A full orchestra in an historic church, a huge carnival parade, drag shows, line dancing flashmobs and a showcase of Nottingham’s grassroots music scene are set to make a special 20th anniversary.
Hockley Hustle has raised £250,000 for 27 local charities, from mental health organisations and refugee support groups to hospices and youth services. This year, the festival is asking everyone to help them raise £20,000 to mark the 20th milestone and support six local charities.
The charity festival was founded in 2006 as part of Oxjam, the UK-wide series of DIY music events raising money for Oxfam. The first edition involved just seven venues and a budget of £1,000.
Founder Adam Pickering, said: “It was impossible to imagine 20 years ago that Hockley Hustle would still be going now. The key element is Nottingham's community, how much we support each other, get together, and crack on with things.”
Sleaford Mods, Jake Bugg, Alt Blk Era, Natalie Duncan and Myles Smith have all played the festival over the years.
One of the stand out headline events sees the UFO Orchestra play in St Mary’s Church. They have been accompanied by many of the city’s renowned vocalists including Liam Bailey, Natalie Duncan, Tiger (Divorce), Rob Green and Alfie Sharp.
The festival has become one of the most important platforms for developing talent, offering emerging promoters a mentorship scheme and running industry days.
Rasterella, Cultural Vibrations, said: “Twenty years of Hockley Hustle is twenty years of backing Nottingham's creativity, community and charitable spirit. The festival has helped countless artists, promoters and grassroots organisations find their feet and grow. The impact of Hockley Hustle can be felt right across the city in the vibrant and welcoming cultural scene it has helped build.”
This year, organisers are pledging to make the Hustle parade where the streets come alive with music, dancing and a carnival vibe the biggest yet.
Hockley Hustle is supported by Arts Council England, Confetti Institute of Creative Technologies, It’s in Nottingham and Gigantic.
Alex Flint, CEO It's in Nottingham, said; “Hockley Hustle represents Nottingham’s brilliance in arts and is a great opportunity to explore the city and its live music venues. We are proud to support this event which brings the city centre together in collaboration, creativity, and performance.”
Early Bird tickets are £15 + booking fee for a wristband giving entry into every single venue and performance. Student concession £10 + booking fee.
For more info, go to www.hockleyhustle.co.uk