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Lounge trip: a multi platform project to uplift East Midlands filmmakers

From discovering his love of telling stories as a child to curating a range of opportunities for the next generation of filmmakers, we chat to Charlie Sharp about his latest project, Just Like Grandad’s, the future of film in the East Midlands, and Lounge Trip, a curated film screening event in Notts.

F is For Film: November 2026

Nottingham is a city for film. So why don't we act like it? 

Work in progress: comedian Arthur Smith on his show at the Nottingham Comedy Festival

Arthur Smith, grumpy old man and famous comedian, is one of the headliners of the Nottingham Comedy Festival. What comedic treats does he have in store for us? 

Nottingham Comedy Festival 2026: chatting to the performers

Starting Friday 30 October, the Nottingham Comedy Festival is back, bringing ten days of national talent and hilarity to bars, pubs and clubs of Nottingham. We spoke to a few comedians involved to find out what’s so funny…

Bringing Nottingham Together Through Film: Inside Nottingham Film Festival

Director of Programming Ciaran Shea discusses Nottingham Film Festival’s expansion, its commitment to local filmmakers and sustainable cinema, and its ambition to make film accessible to everyone across the city.

Journalist and Filmmaker James Maycock on Gil Scott-Heron: The Revolution Will Not Be Televised

James Maycock is a London-based British documentary film director, producer and print journalist. He was the Assistant Producer on the 2003 BBC Film Gil Scott-Heron: The Revolution Will Not Be Televised, working closely with and supporting the director Don Letts. He’s coming to the Malt Cross this month to discuss that film and more…

Inside Mayhem Film Festival: Celebrating Independent Genre Cinema in Nottingham

Mayhem Film Festival co-directors Steven Sheil, Meli Gueneau and Chris Cooke discuss the festival’s 21-year journey, its role in championing independent and international filmmakers, and why Nottingham’s genre film community continues to thrive.

Mansfield Town Film Festival Celebrates Independent Film at 2026 Awards

The 2026 Mansfield Town Film Festival celebrated independent cinema and diverse voices, recognising filmmakers across a range of categories. With award-winning films, inspiring stories from local and international creatives, and its BIFA-qualifying status, MTFF continues to champion emerging talent and establish Mansfield as a growing hub for independent filmmaking.

Festival review: Beeston Oxjam 2026

Competition: Win a pair of tickets to Wingtoberfest

The ultimate mash-up of chicken wings, beer, live music and Bavarian-style mayhem is coming to Nottingham for a two-day celebration on 23-24 October. We have two pairs of tickets to give away for two clucky readers...

Canne-t? A Friendly, Short Film Festival at Mammoth Cinema

A look at Canne-t, a DIY short film festival bringing friends, creativity and plenty of humour together at Nottingham’s Mammoth Cinema. From heartfelt stories to surreal comedies, the festival was a reminder to make something simply for the joy of creating.

Comedy Interview: Ben Macpherson from Nottingham Comedy Festival

Ben is a familiar face on the Nottingham comedy circuit, including Club Wormhole and Apple of Discord. And in November he's one of the acts at the Nottingham Comedy Festival. He shares some of his comedy secrets with Left Lion...

Common Ground: Alan Lodge's upcoming exhibition documents protests, parties and festivals over the last fifty years

Opening this month at Bonington Gallery is Common Grounds: Counterculture & Confrontation since 1976, a retrospective of the work of Alan ‘Tash’ Lodge. One of the UK’s most prolific photographers of alternative lifestyles, Alan’s work gives a vivid first person insight into the new age traveller movement and the 90s free-party scene, raising questions about the right to gather, policing, surveillance and community.

In photos: Sonic Boom Festival 2026

Sonic Boom, the independent and - amazingly - free music festival, once again took over Burton on Trent town centre, showcasing the best local artists and some from further afield. Nigel King documented the day...

Art Fest 2026: what's happening this year?

After bringing over thirty murals to Nottingham in the past five years, Art Fest is doing things differently in 2026. Through exhibitions, street art tours, talks and workshops, this year’s programme celebrates Nottingham’s visual artists while opening conversations about what comes next… 

Nottingham’s Biggest Ever Wine Festival Launches alongside Legendary Annual CAMRA Beer Festival at Trent Bridge

The Trent Bridge Wine, Champagne and Prosecco Festival will run alongside the popular beer and cider festival between Wednesday 7 and Saturday 10 October...

Mansfield Town Film Festival 2026: in conversation with director Jay Martin

Coming up later this month, Mansfield Town Film Festival provides a packed three day schedule of working-class voices, locally made films, live screenings, masterclasses, and Q&As. We spoke to festival director Jay Martin about representation, community and why Mansfield is putting the East Midlands firmly on the cinema map… 

Stage Review: Robin Hood International Improv Festival at the Squire Performing Arts.

If you think improv is just a group of comedians shouting random words at each other until someone says something funny, then Nottingham’s Robin Hood International Improv Festival might just change your mind...

In photos: Foolhardy Folk Festival 2026 at The Arboretum

Skilfully curated by honorary Notts-man Beans on Toast, Foolhardy Folk Festival has become a hugely popular bank holiday event. With the bandstand as its focal point, this year's festival once again combined the best elements of nature and music. This year's lineup included Badly Drawn Boy, Skinny Lister, 3 Daft Monkeys, K.O.G and Beans on Toast himself...

Festival review: the LeftLion guide to Shambala

Just over a hour away from Notts, Shambala Festival brought creativity, silliness and a great line up over bank holiday weekend. Despite a bit of wet weather threatening to dampen the fun, LeftLion editor Sophie Gargett donned some wellies and went along to check out the silliness...

Gig review: The Grove turns two!

When it opened in 2024, The Grove immediately became a vital part of Nottingham's grassroots music scene. With legendary sound, friendly staff and a truly inclusive attitude, it has since grown as a favourite among bands and gig-goers alike. The venue recently celebrated its 2nd birthday with a series of performances by local acts Rainbow Frog Biscuits, Jacquline, Veduna, OK, Lady, Amantes, Riley Marsh, George Gadd + The Aftermath, Cheap Dirty Horse and Hystamine. We sent Ryan and Nigel along for a slice of cake and some top tunes...

Festival review: LeftLion at 110 Above

Almost hidden on a Leicestershire plateau set at the lofty altitude of 110m above sea level, the lucky few (hundred) can discover a music festival like no other. Without any sign of corporate sponsorship or gimmick, 110 Above exists to create a shared experience, for all ages, based on good music. LeftLion spent two special days there...

Exhibition review: 86:26 LGBTQ+ Film, Heritage and Archive this week at Backlit

A collaboration between BACKLIT Gallery and the British Film Institute, 86:26 explores queer history and heritage in Nottingham. Under the direction of CJ De Barra from the Notts Queer History Archive, the exhibition is taking place in the BACKLIT main gallery from 24 August until 30 August.

The Route to Cappyness: Notts filmmaker Sharon Walia on her brand new documentary

Nottingham filmmaker Sharon Walia’s work has covered a variety of topics – from guinea pigs to refugees. With her newest documentary, The Route to Cappyness, she looks at how the world’s largest rodent could be the key to positivity across the globe, from Brazil and Japan to the USA and Wheelgate Park. We spoke to Sharon about why the capybara is important, how she made the film, and her travels across the UK, USA, Brazil, and Japan. 

Nottingham Book Festival 2026 is coming to Broadway Cinema

For the first time in ten years, Nottingham is celebrating all things books. The Nottingham Book Festival will call Broadway Cinema home this year. LeftLion turns the page and delves into the small print…