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Catching up with Willow Bay ahead of their EP launch show at The Carousel

Melodic folk-trio Willow Bay are back with a bang on 28th February as The Carousel hosts the launch of the band's first-ever EP, Evangeline. The live-performance chemistry between the three members is contagious, and they have been known to silence every audience member in sight with their angelic harmonies. We caught up with the band (lead vocalist and guitarist Aaliyah, guitarist and banjo player Matt, and electric guitarist Ben) to dig deep into the story of the EP and their development as a band...

Murder mysteries and powerful performances: Here's what's on this week in Nottingham 23 February - 1 March

As February draws to a close, the week ahead in Nottingham spans gripping theatre, film, live music and atmospheric storytelling...

The best burgers in Nottingham? Meet Bomba, the newest contender...

There are new burgers in town and they rival Nottingham’s greatest. Bomba is rejecting gourmet fillings and towering stacks for the nostalgia of a simple American burger. Food co-editor Lucy Campion shares her thoughts on their new Wild-West-inspired menu.

Gina Birch on truth, insight and how to live a life devoid of convention

An emblem of passion, a staple of creativity... Gina Birch has been key to establishing and presenting the female voice within the punk music movement. Nottingham born Gina is well-known as a founding member of The Raincoats but her contribution goes much, much wider. Ria Serena found out more for LeftLion... 

Theatre Review: Kiss Me Kate by the West Bridgford Operatic Society at the Squire Performing Arts Centre

The West Bridgford Operatic Society puts on Kiss Me Kate, Cole Porter's famed musical that juggles a play within a play. Ambitious stuff. So how did they do...  

Theatre Review: Double Indemnity at Nottingham’s Theatre Royal

It’s not so often that one of the greatest crime novels of the twentieth-century comes to life in front of our very eyes! Last week Double Indemnity hit the stage at the Theatre Royal, so we went along to witness the perfect crime unfold...

Andy Warhol-inspired theatre, a boxing tournament, and much more: Here's what's on this week in Nottingham, 16 - 22 February

This week, as Spring approaches, Notts gets busy with art, music, theatre, live podcasting, and much more – the possibilities of things to do are almost endless.... 

LeftLion's Latest Listens #39: Notts music we're currently spinning

In this edition of LeftLion's Latest Listens for 2026, our music team reviews new releases from ALT BLK ERA, Book of Churches, The Red Line, People Laughing and Pict...

Stirring things up: meeting the voices behind local chronic illness and business podcast 3Spoonies

Running a successful podcast is quite the task in itself, but what happens when you pair it with chronic illness, fluctuating energy levels, and times when you feel like your body is fighting against you? Emily Davies sat down to talk to the minds behind 3Spoonies, a Nottinghamshire-based podcast hosted by Karen Duncan, Claire Napper, and Jo O’Neil, about everything from balancing their work and home lives to how we can make entrepreneurship more inclusive.

Comedy Review: Vittorio Angelone's 'You Can't Say Nothing Any More' at the Nottingham Arts Theatre

Vittorio Angelone is back in town again with his new show at the Nottingham Art's Theatre. The show is titled You Can't Say Nothing Any More. However, our Leftlion critic had plenty to say about that...  

Left Stag: February - A Rollercoaster Ride

If a week is a long time in politics,  then two months is an age in football. Because of the Burn’s Night Scottish special in January, that’s how long it’s been since we had a proper check in on Mansfield Town’s progress...

Truth or Legend: The case of Mortimer and Isabella

For this month's instalment of our regular dive into weird Nottingham history Matthew Blaney delves into the story of royal usurpers Mortimer and Isabella...

Nadia on... the collapse of international law

Labour MP for Nottingham East Nadia Whittome discusses the collapse of international law.

Left Magpie February: Happy New Year

Back with another Left Magpie, Julian McDougall - our Notts County specialist - on what is beginning to look like a promotion-teasing campaign for the Pies! 

Class of 2026: six local music acts set to take Notts by storm in 2026

2025 in Notts music was mostly defined by awards. Rave-metal sister duo ALT BLK ERA won a MOBO award, rapper Jayahadadream won two Youth Music Awards including the Rising Star prize – and beloved venue The Bodega was crowned Grassroots Champion at the LIVE Awards.

Locally, we also saw the return of Splendour Festival with the Future Sound of Nottingham winners Saffron Gray and Archie & The Astronauts opening the festival main stage. This got us thinking – who are the next breakout stars from Nottingham and who can we expect to shine in the year ahead? After much deliberation, here’s six artists we expect to have a big 2026…

We speak to Nanna Bryndís Hilmarsdóttir from Of Monsters and Men

Tusk 'til dawn: Jim Baron of Crazy P fame on his new musical project White Elephant

Best known as one of the founders of Notts electronic music titans Crazy P, Jim Baron (aka Ron Basejam) is a man with his fingers in several musical pies. This month sees the release of World Elephant Day, the first album from White Elephant – a collaborative project with Ben Smith (of Smith & Mudd fame) and fellow Crazy P member Chris Todd. In a wide-ranging catchup, Jim takes us from the halcyon days of nineties Notts to his solo work, and how The Sopranos played a role in the story of Crazy P… 

Review: Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures - The Red Shoes at the Theatre Royal

A stunning reimagining of the classic film

Pride in the Past at the National Civil War Centre in Newark

Pride in the Past at the National Civil War Centre shines a light on LGBTQ+ histories often left out  of the mainstream narrative. Thought-provoking and celebratory in equal measure, it offers a powerful reminder that LGBTQ+ people have always been here - and that reclaiming these stories is an act of pride, visibility, and empowerment. 

We catch up with Sunna Margrét ahead of her Rough Trade show

Icelandic alt-pop artist Sunna Margrét will be performing live at Rough Trade as part of her UK mini tour. Ahead of the date, she shares her thoughts on the influence of her country, language and culture on her music, as well as her bond with Nottingham electro-funk masters Revenge of Calculon...

Guns, hamburgers and dollar signs: Andy Warhol comes to Lakeside Arts

Over at Lakeside Arts, a new exhibition, Andy Warhol: Pop Icon documents the work and influence of the famed and enigmatic artist. Featuring rock stars, Hollywood icons, death, hamburgers, guns, and money, this not-to-be-missed exhibition covers Warhol’s glittering career over four decades – Editor Sophie Gargett went along to unpick some of the themes behind his work. 

What's Happening At Nottingham's Festival of Science and Curiosity in 2026

For two weeks every February, a wide range of scientists, researchers, engineers, creatives and inventors get out of the lab and go into Notts schools, libraries and community venues to show their work...

Notts artist Nakufo on her new light installation

For this month’s Art Works we heard from Notts based artist Nakufo, whose work Obelisk of Connectivity will be part of Light Night 2026.

What To See At Light Night 2026: Strobes in the Square, A 10 Metre Long Purring Cat, An Obelisk and More

Back for its eighteenth year this weekend, see the city glow after dark for this free, family-friendly event and explore landmarks, streets, art and hidden corners. 

We chat to Stuart Braithwaite of Mogwai

Scottish post-rock would be nothing without Mogwai, who have now entered their fourth decade. Ahead of their date at Rock City on 15th February, we spoke to the band - in the shape of frontman Stuart Braithwaite - about their new album, film scores, and the upcoming tour...