Green Hustle, the free festival in Nottingham, will bring together thousands of people to enjoy live entertainment, workshops, a makers market and hands-on activities to inspire greener living.
This year, the festival is proudly headlined by It’s in Nottingham, the city’s Business Improvement District (BID), reaffirming its commitment to supporting initiatives that make Nottingham a greener, more vibrant place to live, study, work and play.
Green Hustle will take over the Old Market Square on Saturday 31 May for a day of free summer fun open to all, under the theme of Growing Together.
Already lined up for this year is live music and entertainment from Cultural Vibrations, dancers, circus acts and a makers market featuring local producers. A Community Garden showcase, an Action Cafe and new listening hub will provide inspiration along with the latest in Nottingham-led research on nature and environment.
‘Pay what you feel’ hot meals will return with Himmah Community Kitchen serving up 550 last year, along with other local food catering from Veggies and Abeyo Ethiopia. There will be plenty of ways people can get involved on the day, whether it’s hands-on planting activities, creative fun or simply turning up to enjoy a hot meal.
Last year saw more than 10,000 people visit the free festival with 95 percent of those surveyed saying they were inspired to make a change such as volunteering and planting or changing buying habits and supporting local independents.
Festival co-director Adam Pickering said: “Green Hustle is a much needed opportunity to get together, regardless of age, what area you’re from or your interests. Times might still be feeling hard for many, but we’re determined to put everyone in the driving seat in making a difference and helping all in our community thrive.
“Like any great festival, there’s something for everyone. But where else can you find it all for free? There’ll be lots of different ways to get involved in taking climate action and helping nature. Whether it’s fashion, live music, learning a new skill or enjoying some freshly made food, everyone can join in and enjoy a great day without paying a penny.
“Our theme Growing Together celebrates all that grows, and all that’s yet to grow. It’s all about hope. Our young people, our big ideas, our incredible potential to get together and do great things… all these start with a seed, and the conditions we need. So let’s all grow together, and paint the town green.”
The festival – established in 2020 – also has a lasting impact through projects such as the planting of the permanent beds and planters in Old Market Square and the donation of the University of Nottingham pop up garden to Welbeck Primary School, to help children learn about growing food.
In 2023, Green Hustle led a project funded by Raleigh with support from Canal and River Trust to revamp part of Nottingham Canal. The Wilford Street Wildlife Ramp project brought the now-familiar upcycled metal heron to its watery home.
As well as the funding from headline sponsor It’s in Nottingham, Green Hustle is supported by Experian, Nottingham College and Savoy Systems.
To find out more, keep an eye on www.greenhustle.co.uk