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 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 everyone 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.”
Alex Flint, CEO of It’s in Nottingham, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership: “We’re thrilled to support Green Hustle Festival as this year’s headline sponsor. At It’s in Nottingham, we believe in the power of community-driven initiatives to create lasting positive change. Green Hustle is a shining example of how creativity and collaboration can come together to make Nottingham a more sustainable city, and we’re proud to be part of that journey.”
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.
Green Hustle also planted their 10,000th tree this winter in partnership with Trees for Cities. Ten Thousand Trees aims to connect people with local nature, especially young people, children and families living in built up urban areas.
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.
Helen Emmett, Chief Financial Officer at Experian UK&I and a Nottingham resident, said: “Experian is delighted to support Green Hustle, knowing it means so much to Nottingham’s citizens, including many Experian colleagues. Many of
my colleagues, like me, recognise the importance of collectively improving the local environment and ensuring Nottingham is seen as a vibrant, inclusive City.”
Matthew Bunn, Sustainability Lead at Nottingham College, said: “Nottingham College understands the importance of this festival and is delighted to support it. As a collective we can strive for a cleaner and more liveable city and this festival goes a long way in helping us all to achieve that goal.”
Green Hustle is delivered with the help of more than 100 partners, community groups and organisations, with hundreds of volunteer hours given last year to help bring it to life.
To find out more, keep an eye on www.greenhustle.co.uk.
Posted on 26 March 2025
