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How the Lenton Centre is providing for the people of NG7

The past couple of years have been more challenging than ever for Nottinghamshire’s community centres and hubs. In recent times of austerity many have seen their funding cut, despite their services being needed more than ever. However, shining out like a beacon is The Lenton Centre, which will soon be celebrating twenty years of independent community ownership. We spoke to Ben Rawson and Amy Whitmore about the challenges of providing a charity and providing a swimming pool, gym, café and quite a lot more to the residents of NG7…

The founders of outreach website Nott Alone tell us about their mission to demystify mental health support

Back in 2021 educational psychologists Dr Maddi Popoola and Dr Orlaith Green launched NottAlone: a website aggregating mental health resources across the city and county in the most compassionate, clear and accessible way possible. Initially just a resource for young people, the website has since expanded to encompass adults’ mental health needs and linked live events with schools across Nottinghamshire, seeing huge traffic the whole time. With even more on the horizon for NottAlone, we spoke to Maddi and Orlaith about its inception and their outlook on tackling mental health issues.

Gig review: Moonlit at Rough Trade

Recent winners (for good reason!) of the Ultimate Battle of the Bands, Moonlit, headlined Rough Trade Nottingham alongside fellow NTU artists Skunk and Emily Sanders…

Crowned in Sound: Talking memorable interviews, The Chameleon and Billy Bootleggers with music journo Dom Gourlay

Growing up in Mansfield, Dom Gourlay didn’t realise he’d later become one of the country’s top music journalists. We grabbed a long overdue coffee with Dom, currently the Festivals and Live Reviews Editor for Under the Radar. 

Gig review: The Waterboys at Rock City

To celebrate the release of Life, Death and Dennis Hopper - a concept album celebrating the film pioneer the project is named after - The Waterboys have embarked on an impressive 32-date tour across the UK. Naturally, LeftLion couldn’t miss their visit to Nottingham...

Gig review: The Amazons at Rough Trade

The sun is out, the weather is warm, and Nottingham's Rough Trade is buzzing with energy as the dance floor fills with eager gig-goers, all gathering to see The Amazons. Now two days into their in-store Rough Trade tour, the rock band, known for their anthemic sound and blistering live performances, continue to draw crowds with ease... 

Nadia on... Young Men and the Manosphere

In her regular column, and in the wake of the Netflix conversation-starter Adolescence, Nottingham East's MP Nadia Whittome talks about the climate surrounding young men and the Manosphere....

[Content warning: mentions of gendered violence, rape and sexual assault.]

Theatre review: Detention at Nottingham Playhouse

The final instalment in Gary Clarke’s masterpiece trilogy of dance theatre, Detention takes us through the shameful history of Section 28, reliving how life was like for the queer community. Capturing their fear, determination and drive that led to breakthroughs in LGBTQ+ rights as we know them today - and a sobering reminder of how far we still have to go.

Art exhibitions, community events and legendary gigs: here's what's on events this week in Nottingham 12 - 19 May 2025

This week in Notts, explore our material world, take One Step At A Time for community, or listen to some big tunes shaking the Arena... 

Exhibition Review: Human Life in Motion at Primary Gallery

With reflections on travel, migration, identity, and what it means to be left behind, artist Maia Ruth Lee’s current exhibition at Primary brings sculptures and banners that are grounded in meaning and memory, whilst also being weightless and liberated.

We review Kinoteka, the Polish Film Festival

Join us for a deep dive into two of the films at this year's Kinoteka Film Festival...

Film Review: The Accountant

Join us as we review the Accountant 2. It's got action, twists and turns, and comedy - did it pack in just a little too much? 

LeftLion Interviews Podcast #10: Comedian Matt Forde on His Early Life In Notts, Kier Starmer, Spitting Image, Forest, Cancer and The End of An Era Tour

Originally from Lenton, Matt Forde is a comedian, TV and radio presenter, writer, impressionist and quite a lot more. He’s perhaps best known for his podcast The Political Party, but he's also a regular face on TV and currently on his End of An Era Tour...

Did LeftLion save the Sheriff in Escapologic’s Robin Of Lockskey escape room?

Last week as Escapologic celebrated their 10th birthday, the LeftLion team were invited down to try out another of their fantastic escape rooms, Robin Of Lockskey. But did we manage to save the Sheriff and escape? Read on to find out…