After a week of rain I was prepared with my wellies and raincoat, but on the morning of Big Top the sun was shining and it was time to get the sunglasses out. Before doors had even opened at 11am, hundreds of people were at Stoneham Park in Hampshire ready to party for 12 hours. Junk Department’s first year of putting on this festival attracted nearly 5000 party goers, with attendees travelling from up and down the country for this unique event.
Luca Pilato kept the crowd lively, whilst dance floor thumping sets came from electronic music’s finest talent including Dyed Soundorom, Laura Jones and Maya Jane Coles. The vibe of the Big Top was insane, with the crowd constantly dancing. The VIP section had a separate stage headlined by Flashmob. It also had a free bar which ran out of cups and mixers half way through the day, but the festival goers were kept happy with shots of vodka until more supply arrived. As the sun came down, Jamie Jones hit the Big Top to a capacity filled tent ending the day on a high. The sound system and lighting production was phenomenal, with fire pyrotechnics adding to the intensity of the Big Top. There could have been a wider selection of food options around the festival; however the fairground rides provided some outside entertainment. There is definitely lots of potential for Big Top to expand next year and become an annual party on the South coast. With early-bird tickets selling at £25, it was well and truly worth the money and is definitely one to look out for next year.
Photos by Mickey Cole