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Gig review: Royal Republic at Rock City

Combine a packed crowd with a contagiously charismatic and high-energy performance and you’ll get a show that’ll leave you saying “wow, wow, wow”! Royal Republic had the whole crowd bouncing, with Dea Matrona perfectly setting the scene for a night that was both fast-paced and fun. Phillippa Walsh enjoyed a true feast for the senses...

Everything Everything: In Conversation with Chris Hawkins at Saltbox

Art-rockers Everything Everything have already performed twice in Nottingham this year, having launched their latest opus Mountainhead at Rough Trade back in March before bringing the album to life at Rock City a month later in April. However, this their third show of the year in Notts was something a bit different, with frontman Jonathan Higgs and guitarist/producer Alex Robertshaw sitting down with BBC 6Music presenter Chris Hawkins, to talk through their career and play acoustic tracks from each of their albums. With the promise of a special night down at Saltbox, we went along to observe this unique event and report back what we learned…

In photos: The Mouse Outfit at Peggy's Skylight

Comedy Review: Juliette Burton in the LOL-GBTQ+ at the Lord Roberts Comedy Festival

Juliette Burton offers more than just laughs in her stand-up performances... 

Review: Aren't We Havin' A Good Time (Short film)

A short poignant film about dementia and the toll it takes on both sufferers and the people who love them...

Gig review: Seckou Keita and the Homeland Band at Metronome

Bringing a taste of Senegal to Metronome on a dark October night, Seckou Keita and the Homeland Band performed a rich and blistering set...

Gig review: Sum 41 at Motorpoint Arena

For over 30 years, Sum 41 have remained one of the biggest names in pop punk. For 90s kids like me, the band would soundtrack our adolescence, with their impressive catalogue of hits finding their way into numerous parts of 00s pop culture. Sadly though, all good things must come to an end, with the band announcing these Autumn dates will be their last ever here in the UK. So, to bid a final farewell to a band that many grew up with, we headed over to the arena to catch Sum 41’s last show here in Nottingham…

Gig review: Bloodworm at The Bodega

Bloodworm’s sold-out Halloween gig at The Bodega was nothing short of iconic, packed with humour, heavy riffs, and Halloween energy that Nottingham fans won’t forget anytime soon. With support from the mesmerising Swallowtail, the night was a celebration of raw talent and dedication from both bands…

Caves, campervans and comedy: the life of a Notts comedy promoter

Ian Whitcombe started off running comedy shows in his local pub and now has big names calling up for a gig. He talks to Left Lion about his role in the Nottingham Comedy Festival, the acts he has nurtured, and his own journey into the land of laughs... 

Gig review: Pale Waves at Rock City

In October, Rock City was graced by indie-rock stars Pale Waves on the third date of their Smitten tour. Supported by rising trio Swim School, it was a captivating night...

Gig review: Uncle Lucius at The Bodega

It's a long road from Texas to The Bodega, but Uncle Lucius made that journey last week, filling the intimate Nottingham venues with tales of whiskey, bar fights and God's own country...

Chapters of history: author Simon Smalley turns the pages on Nottingham’s queer past

The history of St. Ann’s has always been a fascinating one. Today, the idea that the council could bulldoze entire areas of communities separating neighbours and friends is one that is difficult to imagine. However, for those who lived it, it’s still all too real. CJ De Barra speaks to St Ann’s born-and-bred author Simon Smalley about growing up in the area as a young gay man in the 60s and 70s.

Notts County Council Seeks Opinions on New Ten-Year Library Plan

As the County Council launches a consultation on its new ten-year library strategy, Dr David Hindley of Nottingham Trent University wonders what that will mean...

LeftLion's Latest Listens #9: Notts music we're currently spinning

In this week's LeftLion's Latest Listens, our music team reviews new releases from Luna & The Lime Slices, The Junipers, Jude Forsey and Kelsey & The Embers ...

Gig review: Young T & Bugsey at Rescue Rooms

Bugsey and Young T got Nottingham moving at their first hometown show in eight years, headlining Rescue Rooms. We were there to see it all...

We tried out two immersive escape rooms at Escapologic

When the LeftLion team were invited to Escapologic for a competitive, team-building afternoon, it seemed too good of an opportunity to miss, but what mind-bending and mysterious fun awaited...