It’s hard to find a better way to describe Hockley Hustle than by its own succinct label: Nottingham’s arts and music festival. It’s a day of creativity, showcasing the best of our city and at the same time letting us give back to Nottingham – while having loads of fun. We all know the drill by now, but before you start planning your itinerary, why not check out what’s new this year and some of our recommended highlights…
The Hustle takes place across Hockley (of course) and Sneinton Market on Sunday 19 October, and the numbers this year are bigger than ever: at least 45 venues and more than 450 performers – and a smashed fundraising target of £250,000. All ticket proceeds go to charity and six new ones are being supported this year, representing children and young people, refugees, trans people, and those suffering domestic abuse.
Diversity, inclusivity and vibrancy are all vital components of the Hustle, which means giving as many people as possible a voice. And, as co-organiser Cae Capurro explains to LeftLion, it’s about being in tune with the zeitgeist.
Just the way the world’s going at the moment – whenever we get into these particular political, heated moments, I feel there’s a lot more artists coming out
“Just the way the world’s going at the moment – whenever we get into these particular political, heated moments, I feel there’s a lot more artists coming out,” he says. “So the Hustle’s rolling with this new movement that’s coming forward. We’re reminding people of what’s important and what we should be working together towards.”
At this year’s Hustle, there will be a Speaker’s Corner: a lectern on Heathcoat Street where a range of booked speakers, including local politicians, charities, union reps and members of the public, will give talks about their current views and concerns on the world.
“We’ve got such a good platform with so many people coming to the Hustle, and people wanting to speak. It’s also nice to get the charities more involved with the day – we support them and talk all about them, but on the actual day the charities aren’t really doing anything in particular. So there will be an extra focus on them,” says Capurro.
The 2025 event will also see more venues involved, with electronic music getting a higher profile, including a number of daytime clubbing experiences (there’s even a silent disco on Broad Street).
Queer Hustle takeover
Inclusivity and diversity have always been buzzwords at the Hustle. This year, one element of the event is bigger than ever: Queer Hustle, a celebration of LGBTQ+ artists and performers. Four distinct spaces, focused in the area around Broad Street, soon to be designated Nottingham’s ‘Rainbow Quarter’, will be taken over.
“They’ve really given even more of a platform to local queer artists, entertainers, musicians - just trying to bring more mediums of queer culture into the fold essentially,” explains Nana of Unnamed Drag Productions. “Hockley Hustle do endeavour to ensure that everyone is included and their voices are heard, and they use that as their development of how they make it bigger and better.”
Unnamed Drag have been invited to the Hustle again, and this year will be collaborating with friends (including Liv Presents and VIP in Notts) to transform The Lord Roberts into a drag paradise all day, with drag karaoke, cabaret and a comedy roast in the Prohibition Bar, and drag bingo upstairs.
Lewis Wheatley-Smith, co-founder of Queerish, is organising talks on the history and scene of Queer Ballroom Culture, as well as a ballroom with judges and DJs, all taking place at Das Kino.
“This is going to be something new for Nottingham… it’s dance, music, a bit of comedy, a bit of sass - there’s so much rolled into one thing,” Lewis says, and goes on to highlight the importance of support from Hockley Hustle, particularly as Nottingham’s queer scene currently lacks a dedicated space of its own:
This is going to be something new for Nottingham… it’s dance, music, a bit of comedy, a bit of sass - there’s so much rolled into one thing
“The scene is there, the people are there… it’s about trying to keep it going, ensure that people know who you are and know about the events,” he says. “Nottingham loves a day festival, so that helps get everyone together. And then seeing more queer things, helps more queer people to go.”
Beyond music and stage-based arts, the Queer Hustle will feature other projects celebrating the queer scene. Nottingham-based producer Jake Orr founded LGBTQ+ arts festival: Queer Up Duck! which this year will be exhibiting a collection of interviews and portraits of the city’s Queer scene-makers, as nominated by the local community, at Broadway Cinema Gallery. Meanwhile, local creator Jade Bramley will be putting together a special Queer Notts Zine, which will be distributed on the Hustle day.
“Being able to collaborate with the Hockley Hustle is really important, especially as Nottingham’s LGBTQ+ scene is very vibrant. There’s an awful lot that is going on, but it’s all happening at a very grassroots level,” says Jake Orr. “That is absolutely embodied in what the Hustle is and has been over the years – it’s really grown from the community. They are really keen to collaborate just as we are.”
10 Acts Not To Miss
With literally hundreds of performances taking place on the day of the Hustle, it’s possible for every punter to have their own unique experience. But so much choice can lead to decision paralysis which is why we’ve handpicked a few recommendations.
Jerub (The Bodega)
A rare intimate show for the local, Nigeria-born singer-songwriter.
Saffron Gray (Broadway Cinema) / Archie & The Astronauts (The Bodega)
These two acts were both winners of 2025’s Future Sound of Nottingham competition and offer two very different but equally engaging experiences: energetic RnB on one hand and a unique brand of punchy rock and roll on the other.
Eyre Llew (St Mary’s Church)
For a decade, this band have impressed audiences worldwide with their captivating ambient rock, and this vast space will provide a magical setting.
UFO Orchestra (St Mary’s Church)
A sixty-piece orchestra plus five top-class vocalists means an act which is sure to make the most of the very special acoustics at St Mary’s.
Jah Digga (Broadway Cinema)
The Notts rapper, poet and podcaster has given generously to the Notts scene and received national acclaim
Eleanor McGregor (The Carousel)
We loved Eleanor’s emotional EP earlier this year; now, here’s a chance to hear her intimate, vulnerable music in a great space
Sam Shaw & The Real Eyes (Fisher Gate Point)
Keeping psychedelic rock well and truly alive, Sam Shaw (also known for his work as Sundaze) presents a bold live experience.
Filter Sequence (The Angel / Lost Again)
An exciting local producer and electronic artist banging out acid-tinged dance – here’s a chance to see them twice over the course of the day.
Soft Serve (People’s Hall)
There’s a lot of buzz around this local act currently, and they’re playing at one of the city’s brilliant new creative spaces.
Luna & The Lime Slices / Modern Coven (The Grove)
Two hotly-tipped local acts at one of Notts’ most well-loved, intimate venues (which recently celebrated its first birthday): a rare chance to catch them before they get big!
COURTNEY (Rough Trade)
A rising RnB star with an incredible voice; this will be a special way to open the Rough Trade stage.
Hockley Hustle takes place on Sunday 19 October 2025 at fifty venues across Hockley and the Lace Market. All proceeds go to this year's charities, which are: The Pastel Project, Friends & Bredrins, Juno Women's Aid, Notts Hospice, Refugee Roots, and Uniform Project. To buy tickets, head to their website.
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