I love going to London. It’s a city I never get bored of, and I try to get down at least once a year, preferably during the summer months. I love the way Londoners make the most of their parks and open spaces, and how there’s always something happening, no matter the time of day or the time of year.

My first London trip of the year was for one of my favourite weekends on the calendar – Mighty Hoopla.

Over the years, it’s become a permanent fixture in my diary, and somehow it manages to outdo itself every time. From the moment you arrive in London, there’s a real buzz as thousands of people make their way towards Brockwell Park for a weekend celebrating music, inclusivity and pure escapism.

This trip was all about making the most of a weekend in the capital, combining the colourful atmosphere of Mighty Hoopla with time exploring Brixton and everything else London has to offer. I even managed to combine one of my favourite hobbies by fitting in a 5K run, giving me the perfect excuse to see even more of Brixton along the way.

One of the things I love most about London is that every visit feels different, and this weekend was no exception. It turned out to be another memorable trip, reminding me exactly why I keep coming back

Where I Stayed

Brixton

Brixton has become my go-to area whenever I’m staying in London. It’s the perfect base for festivals and events held in Brockwell Park, while also offering excellent transport links to explore the rest of the capital.

I’ve stayed here several times over the years and always enjoy how culturally diverse and welcoming the area feels. It’s lively without ever feeling overwhelming, and there’s always something happening, whether it’s live music, local markets, cafés or simply watching the neighbourhood come to life.

Despite feeling like its own community, Brixton is incredibly well connected by Underground, train and bus services, making it easy to explore the rest of London before or after the festival.

The Accommodation

For this trip we booked a B&B called 17 Trent Road, around a 10 to 15-minute walk from Brockwell Park and Brixton station.

The property offers three guest rooms, including one superior double. We booked the standard double with a private bathroom.

This has become one of my favourite places to stay when attending Mighty Hoopla, mainly because of its excellent location.

The room itself was simple but had everything we needed for a comfortable festival weekend. It featured a comfortable double bed, tea and coffee making facilities, a dressing area and a spacious en-suite bathroom complete with a bath, shower, toilet and sink. It was bright, clean and comfortable—exactly what we needed after spending long days at the festival.

One of the standout parts of our stay was the hosts. They were incredibly welcoming, friendly and always happy to recommend local places to visit, restaurants to try and the easiest ways to get around London.

The B&B is surrounded by local shops, cafés and takeaway options that stay open late, while Brixton town centre and Underground station are only around a 15-minute walk away. That makes it an excellent base not only for the festival but also for sightseeing across London.

Although advertised as a bed and breakfast, breakfast wasn’t available during our stay. However, with so many fantastic cafés nearby, it wasn’t something we particularly missed.

For more information, pictures, availability and current prices, click the link below:

https://hotelsapp.onelink.me/fSyN/y1i95jhi

Exploring Brixton & Herne Hill

One of the best things about staying for Mighty Hoopla is that the weekend doesn’t begin and end inside the festival.

Before heading into Brockwell Park we spent time exploring Brixton and nearby Herne Hill, two neighbourhoods that perfectly capture London’s character.

Herne Hill has a relaxed village feel, full of independent cafés, beautiful residential streets and some fantastic places to eat.

One of my favourite breakfast spots is Archie’s, just a few minutes from the station. The breakfasts are excellent, the coffee is even better and it’s the perfect place to sit and watch the world go by before a busy day.

We also stopped at The Effra Hall, a beautiful Victorian pub tucked away amongst the surrounding residential streets. The building itself is stunning, while inside you’ll find a welcoming atmosphere, friendly locals and one of the nicest beer gardens in the area. It felt like one of those hidden gems that you’d happily return to again and again.

Every time I’ve stayed around Brixton and Herne Hill I’ve discovered somewhere new, which is one of the many reasons I keep returning.

Mighty Hoopla Festival

If you’re looking for one of the most welcoming festivals in the UK, Mighty Hoopla is hard to beat.

Hosted in Brockwell Park, the festival has built a reputation for celebrating pop music, nostalgia and LGBTQ+ culture in a way that feels completely unique.

The line-up is always packed with artists from the 90s and early 2000s alongside current chart acts.

Over the years I’ve seen performers including Kelly Rowland, Sugababes, Lily Allen and Scissor Sisters, and every year the festival somehow manages to get even better.

What keeps bringing me back isn’t just the music.

It’s the people.

It’s the freedom.

Everyone is there to enjoy themselves, express who they are and celebrate together without judgement. It’s one of the safest, friendliest and most inclusive festivals I’ve ever attended, and that’s what makes it so special.

I’ve made some fantastic memories here over the years, and I already know it won’t be long before I’m back again.

Final Thoughts

Some weekends are over before you know it, yet stay with you long after you’ve unpacked your bag.

This trip reminded me exactly why I love returning to London. Great accommodation, fantastic food, welcoming neighbourhoods and one of my favourite festivals all combined to create another unforgettable weekend.

If you’re planning a visit to Mighty Hoopla, I’d recommend arriving a day early or staying an extra night. Make time to explore Brixton and Herne Hill because they’re every bit as memorable as the festival itself.

London always gives me a different experience, and that’s one of the many reasons I’ll never get bored of coming back.