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Blues, dance, and Hong Kong culture: Here's what's on in Nottingham

There's lots of events this week set to spread some strong community spirit and selfless sentiment here in Notts. Here are some of our favourites... 

Laid bare: James bassist Jim Glennie talks the story of the band before their Motorpoint show

Plenty of legendary bands have come out of Manchester but James are one of the most enduring. Through four decades the group have continued to evolve – delivering iconic indie anthems like Sit Down, She’s a Star and Laid – alongside their famously unpredictable live performances.

They’re playing Motorpoint Arena this month, as part of a UK tour in support of their new Definitive Best Of collection – in advance bassist and founding member Jim Glennie looks back on the story of the band… 

LeftLion Interviews Podcast #15: Blur’s Dave Rowntree on NASA, Nottingham gigs and his new book of old Blur photos

This episode we are joined by Blur drummer Dave Rowntree who talks about Blur's early years, his memories (or lack of) of their Nottingham appearances, NASA and space and his new photo book No-one You Know'..

Undercover artist: April Seaworth depicts springtime Notts in motion

The stars align this month, as our regular contributing illustrator April Seaworth presents our April 2026 cover. Below April talks about her work, inspirations, and why we should listen closely to the city and to nature… 

Blurry photos: Blur drummer Dave Rowntree talks his brand new photography book

As well as being one quarter of seminal English alternative rock band Blur, Dave Rowntree has been a politician, lawyer, animator, composer and alcoholic (not necessarily in that order). He’s heading to Metronome this month to showcase No One You Know, a book of photos from the early days of the band…

Theatre Review: Apple of Discord at The People’s Hall

When gods gather for a wedding, chaos is never far behind. So say Nottingham's theatre company Chronic Insanity in their amazing immersive production entitled Apple of Discord. LeftLion joins the madness..

Rediscovering wild medicines and food with The Nottingham Forager

Nestled in roadside thickets, hidden amongst hedgerows and sprouting from our local playing fields, parks and playgrounds, a world of forgotten foods quietly grow. With shoots spurting from the ground as we move into spring, Sophie Gargett spent some time with Lucy Buckle, aka The Nottingham Forager, to discover more about identifying, picking and eating wild food.

Gig review: Eyre Llew at The Grove, with Ella Clayton

Nottingham’s ambient veterans Eyre Llew gave an assembled crowd at The Grove a taste of a new era. With support from the sublime Ella Clayton, we experienced a magical evening...

Left Magpie: The Ides of March and the Known Unknowns

As March turns to April and County face another ‘business end’, our resident columnist Julian McDougall ponders a set of known unknowns. 

Perfect Pawtraits: Dog Life Drawing at Blend Cafe

Dog Life Drawing is much like any regular life drawing class except for one key difference; the models all have four legs! Kathy Giddins went along to the latest session at Blend Cafe...

Notts County goalkeeper James Belshaw on his storied life in football

Born and raised in Clifton in a Notts County-supporting household, James Belshaw took a circular route to finally becoming Notts County’s goalkeeper. After dropping out of the Magpies youth system in 2005, at the age of 35 he finally signed for the club last January. This followed a journey via the USA, the English National Leagues, two play-off final wins for Harrogate (including one against Notts), and player of the season award at the Bristol Rovers…

Gig review: Gorillaz at Motorpoint Arena

It’s incredible to think that across their 25+ year existence, the world’s most famous animated band – Gorillaz - hadn’t performed in Nottingham until now. However, in support of their highly ambitious and India-inspired new record The Mountain, Damon Albarn brought a huge ensemble along to the Motorpoint Arena to finally right that wrong. Here’s what went down at Gorillaz’s visually epic and guest-filled debut show in Nottingham…