Hockley Hustle is back on Sunday 28 October, celebrating its twelfth year, and it's bigger and better than ever. We give you the lowdown on the festival that features over 300 acts across thirty stages...
Young Hustlers
For a long time, music festivals were focused on adults having a good time, but last year Hockley Hustle launched Young Hustlers so that the whole family can join in on the fun. Kicking off at midday, this year's highlights include Motormouf running beatbox workshops at Sneinton Market and the Big Fish Little Fish rave taking place at Nottingham Contemporary. There's also zine-making at City Arts and a writing workshop for the Young Hustlers Anthology at Nottingham Writers' Studio. Bring yer young 'uns down.
New Venues
This year's Hustle reflects the changing face of Hockley with a number of new venues added to this year's itinerary. 31K, the go-to place in Hockley for meatballs joins, in this year's fun with a full lineup of top bands. Peggy's Skylight, the bar that Rylan Gosling wanted to open in La La Land, offers up a smorgasbord of jazz throughout the day. The Fox & Grapes was synonymous with live music when it was Peggers, and it brings something even more special than live music to this year's festival. Also, keep an eye out for City Arts' dome in Sneinton Market Square.
Hockley Hustle Beer
LeftLion aren't the only ones who've been beavering away to develop a hoppy beverage alongside Castle Rock this year. Yes, the brewery have created a very special beer just for the festival. It'll be the perfect refreshment while you're having a great time, right alongside that pint of LeftLion's Guzzgog.
Charities
Since 2006, Hockley Hustle has donated more than £140,000 to local charities and every single ticket you buy contributes towards this year's total. For 2018, Hockley Hustle are supporting Equation, Zephyr's, Emmanuel House, Rethink Mental Health and Nottingham & Nottinghamshire Refugee Forum. So, you know that you're doing good even while you're partying.
It's Not Just Music
Of course, the main draw of the Hustle is the amazing music lineup but there's much more going on than just the tunes. Upstairs at Broadway, Nottingham City of Literature are running a poetry lab for people aged 14 - 25. Meanwhile, over at Oscar & Rosie's, the Muslim Artists and Poets Collective bring a mix of talents from as far afield as China, Afghanistan and Gambia. Poetry Is Dead Good, Nottingham's city centre-based spoken-word night, are also hosting an afternoon of poetry in Hockley's Sue Ryder shop, with a workshop running from 1pm - 3pm.
But There is Some Music
So, here are a few of our suggestions for what to see at this year's festival:
Diablofurs - The Angel
Are they punk? Are they pop? They're a bit of both and their energetic set will put a smile on your face.
Stacey McMullen - Herbert Kilpin
The agit-folk singer has a backing band now and he's bringing them along to the Hustle.
TV Crime - 31K
Exciting, vital rock 'n' roll, bringing the tunes and the attitude.
Petebox vs Mr Switch - Bodega
Petebox brings his loop pedal beatbox and goes head-to-head with Mr Switch, the world DJ champion. It’s going to be epic.
We're Hosting a Stage
We don't like to blow our own trumpet but we have to mention the stage the LeftLion have curated alongside CSWS. Broadway will be featuring some of Britain's bet hip hop, including the likes of SonnyJim, VVV, Karizma, and loads more.
LISTEN TO OUR HOCKLEY HUSTLE 2018 PLAYLIST ON SPOTIFY NOW
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