June 21st- Bristol Sounds
Never have I seen so much joy and pride in one venue. From the very beginning, there were paper flowers, outfits, and colour galore. Even through Calum Scott’s opening set, the crowd were full of energy.
This enthusiasm exploded when Mika came onstage in true Mika-fashion. Quite literally! Dressed head to toe in sparkles, he then continued to perform one of the most cohesive performances I’ve ever seen, complete with audience participation, outfit changes, and pitch-perfect vocals. This is a man who’s honed his craft over years of performing, and it has clearly paid off.
During his iconic song “Big Girl” he disappeared off into the crowd to do the full circuit, much to the joy of the crowds at the back, before reappearing minutes later full of smiles and energy.
A crowd favourite, “Grace Kelly,” lit by colourful stage lights and the boats behind, was definitely a highlight for me. You can tell Mika was born for the stage and adores what he does. What a phenomenal start to the Bristol Sounds festival. Everybody really did Love Today
Words and photos by Anna Hatfield
@anna.h_photos
@anna.h_photos
Role: Photographer/ Journalist
Available for: Gig and press phototography, album shoots, music videos, tour coverage
Qualification: 1st class BA photojournalism degree
First attended gig: First ticketed gig I remember is Newton Faulkner but there was plenty of live music that I saw growing up in the folk scene in Cornwall
First gig shot: Rattler Fest for all three days
Dream gig: It's too hard to pick just one, and i'm lucky enough to have been able to shoot some of my bucket list bands already, so top 3 would have to be Frank Turner, The Hives, and Twenty One Pilots