Hundreds Soaked, smiling and dancing at Portsmouth's wildest family rave
Families got soaking wet - and had the time of their lives
Families from across the south coast packed Pitt Street Skatepark in Portsmouth for the sold-out "SOAKED - The Secret Society Family Rave", enjoying four-and-a-half hours of music, foam, water fights and family fun that left children grinning from ear to ear and parents wishing it would never end.
Organised by local promoter DJ FatSteve and The Secret Society, the unique event transformed the popular skatepark into a high-energy family rave experience, combining world-class DJs, family entertainment and unforgettable crowd participation.
Moments before the doors opened, excitement was already building, with a queue stretching outside the venue before the event had even begun. Guests were welcomed by Amy and, thanks to a rapid ticket-scanning system, families were quickly inside and ready for the fun ahead.
First on the decks were DJs T1 and Si, two rising stars from the Isle of Wight. Playing an energetic bounce set, they certainly "put a donk on it" and got the crowd hyped up from the very start.
One of the first attractions was Trickett's Target Practice, where visitors donated for the opportunity to launch sponges at willing targets. According to Trickett, the youngsters quickly proved themselves to be the most accurate competitors.
"The kids were more deadly than the adults," he laughed.
Among those stepping up to take aim was FatSteve's own mum, who appeared particularly eager to settle a few family scores built up over the years.
The energy stepped up another level when FatSteve and Dave Castellano, Director of SS Records (formerly Rusty Records), took to the decks alongside MC Skatty. The activation of the foam cannon transformed the venue into a sea of bubbles, laughter and dancing families. Adding to the heartwarming atmosphere, Skatty's daughter Willow joined him on stage, helping finish his lyrics through the microphone to the delight of the crowd.
The headline performance came from Portsmouth's very own DJ Hixxy, one of the most respected names in the global dance music scene. The internationally renowned artist, known for performing on some of the world's biggest stages and releasing hundreds of tracks throughout his career, delivered a set packed with energy and nostalgia.
The performance coincided with Hixxy's birthday, prompting organisers and the crowd to surprise him with a large chocolate cake and a rendition of Happy Birthday.
Then came the moment many will be talking about for months.
Using a specially produced introduction, DJ Hixxy and MC Sammy Trilogy launched an epic water fight, dividing the crowd into Team FatSteve and Team Castellano before counting them down into battle. Within seconds, the dancefloor erupted into a friendly all-out water war. Children, parents and performers alike were drenched as water pistols fired across the venue and the two teams fought for supremacy.
The scenes were unlike anything many attendees had seen before.
Following the headline set, South Coast favourites BCXD, the DJ partnership of Ben Critic and Deckhead, joined The Secret Society's resident MC Mono to continue the party. Their harder-edged but unmistakably fun sound kept the crowd moving while the foam cannon returned, giant inflatable balls bounced overhead and water sprayed across the packed venue.
The event was brought to a fitting close by DJs Jonny G and Aaron Fazer, alongside MC Wingman, who delivered a crowd-pleasing mix of classic tracks and original material. Just when organiser FatSteve thought he might end the day relatively dry, Wingman had other ideas.
"I think FatSteve looks dry," he announced to the crowd.
The challenge was immediately accepted by the children, who rushed the dancefloor and ensured the promoter received one final soaking before the event came to an end.
Young ravers were unanimous in their verdict.
Alfie Brown, aged 8, from Salisbury, attending his second Secret Society Family Event, said:
"I love it all, especially the foam cannon and water fight."
Ruby Guinchard, aged 12, from Havant, added: "I loved the harder music and the chance to dance but the best part was the water fight, also when we got FatSteve very very wet."
For those who missed out, the message from organisers is simple: you missed something special.
The sold-out event demonstrated exactly why family raves continue to grow in popularity, blending dance music culture with a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment where multiple generations can enjoy themselves together.
The good news is that SOAKED will return in 2027, with organisers already promising it will be bigger, better and wetter than ever before.
To make sure you don't miss out, follow The Secret Society on social media and Skiddle, where early bird tickets and event announcements will be released first.
Before then, dance music fans can catch DJs Hixxy, FatSteve, Dave Castellano, BCXD and many more at Clubland On South Parade Pier Saturday 26th September. Thisadults-only event is expected to draw clubbers from across the South Coast, and tickets are already selling fast.
After seeing the scenes at Pitt Street Skatepark, one thing is certain: if you weren't among the hundreds who got soaked this year, don't make the same mistake in 2027. When The Secret Society returns, you'll want to be there.