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Exploring antiques, art and community treasure trove Hopkinson Vintage

Hidden gem Hopkinson could be described as what happens when a Victorian hardware store has a wildly creative midlife crisis - and we mean that in the best way. Part-shop, part-café bar, part-museum (and occasionally part-maze), this four storey antiques and art centre is packed with independent artists, vintage trinkets, handmade oddities, and curiosities you definitely didn’t plan on buying but absolutely will. Co-owner, Bryony Woodgates, talks about her tenure co-directing the space with Ash Hudson…

Shakespeare Unfolded Festival: A celebration of insightful performances and creative exploration coming to Nottingham

Between Mon 16 – Sat 21 March Nottingham's Theatre Royal and Royal Concert Hall will be hosting a free festival of performances, workshops, academic insight and open mic nights; inviting audiences to experience William Shakespeare’s classic works in new ways...

Gig review: Willow Bay at The Carousel

Willow Bay welcomed their new EP Evangeline to a jam-packed Carousel last Saturday night. They crafted together an evening with undeniable chemistry, between both the band and the audience…

Theatre Review: Matt Parker – Getting Triggy With It at the Nottingham Playhouse

Matt Parker is a best-selling author and stand-up performer, who has built a reputation for being a wizz at mathes.  As part of his mission to bring maths to the masses, he has just been in town. Leftlion crunches the numbers... 

Julie Pritchard 1966-2026

It is with deep sadness that we mark the passing of Julie Pritchard, columnist for LeftLion and the founder of the original Nottingham Forest fanzine Brian, who passed away after a short illness on 17 February 2026.

Here's what's happening this International Women's Day in Nottingham

There's plenty happening in Nottingham this weekend to celebrate International Women's Day - check out workshops, performances, and exhibitions and support our city's wonderful women.

Gig review: Sorry at Rescue Rooms

In celebration of their defiant record Cosplay, released late in 2025, Sorry hit Nottingham's Rescue Rooms as part of their tour. They proved distinctive and compelling in their own right...

From painting, to our Panthers and gigs in between: Here's what's on this week in Nottingham, 2 - 8 March

We're welcoming march in true Notts fashion: a week filled with live music, creative meet-ups, and a celebration of positive change...

Home away from home: life for Nottingham's Ukrainian diaspora

For decades, there has been a strong Ukrainian community in Notts, organising events and fundraisers to keep their culture and traditions alive. As such, Russia’s 2022 invasion of the country made our city an obvious destination for many refugee families. As we pass the invasion’s fourth anniversary, members of City Hub Ukraine and the Ukrainian School Band talk about supporting the diaspora and people caught up in the conflict… 

LeftLion's Latest Listens #40: Notts music we're currently spinning

Welcome to the fortieth edition of LeftLion's Latest Listens! This week, our music team reviews new releases from Hhymn, Kezia Gill, Matt McCarthy, Vee Adu and Terza Rima...

Gig review: Myles Smith at Rescue Rooms

This week, University of Nottingham graduate Myles Smith returned to Rescue Rooms, a venue he last played in 2019 for one of the intimate BRITs Week 2026 shows supporting War Child. Seeing Myles back in Nottingham, in a smaller venue that holds memories, made the night feel even more special...

Theatre Review: The King Stone at Nottingham Playhouse

A brand new play channels the mystical energy of the Nine Ladies, Derbyshire's stone circle. But what can ancient monuments and the spinning cosmos say about relationships down here on earth... 

Gig review: Of Monsters and Men at Rock City

Icelandic legends Of Monsters and Men are back making folk-music history with their UK & Europe Tour following the release of their latest album All is Love and Pain in the Mouse Parade. We caught them as they stopped of at - where else - Rock City...

Gig review: The Ukrainians at Nottingham Ukrainian Cultural Centre

Locating Lawrence: February 1926

Lawrence is well stocked up with vino, but the weather is as ‘dismal as Hades.’ Perhaps it's time for another adventure...

Gig review: Kezia Gill at Rock City

Kezia Gill, backed by a band of top musicians, realised her dream of playing a headline show at Rock City, in the city where she was born. She performed to an enthusiastic and appreciative crowd, which included all of her family and friends, and plenty of fans...

Gig review: The Callous Daoboys at Rescue Rooms

The Callous Daoboys were back in town this week, riding the high of their highly praised 2025 album I Don’t Want to See You in Heaven. After quickly selling out The Bodega, the gig was promoted to Rescue Rooms which (unsurprisingly) also sold out! LeftLion headed there to catch the band for what is likely to be the last time before they graduate to Rock City and beyond…

Gig review: Blackbeard's Tea Party at The Bodega

Starting out as an acoustic busking band in York nearly 20 years ago, Blackbeard’s Tea Party have evolved into a solid five-piece folk rock band whose live performances have included the legendary festivals of Glastonbury and Fairport’s Cropredy Convention. If you insist on your folk delivered in a traditional acoustic way complete with flat caps, then this may not the band for you. However, if you’re up for something a bit livelier, then check them out. We did, at The Bodega...

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.

Gig review: Big Special at Rescue Rooms

Black Country duo Big Special are one of those bands that is so much more than the sum of its parts, punching well above their weight in many different ways. Their rise has been rapid, and their new album charts that journey. We caught them at Rescue Rooms, along with two other unique duos...

Gig review: Mogwai at Rock City

Eleven studio albums, nine live albums, with nearly as many film scores, composed over the course of 30 years. A discography this plentiful is enough to be the envy of most well-established bands. Mogwai, the owners of said discography, have achieved this through a combination of creative vision, technical virtuosity and instrumental skill to become one of the metaphorical heads on the “Mount Rushmore” of post-rock. The Scottish band’s delve into the genre has seen them appeal to an expanding fan base, evidenced by the acclaim of their 2021 album As the Love Continues… which went to #1 in the album charts and earned them a Mercury prize nomination...

Gig review: Mumford and Sons at Rock City

Downsizing from their usual arena shows, Mumford and Sons treated an afternoon crowd at Rock City to a snapshot insight into their new album, Prize Fighter...

Gig review: Chasing Abbey at The Bodega

Traditional Irish meets alt-electric band Chasing Abbey played a storming sellout gig to a lively and enthusiastic crowd, some of whom had travelled over from Ireland to witness the band’s first ever visit to The Bodega in Nottingham...

Gig review: Coach Party at Rescue Rooms

Parking up in Nottingham for the second stop of their Club Caramel 2026 tour, Coach Party delivered buzzing tunes, joy and a genuine sense of togetherness. Local band Marvin’s Revenge and honorary local Lizzie Esau provided solid support - and proof that rainy Thursdays can still be the best nights out…