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The Nottingham Culture Review of 2024

Welcome to our annual culture review of 2024, a year marked by a national changing-of-the-guard from fourteen years of the Tories. On a local level, we saw highs and lows in Nottingham arts and culture, from the sad final days of some loved businesses to inspiring successes for individuals, artists, groups and charities….

Music Reviews: December 2024

This Christmas, our music team have highlighted new releases from Notts artists...

Gig review: The Unthanks at Royal Albert Hall

The Unthanks filled the magical space of Nottingham's Albert Hall with timeless tales, and warm music despite the strains of Northumbrian winter...

It doesn't seem a year too long, a decade of Beeston Tales

Mike Payton and Tim Ralph, founders of the Beeston Tales, celebrate their tenth anniversary with a special night of fun... 

Gig review: Otala at The Bodega, with Bram Bancroft and Martial Arts

They’ll be back eventually, but for now, local sweethearts Otala have performed what they say could be their last gig in Nottingham for a “long while”. Jake George was there to witness the celebration...

The Storm Whale at Lakeside Arts

A heartwarming production brings Benji Davies’s tale to life, blending puppetry, music and charm, celebrating friendship, belonging and unexpected connections...

Gig review: The Jesus and Mary Chain at Rock City

Rock City on a frosty December night felt the perfect setting for The Jesus and Mary Chain’s return, and forty years on from their earliest gigs, the show was as visceral and cool as ever...

Gig review: Catmilk at Metronome, with Sobscene and Mouse Teeth

Originally scheduled for October but postponed until last Thursday evening, Catmilk have been keeping us all on our toes. Last performing at Hockley Hustle 2024 at Antenna, and returning once again as an alt-folk four piece (with a brand new single), we found they were truly worth the wait... 

Gig review: The Deep Blue at The Bodega, with Katie Keddie and Headgazer.

If there’s one thing you can expect from a Deep Blue show, it’s unpredictability. The band's set at The Bodega was a perfect mix of raw honesty, playful chaos, and exquisite musicianship, anchored by their unwavering connection with the audience…

Gig review: Wizards Can't Be Lawyers, Trupa Trupa and Rights For Flies at The Bodega

It’s quite something that, at a gig with three bands performing, the least strange name on the bill is Trupa Trupa. However, with Rights For Flies and Wizards Can’t Be Lawyers also on the bill at The Bodega last week, it’s difficult to argue the contrary...

Gig review: The Darkness at Rough Trade

Taking a break from his prosperous side hustle as a successful YouTuber, Justin Hawkins is back doing what he does best – rocking out with Rufus, Frankie and brother Dan in The Darkness. With their brilliantly titled new album Dreams On Toast set for a March release, the band stopped by Rough Trade Nottingham to give fans an early preview of their latest project, and surely a rendition of their festive hit, Christmas Time (Don’t Let The Bells End). Surely…right?! Er, here’s what went down…

Gig review: Shed Seven at Rock City, with The Sherlocks

Gig review: Miles Kane at Rescue Rooms

Bonafide Indie rocker Miles Kane returned to Nottingham with his one man band voyage. He graced the Rescue Rooms and left no one in doubt that he's still got it - and is on the up again....

Gig review: Confyde at Billy Bootleggers

As the shows begin to quiet down towards Christmas and the New Year, a hometown performance at Billy Bootleggers for much loved local band Confyde was welcome news and a perfect way to get out of the horrendous weather for a few hours of heavy metal huddling...

LeftLion's Latest Listens #13: Notts music we're currently spinning

In this week's LeftLion's Latest Listens, our music team reviews new releases from ALT BLK ERA, Jayahadadream, Pretty Windows and Alice for Breakfast...

Gig review: Travis at Rock City

It's a rejuvenated Travis that take to the Rock City stage, that legendary stage which seems to transform a night out from good to great...

A seasonal stocking packed with composers and their Christmas gifts

Kevin Stanley is full of Christmas spirit as he reviews the Hallé's annual festive concert at the Royal Concert Hall...

Gig review: The Damned at Rock City

Despite mellowing a little with age, The Damned ripped through a generous set at Rock City, delighting fans and providing more than a few surprises...

Gig review: Skinny Lister at Rescue Rooms

With an energetic and "free spirited" set at Rescue Rooms, folk-punk group Skinny Lister put us straight into in Christmas mode...

Gig review: Victory Lap at The Bodega

It was a night of diverse sounds and dynamic performances at The Bodega, with relative newcomers Victory Lap headlining an evening that also featured two exceptional support acts: Leeds-based Prima Star Power and well-known local group Grain Mother…

Puppets, songs, dances, jokes, not to mention a duckling on a quest for self-discovery

Film Review: Nightbitch

Is this dark horror comedy all bark and no bite? Join us as we review Nightbitch...

Film Review: Conclave

Sometimes a film just doesn't amount to more than the sum of its parts...

Gig review: Richard Hawley at The Level

A rare appearance in Nottingham, as part of his annual pre-Christmas mini-tour, saw Richard Hawley play to a sold out crowd at The Level, backed by a five-piece band of tight, but lucid musicians...

Gig review: The Chats at Rock City

It's Wednesday, it's raining hard, it's cold and....Rock City is packed. No one was gonna be put off and at stay home if The Chats were in town. It's time to party..!!