Hockley Hustle 2026

24 August 2026 Andrew Ellis

Hockley Hustle 2026 – 20th Anniversary Festival Announced for Nottingham

Hockley Hustle 2026 will celebrate two decades of DIY spirit on Sunday 25 October.

The long-running music and arts charity festival returns with 500 acts across 50 bars, pubs, cinemas, chapels and galleries in Nottingham’s independent quarter of Hockley and Sneinton.

Every October, thousands of people fill the streets and venues for the all-day event, which ranges from 70-piece orchestras and world-class vocalists to intimate acoustic sets, Samba processions, silent discos, choirs and beatbox battles.

20 Years of Community and Charity

Since launching in 2006 as part of Oxjam, Hockley Hustle has raised £250,000 for 27 local charities supporting mental health, refugees, hospices and youth services. This year the festival aims to raise £20,000 to mark the 20th anniversary and support six local causes.

Founder Adam Pickering said:
“It was impossible to imagine 20 years ago that Hockley Hustle would still be going now. When 18-year-old me went running around Nottingham asking promoters to host venues to raise money for Oxfam, I hadn’t even been alive that long. We knew the music scene was brilliant and full of love… Part of what’s made it work for so long is the Hockley area itself… But the key element is Nottingham’s community.”

Sleaford Mods, Jake Bugg, Alt Blk Era, Natalie Duncan and Myles Smith are among the artists who played the festival earlier in their careers.

Highlights of Hockley Hustle 2026

Standout events include the UFO Orchestra performing at St Mary’s Church, a large carnival parade, an attempt at the world’s biggest R&B line dancing flashmob led by Step N Groove, and an expanded programme from eight LGBTQIA+ crews.

There will also be a warm-up show on Saturday 24 October from Channel One Sound System, plus an exhibition at Broadway Cinema celebrating the festival’s history and a series of specialist music films.

The festival continues to support emerging talent through a promoter mentorship scheme and industry days.

Tickets

Early bird wristbands giving access to every venue and performance are priced at £15 (+ booking fee), with student concessions at £10 (+ booking fee).

More information and tickets are available at www.hockleyhustle.co.uk.

Rock News final word: Hockley Hustle 2026 looks set to be a fitting celebration of 20 years of grassroots music, community spirit and charity fundraising in Nottingham. One of the most distinctive and inclusive one-day festivals on the calendar.