The Hockley Hustle

October 2009


Just for the sake of this mathematical equation, let us say there'll be exactly 200 musicians doing their thing. And you've not bothered to buy your ticket (well, a wristband) in advance, so you're paying the on-the-door price of a tenner. That's five pence for each musician – how's that for VFM?
Added to that the Hockley Hustle lot are doing it for nowt. Well, for a laugh, no doubt and to raise some cash for local NSPCC projects and Oxfam.
And it's the biggest local music event on the calendar so to NOT do it would mean you're out of the loop.
It's something of a turnaround for the city's band scene, not always known for being overly friendly towards each other in the past.
There's no better example of the current musical love-in between Nottingham bands these days than the Hustle.
"Nottingham is once again pulling together musically and it's a very positive event," says Will Lillejord, who is helping put on the Drowned In Sound stage at the Bunkers Hill.
"We have The Boxer Rebellion, who had a top ten single recently, and Exit Calm, who recently supported Echo and the Bunnymen. Also look out for The Domino State – they supported Coldplay at the O2 Arena."
"It brings together nearly all of Nottingham's creative community," says Tommy Rosley, among the organisers of the 16-hour event.
"This year's Hockley Hustle is going to be the biggest and best yet. We're thrilled that over the past four years it has grown into the event it is today."
Last year the charity bucket topped £15,000. This year they're hoping for £25,000.
And Tommy reckons attendances at the 20 venues taking part should be at least 2,000.
"We've been involved since the start and have loved every minute of it," he adds.
"This year we're hosting Dogma and downstairs at the Bodega. We've assembled a fantastic line-up. The ones I'm looking forward to are Liam Bailey , Natalie Duncan, Vaccine, Pablo's Finest Hour, Rotating Leslie, Papa La Bas...."
But why base it in Hockley?
"It's Nottingham's most interesting place to knock about. It has some of the city's best venues, cafes, restaurants, shops, one of the world's top 10 independent cinemas, the world's smallest cinema and the best vibe in town."
New to the festival this year is BBC Introducing at Shaw's, Detonate's drum and bass at the Market Bar, Arboretum Records and Spectrum at Brownes and Afro/Carribean music at Cape.
"It's the first time that African/Caribbean and modern British urban acts will all be performing under the same roof," says Leanda Falade.
"My whole aim in life is to unite people through the music. I have lots of exciting acts including the amazing Jamaican dub poet Yasus Afari and Nottingham's Percy Dread. There will also be African dance and drumming performances, plus arts and crafts. And my husband will also be cooking up a Caribbean/African feast that will include Caribbean ice-creams!"
To further expand the event beyond a simple music festival, Miles' Bar is hosting stand-up with the Funhouse Comedy Club, Brownes will have T-shirt screen printing, vintage clothing shop Cow is to have a fashion show...
"At this price, with such a diverse selection of entertainment, there really is something for everybody," says organiser Adam Pickering.
"It's great to see so many people get behind such a positive cause."