Global initiative coming to Nottingham
A GLOBAL initiative that brings together community action, skill-building and live music is coming to Nottingham this month, as registrations for Nottingham RockCorps open this February.
The initiative, which rewards community volunteering with tickets to exclusive concerts, is being delivered locally by the High Sheriff of Nottinghamshire in partnership with RockCorps.
Nottingham RockCorps is powered by lead partner Experian, with a coalition of supporting partners including the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Nottinghamshire, E.On, DHP Family, Manchester Airport Group, Nottingham College, Cartwright, Nottingham City Business Club, Forever Notts, It’s in Nottingham and Raven Sky Consulting.
Registrations open on 24 February, where people are invited to sign up to giving just four hours of their time to local community causes, in exchange for a ticket to an exclusive gig at Rock City on 8 April 2026.
Last summer, Police and Crime Commissioner Gary Godden challenged partners in Nottinghamshire to “think differently” about how to sustain long-term positive outcomes for children and young people in Nottinghamshire.
PCC Godden said: “This is exactly the kind of bold, collaborative thinking we need if we are serious about creating lasting change for our children and young people.
“By bringing together leaders, businesses, charities and the cultural sector, Nottingham RockCorps shows what can happen when partners step outside traditional approaches and think differently about engagement.
“Often, we talk about problems in isolation. This initiative flips that on its head - using music, volunteering and community action as a powerful vehicle to build confidence, skills and stronger neighbourhoods.”
The concert will be headlined by British chart topper, Tinie Tempah, with opening act from MOBO-nominated rapper JayaHadADream, whose music journey began in Nottingham while studying at university in the city. Volunteers will give just four hours of their time at community projects running from 21 March to 8 April, in partnership with local charities including Communities Unite, Stonebridge City Farm, The Lenton Centre, Beeston Youth & Community Centre and Epic Partners.
Participants will support their local area through completing hands-on activities such as renovation projects, gardening and environmental improvements, in return for their exclusive gig ticket.
Ed Attenborough, the High Sheriff of Nottinghamshire, said: “This is a brilliant example of collective action for our community. Music and volunteering are both fantastic ways to engage your county’s young people. I am so thrilled to work with our great community partners.”
Richard Donovan, Head of Social Innovation at Experian, added: “This partnership reflects our commitment to supporting communities where we live and work.
“By combining volunteering with music, RockCorps creates an experience that is inclusive, inspiring and impactful; helping people build skills, confidence and connections while making a real difference locally.”
Since its inception, RockCorps has mobilised over 205,000 volunteers and hosted more than 50 concerts worldwide, featuring international music artists like Rihanna, Lady Gaga, Black Eyed Peas, Pharrell and David Guetta.
Feedback from previous RockCorps programmes have shown clear impact, with volunteers stating that*:
• 97% of participants said they were likely to volunteer again
• 77% reported increased confidence and employability skills
• One in three attended their first-ever concert through RockCorps (*Data from ibisRockCorps 2024).
Tinie Tempah said: “Music has always been about bringing people together. Through my career I’ve seen how much young people can achieve when they’re given the tools and opportunity.” “Whether through mentoring or through my own projects, I know the power of taking action and making a real impact. Nottingham RockCorps gives people the chance to make a difference in their city – and earn their ticket to a concert at the same time. I can’t wait to see everyone come together at Rock City. It’s going to be a moment!”
Nottingham RockCorps aims to rally up to 2,000 volunteers in 2026, with the long-term ambition to expand the project and engage thousands more volunteers.
Alongside volunteering opportunities, paid roles within the volunteer services team will be available for the duration of the programme.
The initiative empowers people to take action on causes close to their hearts while developing skills, confidence and lasting connections.
Stephen Greene CBE, CEO of RockCorps, said: “It's a privilege to be involved in such a great collective impact project.
“RockCorps grew from an idea that volunteering can be powerful, inclusive and exciting. Nottingham has a rich cultural and community heritage, and this partnership shows what’s possible when local leadership, businesses and communities come together to create positive change.”
The High Sheriff of Nottinghamshire, RockCorps and partners share a commitment to diversity, inclusion and the power of music to unite communities, rooted in the belief that volunteering should be as rewarding as it is impactful.
Through the programme, Nottingham becomes the first UK city in the Midlands to welcome the global RockCorps initiative, showing how civic leaders, businesses and communities can work to deliver meaningful social impact.
Registration to Nottingham RockCorps opens today, 24 February, at www.nottinghamrockcorps.com, with the concert taking place on 8 April 2026 at Rock City, Nottingham.