‘It celebrates everything Nottingham is about’ – Musicians and venue owners on Hockley Hustle 2024

Street performers took to Hockley during the annual festival on Sunday (October 20)
By George Palmer-Soady
More than 400 artists showcased Nottingham’s eclectic music scene as the annual Hockley Hustle event returned to the city on Sunday (October 20).
Since 2006, the festival has raised more than £220,000 for Nottinghamshire charities and highlighted the talents of local musicians and artists – from Jake Bugg to JayaHadADream, the latter of whom recently performed at Glastonbury.
Returning for this year’s event, the rapper played Antenna and joined hundreds of independent artists in a line-up which saw performances across 50 locations in and around Hockley and Sneinton.
Organisers at the festival say events like this are important in showcasing Nottingham’s diverse and eclectic talent.
Event Producer Laurie Illingworth describes the music and arts festival as the city’s “most diverse and biggest”.
He told Notts TV: “Events like this are always great to re-energise that spirit in people and that love for your city.

“No two festival-goers have the same experience here – there’s always a different route to take on your journey.
“It’s a day of music, a day of celebration, love and coming together to support some great charities.”
The event kicked off at 11am, with many venues staying open until 3am the following morning.
Nottingham-based musician Parisa East was the first to perform at Broadway Cinema with her band Parisa East Trio, having won a local open mic competition to do so.

“Personally it’s really special to meet with the Nottingham public and to be involved in something that means so much to the music scene,” she said.
Ed Simons, who plays keyboards in the band, added: “It’s great exposure and it’s good to connect with people that are like-minded.
“It’s great to see the variety because I feel the city has a lot to offer in terms of music.”
An event aimed at children, ‘Young Hustlers,’ also took place on the day.
Events were held across venues in the neighbouring Sneinton Market area, including at co-working space The Carousel.
The venue’s co-director Martin Rayment said he was “honoured” to be a part of the festival, which he says helps bring new people to the city’s independent venues.

“It brings people in Nottingham together,” he said. “It gives everyone a reason to go out and support local businesses and the artists involved.
“It celebrates everything Nottingham is about and all the great things that are going on.
“It really helps us bring in some new faces and show people what we do here. It’s beneficial for us as a small business to be on the map.”
This year, the festival has raised money for nine Nottinghamshire charities – the most in its 18-plus year history.
This includes Emmanuel House, Nottingham Refugee Forum, Base 51, The Rose Thompson Foundation Centre, Imara, SFiCE, Nottingham Women’s Centre, AKA CIC and Tuvida Young Carers Notts.
Jazz, folk, rock and roll and hip-hop were among the diverse range of genres performed by artists at the event, held at some of Nottingham’s most iconic music venues.
The Bodega hosted a range of indie, rock, funk and acoustic music, with other venues such as Brewdog playing metal music and techno.
Emo and electronic acts played at Rough Trade, while The Angel Microbrewery hosted more than 20 acts throughout the day.
The event also featured Queer Hustle – with performances and quizzes from local drag artists, including some showcased on Notts TV over the summer for the Nottingham Drag Pageant 2024.
The Hockley Hustle organisers are expected to confirm how much was raised for charity from this year’s event at a later date.