The indomitable Hockley Hustle is back! Taking place on Sunday 20 October, and showcasing 400 artists over fifty venues, see the city’s music, arts and culture come alive with music, art dancing and creative workshops. With proceeds going to nine different Nottingham charities, the festival has raised £200,000 over its eighteen years. We spoke to some of the people involved this year to hear their highlights from previous years and see what they are looking forward to.
Tommy Farmyard - Festival Director
What were some of your highlights from last year’s Hockley Hustle?
Vee Adu, Liam Bailey, and Jayahadadream were all amazing. Vee and Jaya were accompanied by a string quartet which was lush. This year will be even better: five artists will perform at Antenna with the Rob Rosa string quartet, which will be Jaya, Catmilk, Cappo, Alfie Sharp, and previous LeftLion editor, poet Bridie Squires!
This year there’s more of a diversity of acts, from different cultures, than ever. What’s the thinking behind that?
We try to do that every year really. We think about what's missing from the festival and why it’s missing. We want to encompass as much of our incredible city as possible; Notts is an eclectic beast so we have to keep moving and adapting. There’ll always be some stuff missing, but each year we build on that, and bring in more people and communities. It’s at the core of our ethos: collaboration, positive change and inclusivity.
The Future Hustlers scheme is now in its third year, and still just as popular. How did that start?
We all noticed that there aren’t a huge number of young promoters coming through. A generation of older promoters are still running a lot of city events. We felt the need to galvanise it a little and bring through the next generation, offering and providing support or advice that will help their careers whether they want to be technicians, performers or promoters. Again, it’s what the Hustle is about really: supporting people, supporting charities and supporting the city to make positive change.
Rastarella Falade - Cultural Vibrations
Head to Metronome to enjoy Cultural Vibrations and Global Roots specially curated line up.
How does it feel that fifteen years of Cultural Vibrations will be celebrated at this year’s Hockley Hustle?
It’s good that the milestone is being acknowledged and celebrated because Hockley Hustle is the event that kickstarted my whole career into live music promotions and event management. To be celebrated at the festival makes me feel that my contributions into Nottingham’s arts and culture sector, and dedication over the years, has been recognised.
What does the festival signify for you?
It signifies what it is great about our city. As one of the veteran promoters involved it’s been wonderful to see how it has developed and grown over the years into something that Nottingham should be proud of. It is a true reflection of how vibrant, unified and alive with music and creativity our city really is.
What can people expect from the Global Roots stage this year?
I will be representing a lot of countries and genres on my line ups, including artists from Jamaica, Gambia, UK, Zambia, Congo, Ukraine and India. Afrobeat, hip hop, reggae, bhangra, contemporary folk, bassline, among others are a few of the genres. It’s a fully seasoned and marinated line up of music from around the world.
Alfie Sharp - Musician
Alfie Sharp brings heartfelt R&B and Soul to Antenna state at 4.30pm
What are your favourite memories of playing past Hockley Hustles?
Definitely playing Wasted with the UFO Orchestra at Pitcher and Piano last year. Insane.
What do you like about the festival?
It’s a brilliant day for music in Notts and bringing together the community to support new local artists. I also get to see all my mates, so that’s cool.
What can people expect from the show in October?
I’ve been privileged enough to take part in something really special this year. Basically, don’t miss it.
How have you been finding the reception for your EP released earlier this year?
Incredible! From local support to national and beyond, it’s been a hell of a year and I’m so grateful for all the attention and love it’s received. I can’t wait to get onto my next project!
Are there any acts you're keen to see at this year's Hustle?
I have a few faves that I’ll be checking out, but there’s some crazy talent in Notts, so the hustle is a perfect opportunity to go out and find it. I always come away with someone new that I end up becoming obsessed with!
Craig Pennington - The Lord Roberts
Hockley’s cosiest LGBTQ+ space, The Lord Roberts Upstairs, brings comedy to this year’s Hustle. Get your space quick before it’s a full house!
What kind of value do you as a landlord get from participating in the Hockley Hustle?
You get people through your door who might never have been through it before. Even though I’ve now been here five years, new people still come in and like the beer garden and the dance area. Hockley Hustle also is just a great thing for charity. And Tommy the organiser is just a great guy! Not a bad bone in his body.
What can people expect from The Lord Roberts, if they visit it during the Hustle?
Well downstairs we’ve got the decks and the bar, so there’ll be dance music there, while upstairs I think that there’ll be the drag show-y stuff. But it’s a bit of a guessing game; you never really know until the actual day what’s going to happen. People just come to do what they do!
Sancho Panza - Band
'Disco-driven rockers' Sancho Panza play upstairs at The Bodega, 4.30pm
What are your favourite Hockley Hustle memories?
Last year was pretty memorable. We were playing a gig near Birmingham the night before and on the morning of Hockley Hustle our driver’s car broke down, and all the train strikes were on. We ended up making it by the skin of our teeth to play Metronome. The show was great though.
Does playing as many gigs as you guys do change the show at all each time?
We always like to mix things up. Recently we’ve got into the habit of writing new songs on stage, especially if someone breaks a string.
What can people expect from the show in October?
People can expect our funky new single Creatures of the Night, out October 25. Other than that, we don’t plan that far ahead. If we bump into someone the day before who can play something like a sax or accordion then they’ll probably be onstage with us.
Any other local acts you’d recommend?
Marvin’s Revenge, Wizards Can’t Be Lawyers, Saffron, Sex Toy Vending Machine, Zak Thrasher, Skits Wizards, Rights for Flies, Sam Shaw and the Real Eyes, PASTE and Goodgoodbye.
Hockley Hustle takes place on Sunday 20 October. General admission tickets are £16.50 with concessions for students, NHS Workers (ID required at wristband exchange) + Low Income & Unemployed. The full line up is out now!
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