes, or just to see if your outfit can actually be seen from the moon, here are 10 reasons why you need to get yourself to Mighty Hoopla.
1. Nostalgia Without the Cringe
Usually, listening to Barbie Girl or the Macarena in public feels like a cry for help. At Hoopla, it’s a religious experience. There is zero judgment when you know every single word to a Vengaboys B-side.
2. Lineups That Understand Your Soul
Where else can you see 90s legends, 00s icons, and modern pop royalty on the same bill? We’re talking the likes of Lily Allen, Scissor Sisters, Jessie J, and Cascada. It’s basically your childhood bedroom walls coming to life, but with a much better sound system. Plus, Jane McDonald, who’s accidentally become a national treasure, is set to headline the “Gay Icon” slot. Camp? Painfully. Iconic? Against all odds, yes.
3. Spotify Guilty Pleasures
Expect massive sing-alongs, iconic throwbacks, and artists that make you scream “OMG I forgot how much I LOVE this song!”
4. It’s the UK’s Biggest Pop Party
While other festivals are busy arguing over which indie band with guitars should headline, Mighty Hoopla knows what the people want: POP. Unabashed, loud, sing-along-at-the-top-of-your-lungs pop. It’s a weekend-long karaoke session with 25,000 of your newest best friends.
The “Main Character” Energy
Hoopla isn’t just a festival; it’s a runway with Met Gala energy. The effort people put into their outfits is Olympic-level. You aren’t just an attendee; you’re a part of the decor. If you aren’t leaving with glitter in your hair that stays until next Christmas, you did it wrong.
Survival guide note: If your outfit doesn’t require at least three friends to help you unzip it in a Portapotty, you’re just not trying hard enough.
6. It’s a Day Festival (HR-approved permission to call in sick on Monday)
The best part about a London festival? No camping. You can be the most chaotic version of yourself all day, and then at 11 PM, you can hop on the Victoria Line/Thameslink and be in your own bed with a kebab. It’s the glam way to the festival.
7. Drag Royalty Everywhere
The stages aren’t just for singers. Some of the biggest cheers of the weekend are for the drag icons. From RuPaul’s Drag Race stars to local London legends, the level of camp and talent in the cabaret tents is enough to make your heart grow three sizes.
8. The “Bop” Tents
Just head to the nearest dance tent. One minute you’re in Glitterbox disco heaven, the next you’re in a UFO rave spiral, or a tent dedicated entirely to Taylor Swift and George Michael hits. At Mighty Hoopla, every corner of the park is built for your exact brand of chaos and unstoppable shimmy.
9. The Food and the Hydration
The food trucks are actually good. From vegan delights to wood-fired pizzas, you need the fuel to survive eight hours of dancing. And let’s be honest, sipping a cocktail while watching a synchronized dance routine in the sun is the peak of human existence.
10. Pure. Unfiltered. Queer-Joy.
At its heart, Mighty Hoopla is a celebration of the LGBTQ+ community and its allies. It’s a space where you can kiss who you want, be who you want, and feel completely free. It’s life-affirming, soul-recharging, and quite frankly, the most fun you can have in South London without getting arrested.
Post-Hoopla: Most boys make their way to Horse Meat Disco and that’s where the night continues. It’s not unusual to end up in a queue next to someone you just saw on stage…you never really know who you’ll run into.
