Thousands of people attended the Nottingham charity festival Hockley Hustle which is fundraised for Imara, Base 51, Emmanuel House, B’Me Cancer Communities, SFiCE Foundation and Our Dementia Choir.
Music and joy filled the streets as thousands of people attended a charity festival.
With more than 350 acts, Hockley Hustle successfully returned to the streets of Nottingham on Sunday (October 22).
From jazz, drum and bass, poetry, soul, and house to folk, hip hop, reggae and funk, there was a place for everyone to enjoy spread across 40 venues, put together by 35 promoters.
The atmosphere in the city centre, from day till night was vibrant and filled with colour, music, people and most of all happiness.
It was impossible not to bump into an act, be it musical, dance or art seemingly in each corner.
To name one, two, three or four artists who stand out is impossible as one person is incapable of witnessing all the acts at once.
However, from the ones I have witnessed in between hydration breaks and runs from venue to venue, I can mention a few of the names that captured my attention.
The band Sancho Panza took over the stage at Metronome with its funky and indie rhythms that captured the audience’s attention in seconds and was simply impossible not to have a little boogie to their energetic music and stage presence.
NFO Orchestra surprised the public at Pitcher and Piano with stunning lights and music that was easily one of the best acts of the day.
The Orchestra also brought the Our Dementia Choir to join them, which created a heartwarming experience.
Indie band The Chase was a vibrant, engaging concert that put everyone upstairs in Bodega on their feet. The lead singer's energy was contagious and it was one of the bands that it was simply impossible not to enjoy.
The alternative rock band PASTE. — with a mandatory full stop by the end — headlined the BBC introducing stage at Bodega. The band released their song – Hockley Hustle, which can be found on all streaming platforms, on the day of the festival to mark the occasion.
From their music to their stage presence, the headliners promised a show and delivered it with a lot of excitement, mosh pits, jumps and the crowd singing along.
They were even granted permission for one extra song to end the night, during which they called the public to the stage in a familiar and friendly environment.
Right before the headliners, post-punk band Marvin’s Revenge planted the seed on stage of an amazing evening which grew and grew.
Presenting songs from their new EP VR Porn, coming out on November 6, the crowd was offered a cinematic experience followed by clever, deep lyrics and music to feel and release to.
Other acts that have cgrabbed my attention and that I will praise for their incredible performances are Bloodworm who performed at Jamcafe, Penny Moon at Metronome, Estella at 31K, Luna and the Limeslices at The Angel Microbrewery and Stinking Rita at the Chapel.
This year, the festival will be supporting six charities, including Imara, Base 51, Emmanuel House, B’Me Cancer Communities, SFiCE Foundation and Our Dementia Choir through ticket sales and other funds coming from the sale of merchandise and T-shirts.
Hockley Hustle was everything I expected and even more, it was a day filled with fun and music and what else could I ask for than being surrounded by the people I love, with so much to do and see?
Hockley Hustle 2024 I am waiting for you.
