HERE'S HOW WE CELEBRATED PRIDE AT MIGHTY HOOPLA

Pride Month is officially here! So to kick off celebrations, we headed to the Mighty Hoopla festival in London for a weekend of dancing to the noughties bops of pop legends and soaking up the good vibes. We even caught up with some of the incredible artists backstage, including non-binary Irish singer Bambie Thug (anyone else still obsessed with *that* Eurovision performance?). Plus we spoke to ASOS Insider Harvey to get his thoughts on why festivals like Mighty Hoopla are important for creating safe spaces within the LGBTQ community. Keep scrolling to read our chats.

Hi Bambie! Your performance was incredible! How important was it for you to be here at Mighty Hoopla?
Very, because it's my community space. It’s a safe space to be able to speak openly and have it received – it’s incredible. It felt so wholesome.

 

You even did some crowd surfing…
It was impromptu, but it was lovely. I love getting close to the crowd and connecting with them.

 

Tell us about your 'fit?
It’s by Dayne Henderson, a latex designer.

 

Iconic! You’re also wearing a crown in the colours of the non-binary flag. How important is it to have that representation not only here, but also at Eurovision?
Incredibly. This was the first Eurovision where there was a non-binary artist to enter and qualify, and then also win [Nemo]. As queers, we just have to shout louder. I’m super proud to be part of that community.

Hey Harvey, what were some of your highlights from Mighty Hoopla?
Definitely seeing Nelly Furtado and Eve! I'm a fan of both those artists, so to see them in one day was just amazing. Singing along to Nelly Furtado (who I've been listening to since I was like 13!) was just incredible.

 

What makes a festival like Mighty Hoopla so special?
It's at the start of Pride Month and it’s a celebration of all the amazing people within the community.

 

Why do pop music and gay culture go so well together?
Pop music is loud and proud. Some pop icons are confident and unapologetic, and we see a lot of ourselves through how they express themselves. Plus, it can really bring out the diva in you! 

 

Bambie Thug described the festival as her safe space. Why are safe spaces so important while you're growing up?
Having a safe space allows you to be who you are without being judged. You want to be your genuine self and don't want to hide behind something.

 

Can you share a Pride memory with us or a moment of queer joy you've experienced which might inspire others?
I would say the first time I ever walked in the Pride parade years ago. It was surreal just to be part of it and great being able to represent myself in the community, surrounded by all these incredible people whilst feeling all the love.

 

All profits from our ASOS DESIGN PRIDE range and an additional donation will be made to Just Like Us, the LGBTQIA+ young people's charity.