Jude and Musicians Perform at Hockley Hustle, Nottingham

Hockley Hustle returned to Nottingham this year, filling the city with live music, art and community spirit. Since it began in 2006, the annual festival has become one of Nottingham’s most exciting cultural highlights, with over 50 venues across Hockley and Sneinton opening their doors to hundreds of performers. It is not only a celebration of creativity but also a force for good, raising money for local charities and offering a platform for new and established artists alike.

This year, BeatFeet’s CEO Jude brought the unique sounds of the kora to the festival, performing alongside fellow musicians, Tom Shawcroft (Guitar)) and Andy (percussion). The kora, a traditional West African harp, has a distinctive and soulful tone that connected beautifully with the diverse programme of acts across the day. The performance highlighted how music can transcend boundaries, honour heritage and bring people together through shared experience.

Hockley Hustle is more than just a festival – it reflects Nottingham’s thriving creative identity. From intimate acoustic sets to large collaborative performances, audiences were able to wander between genres and spaces, discovering new music and re-connecting with the city’s cultural heartbeat.

For BeatFeet, the event resonates strongly with our mission to make expressive arts accessible and inclusive. Just as Hockley Hustle creates opportunities for artists and audiences from all backgrounds, our work with drumming and rhythm projects across Nottinghamshire aims to bring people together, build confidence and celebrate creativity.

Performing at Hockley Hustle reminds us of the importance of community festivals in keeping Nottingham’s cultural scene alive and thriving. We look forward to carrying that same energy and sense of connection into our upcoming workshops and projects.