Music unites Mutiny stars and crowd in a poignant tribute to Manchester bomb victims

That was the message as thousands of lights lit up the night sky as crowds at Mutiny Festival paid tribute to the people killed in the Manchester terrorist attack.

During both performances by headline acts 50 Cent and Chase and Status, Portsmouth showed it stood strong with the families of the 22 people murdered and multiple dozens injured by a suicide bomber last Monday.

Nearly 30,000 people packed into King George V playing fields for the two-day festival.

And when artist Rage, during Chase and Status’ performance, called for people to light up their phones to remember the victims the crowd responded.

He said: ‘From Chase and Status, from the people of Portsmouth, from Mutiny Festival 2017 we send out our love to everyone in Manchester.

‘We are standing with you right now. Every day, every week, every year, all year. We stand with you.’

The tribute was then followed by their UK top ten song Blind Faith with everyone in the crowd joining in.

Similarly, on Saturday night American hip-hop superstar 50 Cent, supported by G Unit, also paid their respect during their set.

Speaking to the festival-goers, 50 Cent, whose top hits include Window Shopper, In Da Club and Candy Shop, said: ‘Twenty-two people we lost in Manchester.

‘We want to show our love to their families. Rest in peace.

‘We want you all to know one, thing G Unit loves you.

‘Peace to all their families.’

This is the second time Mutiny Festival has been held in Cosham with it previously being held at Fontwell Race Course near Arundel.

Its first venue was Victoria Park in the city centre of Portsmouth.

Friends Ffion Reidy, 16, Ellie Sibley, 16, and Paige Duffin, 16, enjoyed both days.

The group, from Fareham, said it was an amazing line-up.

Ffion said: ‘We were really excited to see 50 Cent and then Chase and Status too on the Sunday.

‘The whole festival has been really good and well organised.’

Hayley Lockyer, from Baffins, was there with a group of friends including Ella Baker, from Southsea.

Hayley, 30, said: ‘The festival is really vibrant and energetic and everyone seems to be having a good time.

‘The music is amazing and there’s lots of entertainment across the two days. ‘I was excited to see Chase and Status.’

Ella agreed. The 30-year-old said: ‘I went for the two days and it’s been fun.

‘The music has been really great and I was looking forward to seeing Chase and Status.’

Alongside 50 Cent, Saturday welcomed artists Lethal Bizzle, Roger Sanchez, George Kwali and Nathan Dawe.

On Sunday, the crowds were wowed by headliners Chase and Status as well as Pendulum and Roni Size.

Festival-goers were treated to fireworks, flames, pyrotechnics and confetti as part of the performances with a paint party yesterday brightening up the main stage.

There were also a range of fairground rides, food outlets and bars for people to enjoy.

Cousins Paul Smith, 27, and Jake Smith, 25, snapped their tickets up when they first went on sale.

Paul, from Cosham, said: ‘The festival has been quality. I came last year and it was a great weekend.

‘The music has been really good.’

Jake agreed. He added: ‘I couldn’t wait to see 50 Cent as soon as he was announced as a headliner.

‘Lethal Bizzle was class too.

‘The organisers did amazing to get the artists they did.’

Christine Roberts and Jess Nicholson, both aged 16, were at the festival for the first time. Jess, from Hayling Island, said: ‘We came down for Sunday as we really wanted to see Chase and Status.

‘We spent most of the day in the big top and it was fun. It has been a great day.’

Friends Gemma Winter and Amy Jones, from Hilsea, had tickets for the full weekend.

Amy, 22, said: ‘It has been really great. This is the first time I have been and I was really excited to see 50 Cent.

‘The atmosphere has been really relaxed and chilled; everyone seems to be having a good time.’ Gemma, 21, added: ‘I came last year and really enjoyed it so I was keen to come again.

‘It is good to have something in the north of the city, especially something on this scale. To have 50 Cent performing as well is amazing. He was great to see and it’s probably my only chance to see him.’