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In photos: The Icicle Works at Rescue Rooms

Gig review: NOISY at The Bodega

Pelham Street came alive on Friday night, as The Bodega was filled with the intoxicating DnB-meets-anything goes sounds of NOISY. Daisy Carter-Davies was there to see – and hear – the action...

Gig Review: Soft Launch at Rough Trade, with Lizzie Esau

But there’s no bad blood 'cause Soft Launch look too good on the Rough Trade stage. LeftLion's Talia Robinson headed to the record store's legendary upstairs stage to find out why the new kids on the block are so hotly anticipated by critics...

Gig review: Cardinal Black at Rock City

They may have taken the scenic route but Cardinal Black are finally here, and they’ve got plenty of stories to tell on the Rock City stage...

Gig review: Punk Rock Factory at Rock City

At the LeftLion office, it's no secret that Head Designer Natalie Owen is a rock music enthusiast and a massive Disney fan. So, when we heard that Punk Rock Factory, a rock band known for their Disney covers, were coming to Nottingham, there was only one choice to review the gig...

Hockley Hustle: 10 Acts You Can't Afford to Miss

Hockley Hustle, Nottingham’s beloved multi-venue music and arts festival, will return with its usual dose of chaos, creativity, and community spirit this weekend. Over the years, it’s become a must-attend event in the city’s cultural calendar, taking over the bars, pubs, and streets of Hockley for a full day of live music, art, and charity fundraising. What started as a grassroots initiative in 2006 has blossomed into a vibrant showcase for local talent, with artists spanning genres from indie and hip-hop to jazz and grime, rubbing shoulders with some of the best up-and-coming talent in the East Midlands.

From local legends making waves on the national scene to fresh talent ready to blow your socks off, 2024’s edition promises a mix of sounds as eclectic as the city itself.  With this year’s event just around the corner, we’ve scoured the line-up to bring you 10 of the acts you absolutely can’t afford to miss this year...

Gig review: Jet at Rock City

Celebrating 21 years of debut album Get Born, Jet landed at Rock City to prove exactly why their songs have such long-lasting appeal...

Gig review: Snayx at The Bodega

Hard-working, noisy but relentlessly proficient: Snayx have a fearsome reputation. Their set at The Bodega, partnering with Safe Gigs for Women, was characteristically respectful if very sweaty...

In photos: Good Neighbours at The Bodega

Paul Smith, Horror films, Hockley Hustle, Veggie food and KittyArama: Here's what's on this week in Nottingham: 14-20 October 2024

There's so much happening in Nottingham this week, we couldn't narrow it down! Enjoy some horror movies, gigs galore, hear from Notts fashion legend Paul Smith and lots more.

Gig review: Tusks at The Bodega

Emily Underhill's Tusks has taken on a wonderful life of its own, an excitingly atmospheric project which enthralls in recorded form. At her first headline gig in Nottingham, her music proved captivating - even on a Monday...

Gig review: Seas of Mirth at The Old Bus Depot

For one night only, The Old Bus Depot was transformed into a neon-lit sub-aquatic world of wonder, as genre-blending independent band Seas of Mirth made their incomparable mark. LeftLion's Lewis Oxley dived in...

Gig review: FEET at Rescue Rooms, with Otala and L’Objectif

Put away your umbrellas, our English Weather just got a whole lot brighter. Coventry five-piece FEET adorned the Rescue Rooms stage with enough indie-pop to pack a punch, and we headed down to get our fix...

Gig review: Bess Atwell at Rescue Rooms, with Pem

Stopping off on her Light Sleeper tour, Bess Atwell enthralled a well-filled Rescue Rooms with a precise but emotive set. With intense and ethereal sounds from Pem in support, it was a memorable evening...

Gig review: Rhoda Dakar at The Bodega

Rhoda Dakar is a legend of the 2-Tone scene with a decades-long career winning her multitudes of fans. Many of those fans gathered at The Bodega for a jubilant and celebratory performance...

Gig review: Apocalyptica at Rock City

Back in 1996, Finnish metal outfit and classically trained cellists Apocalyptica made a name for themselves by playing Metallica’s music through their revolutionary and mightily impressive string arrangements. Now almost 30 years and 10 albums later, they have returned to play Metallica’s greatest hits once again in their own unique style. To witness this one-of-a-kind event, we headed down to catch their show at Rock City…

In photos: Seb Lowe at Rescue Rooms, with The Guest List

Gig review: Wunderhorse at Rock City

Nottingham’s Rock City played host to a night of raw energy and exceptional musicianship, headlined by Wunderhorse with support from London-based HighSchool. It’s soon to say, but it might just be a contender for gig of the year…

Gig review: Marseille at Rescue Rooms

Rescue Rooms played host to a mid-week Derbyshire triple bill as Marseille arrived for a huge headline show, joined by The Blooms and Shadows of a Silhouette...

Gig review: Night Swimming at The Bodega Bar

Sometimes a gig breaks from the usual mould, and Monday night at The Bodega offered just that: a seated, laid-back atmosphere in the downstairs bar with free entry, where the crowd gathered around small tables in a casual but attentive setting…

Gig review: Bored Marsh at Rough Trade

The hallowed Rough Trade stage hosted an eclectic mix of local music as Bored Marsh celebrated the launch of their debut EP, IDIOT, with support from Hhymn and TRANKS...

Gig review: Lace Thief at Rough Trade

Launching a brand new single at Rough Trade is a great way to celebrate. We watched indie-folk project Lace Thief perform a languid and vibey show, with strong support from Peter Hall and Cracked Hands...

Hockley Hustle 2024: preview and highlights

The indomitable Hockley Hustle is back! Taking place on Sunday 20 October, and showcasing 400 artists over fifty venues, see the city’s music, arts and culture come alive with music, art dancing and creative workshops. With proceeds going to nine different Nottingham charities, the festival has raised £200,000 over its eighteen years. We spoke to some of the people involved this year to hear their highlights from previous years and see what they are looking forward to.

Gig review: The Dangerous Summer at Rescue Rooms, with Happydaze and Broadside

All the way from Ellicott City, Maryland, The Dangerous Summer graced Nottingham's Rescue Rooms, delivering an unforgettable alternative rock performance. Known for their emotionally raw lyrics and anthemic sound, the band did not disappoint...

Gig review: Divorce at The Bodega with Catmilk

We stopped by The Bodega to catch the first night of a four-date residence for fast-rising local band Divorce. Combining elements of grunge, country and alt-rock, the four piece put on a blazing show...