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Simon Joyner

Joywave

Crazy Little Sing Called Pub and the joy of communal singing

From relieving stress and tension to releasing endorphins, it’s no wonder more than two million people across the UK sing regularly in choirs. But singing classic anthems like James’ Sit Down and The Killers’ All These Things That I’ve Done in a pub with a bunch of strangers? Well, that’s a new one. At local event Crazy Little Sing Called Pub the impact has been undeniable, with hundreds gathering each month to take part. We caught up with event founder Abi Moore to find more about this communal phenomenon.

Comfort, colour and joy: we spoke to Megan Crook about her clothing empire

Among the array of shop fronts in Sneinton Market, one you are not likely to miss is the vividly colourful Megan Crook. In addition to The Textile Guru, her separate fabric and haberdashery store, Megan Crook designs, sews and sells her own range of vibrant and quirky clothing, with a focus on inclusivity, sustainability and fun. We went along to chat to Megan to hear more…

Writing Happiness and Joy With Jemima Foxtrot

We chat with DECO about their debut album and the joy of touring

Formed in 2011, with roots in the Midlands and beyond, there’s a lot to unpack with 80s-influenced band Deco – and they've only just released their debut album. With two Nottingham shows imminent, lead singer Max Kendall found time to sit down with LeftLion to talk about the new record, as well as the band’s headline tour, and everything in between…

Theatre Review: Rush - A Joyous Jamaican Journey

The good ship Empire Windrush sets sail from the Playhouse...

The Joy Of Fragrance With Glass & Wick

We Chat to Better Joy Ahead of their Acoustic Show at Rescue Rooms

Following the release of their debut single Hard To Love, Manchester-based band Better Joy embark on a string of UK tour dates, making a stop at Rescue Rooms for a stripped-back acoustic show. The band are best known for their delicate interweaving of contemporary and classic alt-pop, infusing their sound with uplifting melodies and introspective lyricism. We chat to lead-vocalist and songwriter Bria Keely about Hard To Love, touring, and the upcoming Nottingham show...

Artists’ Film: Deborah Joyce Holman: Spill I-iii

Artists’ Film: Deborah Joyce Holman: Spill I-iii

Saul Henry: Saullelujah! the Power Of Positivity and Joy

Gig Review: The Joy Formidable at Rescue Rooms

It’s the last date of The Joy Formidable’s UK tour, and there’s a sense of wistful excitement in the air at Rescue Rooms...

The Joy Formidable

Simon Joyner

The Joyful Jukebox Keyworth Sing-along

The Joyful Jukebox Keyworth Sing-along

Inspire Youth Arts Huge Showcase Held At Nottingham Playhouse

Every now and again, people feel as though the creative scene can be a slightly restrictive place for inspiring creatives to be, but over at Inspire Youth Arts, they have made it their mission to ensure that every young person has access to the arts. We visited Nottingham Playhouse to immerse ourselves in some top quality performances as part of Inspire’s huge showcase...

Five Leaves Bookshop open book group discusses The Joys of Motherhood by Buchi Emecheta

Gig Review: Marcus Mumford at The Level

Taking to the stage without his Sons, Marcus Mumford still put on a memorable show in this intimate setting...

Big City Book Review: Joya Goffney’s ‘Excuse Me While I Ugly Cry’

Interested in getting your hands on four free books? Well you’re in luck, because Nottingham UNESCO City of Literature are giving just that away for their Big City Reads campaign. With stories ranging from loneliness to police injustice, and styles varying from prose to graphic novel, there’s something for every reader. Four young writers give us their run down of the books, beginning with Shakira Hamilton's take on Joya Goffney’s Excuse Me While I Ugly Cry...

Sick Joy

Exhibition Review: The Joy of Sculpture at Bonington Gallery

Few twentieth century artists have impacted the cultural zeitgeist like Andrew Logan has, leaving a lasting impact on filmmakers like Derek Jarman and cultural icons such as Malcolm Mclaren and Vivienne Westwood. Now, the artist is the focus of The Joy of Sculpture at Bonington Gallery, displaying jewellery, sculptures, and portraiture taken from Logan’s fifty year career…

The Resources, Groups and Organisations Committed to Nurturing Black Dignity, Joy and Achievement in Nottingham

We run through some of the most important support networks, arts organisations and community groups dedicated to ensuring social justice and equality in Nottingham and beyond... 

Bringing Notting Hill to Nottingham: Actress Sapphire Joy Discusses J'Ouvert

Set during a single afternoon at the 2017 Notting Hill Carnival post-Grenfell Tower fire, J’Ouvert is only the second play by a black female writer to appear on the West End. We talk to star actress Sapphire Joy about the vibrant, soul-stirring production as it moves to Nottingham’s Theatre Royal...