Mutiny Returns to Portsmouth with a Bang

Mutiny Festival returned to Portsmouth with a bang this Bank Holiday weekend for the first time since its inaugural event in 2014.

On Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th May, 15,000 dance music fans flocked to King George V Playing Fields on the outskirts of Portsmouth for Mutiny Festival instalment three.

With the festival growing in size every year since its debut, a major plus point of this year’s Mutiny was the location. King George Playing Fields was far more accessible than last year at Fontwell Park, with just a five minute walk from Cosham train station, as well as numerous bus stops outside the festival. Not only that, the festival site was surprisingly spacious and at no point felt cramped, despite many stalls, rides, amusements and of course a sea of people.

The VIP area was much better than last year with unique bars, that were much quieter than the standard bars, food stalls and luxury toilets, as well as DJ sets on an intimate stage. The area also gave an impressive view over the main arena as it was located beside the main stage.

Onto the music.. We started our Mutiny journey in a typically sweaty yet lively Warehouse Big Top tent. The first act we caught was M.A.X., before sets from Yousef and then Bontan, which was the last act we caught on the Big Top on the Saturday as from there on in, it was all about the main stage!

It was there where we caught Tomboy & Robin and Sister Bliss of Faithless of whom both warmed the crowd up nicely for Sub Focus.The Guildford producer dropped all his bangers including ‘Rock It’ and ‘Tidal Wave’ as well as new unheard tracks that got the ever growing South Coast crowd pumped for what was to come.

Surprisingly Saturday night headliner Steve Angello came on stage a couple of minutes early and instantly reached into his impressive back catalogue, smashing out hits ‘Show Me Love’, ‘Don’t You Worry Child’, ‘Children of the Wild’ and many more, as well as a range of material from his new album ‘Wild Youth’. Steve Angello’s pyrotechnics were on point from the first drop with fire, dry ice, streamers, confetti and fireworks including an incredible display at the end.

Sunday picked up where Saturday left off with strong sets from Majestic, Jaguar Skills, Rewire & Varski and special guest Fatman Scoop. With excitement levels building, next on stage was Example with DJ Wire. Wire warmed the lively crowd up for 10 minutes before Example came on, where he dropped hits ‘We’ll Be Coming Back’ and ‘Changed the Way You Kiss Me’ amongst many others. The set was briefly stopped due to a very lively mosh pit but nothing too serious.

Sunday night’s main stage headliner was five time Grammy winner CeeLo Green. At first I wasn’t sure he’d be the best fit for Mutiny, however, he proved me wrong. Not only were the live band extremely tight, but there was also a genuinely fun atmosphere both on the stage and in the crowd. CeeLo Green was an incredible vocalist and was extremely enjoyable to watch, playing all the bangers we’ve all come to know, with plenty of fire and dry ice also going off. Like with Steve Angello’s set the previous night, CeeLo Green’s set concluded with a spectacular firework display.

Overall Mutiny Festival consolidated its place as one of if not the best south coast festival. It was a fantastic couple of days and a great way to kick off festival season.. Bring on next year!

Organisation 7/10

Music 8/10

Site Setup 8/10

Festival Communication 8/10

Attention to Detail 6/10

Creative Content 9/10

Value for Money 9/10

Overall 8/10