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Street photographer Charlie Valentine talks Nottingham: Urban Decline, her series currently displayed at New Art Exchange

When it comes to versatile photographers, Charlie Valentine certainly stands out in Notts, having made her name with grimy, analogue street photography, printmaking, and photography workshops. Currently, her series Nottingham: Urban Decline is featured at the ongoing Open exhibition at the New Art Exchange - she tells us all about this series, plus life as a photographer.

Allies and activism: Palestine solidarity in Nottingham

A campaigner on a range of issues, Louise Regan is the National Chair of the Palestine Solidarity Campaign, Chair of the Nottingham Palestine Solidarity Campaign and an Executive Member of the National Education Union (NEU). With the conversation around the Palestine movement increasing, we spoke to Louise about her previous visits to Palestine, the current aims of the PSC, and why this is an issue that has drawn huge protests in Nottingham.

Back to the future: chatting with the dual winners of Future Sound of Notts 2025

Back in July, what could safely be described as Nottingham’s most exciting music competition: Future Sound of Nottingham, returned to Rock City – eight local acts taking the stage to showcase their talent. R&B singer Saffron Gray and alt-rock trio Archy & the Astronauts were crowned dual winners, and bagged nothing less than a main-stage slot at Splendour Festival later last month. We thought that it was the perfect time to catch up with these two acts (before they’re swept up by the national music press, of course)... 

Left Magpie: 2025 Season Preview

Our monthly Notts County column is back after a hiatus and now penned by Julian McDougall, formerly of the beloved Notts County fanzine The Pie and currently of the excellent When Saturday Comes magazine. Here's his predictions for the coming season at Meadow Lane...

Left Stag: 2025 Season Preview

LeftLion August Issue #186

Featuring... LGBTQI+ cabaret collective Niche Artefact, photographer Charlie Valentine, Palestine Solidary Nottingham, football commentator Colin Fray, football season previews, author Danny Scott, Wild.NG, supper club The Underground Table, Inspire Urself carnival troupe, Sonic Boom Festival and more...

UK Women’s March Nottingham 2025

Coming up on the 9 August, The UK Women’s March aims to show in solidarity with women and girls around the world – to demand safety, equity and justice for women, girls and gender-diverse people everywhere. We caught up with Amy, the appointed City Lead for UK Nottingham Women’s March, to find out what's in store...

In pictures: Nottingham Pride 2025

Notts Pride celebrations took over the city last weekend in a joyous flurry of colour, creativity and solidarity. Photographer Nigel King went down to check out some of the wonderful acts performing on the main stage at Sneinton Market...

Truth or legend: the case of the Bramley Apple tree

With this month’s LeftLion cover presenting you lovely readers with a zen looking-tree person, and Sherwood Forest providing inspiration for the latest exhibition at Nottingham Castle, it seems only right to dive into the greener myths and legends Nottingham has nurtured over the last millennium...

In photos: Nothing But Thieves at Rock City

Overheard in Notts: July 2025

This month's instalment of Overheard in Notts features surprising jeans and combustible toilets...

Locating Lawrence: July 1925

Most people like an ice cream and book on the beach, unlike D.H Lawrence…

Remembering LGBTQ+ and woman's rights solicitor Laraine Del Buono

While Laraine Del Buono is remembered for her strong advocacy for LGBTQ+ and women's right her friends, Julian Griffiths and Carrie Salzedo recalls her commitment and passion towards work alongside her sense of humour and soprano voice.

Art auctions, fundraisers and gigs: Here's what's on in Notts this week, 28 July- 3 Aug

This week is packed full of summer fun for all ages. The creative scene is busy with auctions, gigs, yard parties and more to keep you on your toes and soaking up the summer sun. Here are our picks for this week...

The Thompsons on Splendour Festival, street names, and the Major Oak

Here's what Nottingham's most opinionated grocers had to say about this month's topics in LeftLion...

Festival review: Sunday at Splendour 2025 in Wollaton Park

Exhibition Review: Your Ears Later Will Know to Listen at Nottingham Contemporary

Combining many different artistic mediums, from sculpture to sonic installation, the Nottingham Contemporary’s latest group exhibition: Your Ears Later Will Know to Listen, explores sound and music and their relationship to themes like colonisation and dispossession.

Art Works: digital and canvas artist Abby Prior

For this month’s Artworks we spoke to Abby Prior, whose digital-inspired works are part of the currently ongoing New Art Exchange Open exhibition.

Our July cover artist Beth Gillespie on her Major Oak inspired cover

This month’s cover artist Beth Gillespie talks about art, folklore and finding fantasy in reality.