This year’s Hockley Hustle Festival brought the people of Nottingham together to raise funds for our community and countless vulnerable people. As one of the UK’s leading specialist education providers for the entertainment industries and a significant creative industry employer at the heart of Nottingham’s cultural, social, and economic scene, we were thrilled to once again be involved.
The event saw 350 artists wow audiences across countless venues with all proceeds set to benefit causes close to our hearts: Emmanuel House, Base 51, SFiCE Foundation, B’Me Cancer Communities and Imara.
This year we were delighted to have our own ‘Confetti Presents’ stage at local entertainment venue, Bunkers Hill. Our creative business hub, Antenna, also played a vital role this year as co-host to Hockley Hustle’s first-ever Industry Day, devoted to supercharging home grown music talent. Not to mention our live music and events venue, Metronome, also played its part, hosting a diverse range of acts on Sunday 22 October.
Supported by their college tutors and degree lecturers, Confetti students lent their considerable expertise to the event management and production, in roles ranging from lighting, sound and filming, to artist liaisons and content creators.
Courses involved included Level 3 Technical Events and BSc (Hons) Event Production, BA (Hons) Event Management, BA (Hons) Music Business, BA (Hons) Music Performance, BSc (Hons) Film Production Technology, BSc (Hons) TV Production Technology, and BA (Hons) Content Creation.
We caught up with a few of the students involved to find out what they got up to and what they enjoyed most:
“It’s been lots of fun being part of Hockley Hustle. You get great hands-on experience in the live events industry and even though I’ve worked at events like this before, there’s just something special about this festival. Today at Bunkers Hill, I am stage manager, so I’m basically in charge of the running of the production, particularly keeping it to time. I’m really grateful for the work opportunities Confetti provides and I’m looking forward to the upcoming gig we’re doing at Metronome next week.” – Hrishita Chugh, Level 3 Technical Events student.
“It’s my second time at Hockley Hustle – it’s a good opportunity to support a local event which benefits local people and charities. Today I’m looking after the sound, making sure the artists’ performances and instruments sound the best they can be. Confetti is great, I first did the BTEC Level 3 course where I worked on several events like Radfest, last year’s Hockley Hustle and lots of great gigs at Metronome. I enjoyed it so much I’ve come back to do the degree course. The experience today is definitely helping my development and I can’t wait for what comes next.” – George Barnard, BSc (Hons) Event Production student.
“I feel like I should be the one thanking you for the amazing opportunity to film for the day. I enjoyed every second of it and would love to take up any future opportunities.
This was my first work experience opportunity, and I definitely won’t be forgetting it any time soon. Thank you!” – James Foster, Film Production Technology student.
We were delighted to also have an incredible number of Confetti artists performing across stages this year. Comprised of current students and alumni, they included GoodGoodBye, Tracy Luvv, PASTE, Marvin’s Revenge, The Publics, LYVIA, The Chase, Alfie Sharp, Luna and The Lime Slices, Kyoto Skies, COURTNEY, The Alfie Wallace Band, Cam Mannix, Blu Syrup, Bill Sage, Steven Willis, Laddz, Airport Dad, Sancho Panza, Unified Roots, Fakers, Molly Hindley, Eli, Badhand and Ellie Stainsby.
All in all, 75 Confetti students and alumni took part, accumulating an incredible 400 hours of ‘Do It For Real’ experience! We’ve received lots of excellent feedback from students and staff, and the Festival organisers have praised the high-level of work, talent and enthusiasm shown by all. Here’s a word from Hockley Hustle Festival Director, Ben Welch:
“We’re buzzing to have once again worked with Confetti. Hockley Hustle couldn’t exist without the dedicated number of students and staff that support the running of the festival.
“We love seeing the next generation of music industry professionals come through Confetti’s ranks and we’re proud to be partners with such an exciting institution offering their students such a brilliant mix of on the ground experience.”
Festival Director and Producer, Tommy Roseley added:
“It was an absolute pleasure to work with the Confetti Students at the 2023 Hockley Hustle. They displayed talent, professionalism and good spirits throughout the day. We look forward to working with them again.”
Whether you missed it or simply want to relive the fun, be sure to take a look at some of the highlights from the day:
Thank you to our friends, Hustle Collective who organised a fantastic event this year. It was amazing to see the streets of Hockley bustling with crowds of people enjoying the many street performances – a wonderful display of togetherness and unity.
If you are interested in getting hands-on experience as part of your studies, book onto an Open Day and find out about all the opportunities on offer here at Confetti.
