Mighty Hoopla cancelled due to coronavirus

In another blow to our queer summer calendar, London’s Mighty Hoopla festival has been cancelled amidst the coronavirus pandemic.

The inclusive pop festival, which has quickly become a queer staple since launching in 2016, was set to take place at London’s Brockwell park on June 6, headlined by Cheryl.

News of its cancellation was delivered via a statement published to the event’s Instagram page, saying that organisers had “fully exhaust[ed] every option available” before coming to the decision.

The statement thanked fans for their patience, and promised “a MIGHTY comeback in 2021 with the ultimate celebration of freedom, love and pop music”.

 

 

 

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“Seems like my time has come and now I’m moving on, I’ll be stronger” – Anastasia 💔 Dear Hoopla Family, Due to the continued spread of Coronavirus and following recent Government statements, we sadly announce that Mighty Hoopla will not take place this year. Unfortunately we have to confirm the festival has been cancelled due to the current public health crisis, and we support any decision taken in order to avoid additional pressure being placed on both The Health and Emergency Services whilst these organisations continue fighting on behalf of us all on the frontline of the crisis This was not the news we had hoped to share with you, but as an independent festival we had to fully exhaust every option available to us before having to accept the decision that was forced upon us, so thank you for your continued patience. Your support is essential to keep Mighty Hoopla alive and we would like to invite you all to join us on 5th June 2021 and we’ll carry your existing ticket forward with us. If however, you do wish to receive a refund you will have the full face-value of your ticket returned to you. Further details covering how to go about obtaining a refund will be posted in due course on our website and socials. Please do show a little patience and bear with us because we need to liaise with our insurers and ticket companies in order to set up the necessary mechanisms. To the hundreds of NHS staff we pledged free tickets to back in November – your tickets will be automatically valid for 2021. We will also be increasing the allocation we give annually to the NHS in 2021 to say a heartfelt thanks for their brave, incredible efforts during this crisis. Once more, we are so sorry we have to pause the party for now but we promise a MIGHTY comeback in 2021 with the ultimate celebration of freedom, love and pop music. Please continue to look after yourselves and everyone around you. See you in 2021. Love, Mighty Hoopla x

A post shared by Mighty Hoopla (@mightyhoopla) on Apr 7, 2020 at 3:21am PDT

It added: “In the words of our queen Anastasia [who was due to perform], ‘Seems like my time has come and now I’m moving on, I’ll be stronger.’”

Brockwell Park, the south London space where Mighty Hoopla was due to take place, was recently in the news after being was closed on Sunday (5 April) due to an influx of people using it over the weekend despite current UK lockdown rules.

Known for its camp and queer line ups, Mighty Hoopla has grown from its humble beginnings at Butlins in Bognor Regis to attract 20,000 people each year.

Organised by the creative minds behind queer performance troupe Sink The Pink, acts due to perform this year included Anastasia, Natasha Bedingfield, Atomic Kitten and Gabrielle.

 

 

 

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3rd wave announcement! 🚨🎉 OMG we’re so excited to announce our FAB next wave of acts performing at Mighty Hoopla 2020! ❤️ @sistersledgeofficial – c&c music factory – @lisamaffiauk – @theartfuldodgerdj – @jodieharsh – @vulavox – @littlebootsmusic DJ – @savagedisco_ – @littlegaybro – and many more! 🌳👀 Ticket link in bio #mightyhoopla #hoopla #brockwellpark

A post shared by Mighty Hoopla (@mightyhoopla) on Mar 3, 2020 at 1:00am PST

A new date for the 2021 festival has been announced as 5 June, and ticket sales are being honoured if people should wish to retain them for next year.

Refunds are also available, and the number of free tickets pledged for NHS workers in November last year will be increased “to say a heartfelt thanks for their brave, incredible efforts during this crisis”.

It’s unclear whether the 2020 line up will be retained as far as possible for next year.

 

 

 

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And we’re out!!!!! Thank-you #ChakaKhan ❤️

A post shared by Mighty Hoopla (@mightyhoopla) on Jun 8, 2019 at 2:40pm PDT

Mighty Hoopla’s cancellation follows a string of cancellations and postponements to other LGBTQ events, including many Prides that were due to take place in the summer months.

See our frequently updated list of those so far affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.