Site search

Gig review: BERENICE at The Angel

After her last visit filled with busking in the streets, BERENICE finally makes her bold debut performance in Nottingham, gracing the stage upstairs in The Angel Microbrewery. LeftLion was there to witness the charm...

Comedy Review: Mike Rice's Cruel Little Man at the Nottingham Arts Theatre

One of Ireland's finest new comedians has Nottingham rolling in the aisles...

LeftLion Issue #192 February 2026

Featuring Andy Warhol, Child Friendly City, Jim Baron of Crazy P and White Elephant, Victoria Centre Market, Light Night, Architecture Social Club, Sherwood Forest Trust, Hidden Brew and more...

Gig review: Marmozets at Rescue Rooms

Gig review: Kid Kapichi at Rough Trade

Fresh off the back of the release of their fourth album, Fearless Nature, Kid Kapichi showcased their new two-man line up at Rough Trade, for an intimate performance and signing. With a small 150 capacity space in the attic, vocalist and guitarist Jack Wilson and bassist Eddie Lewis played to an adoring crowd filled with people of every age and walk of life...

From stadiums to stages: Here's what's on in Nottingham this week, 26 January - 1 February

There are some big, once in a blue moon events this week in Notts, from live jazz and protest comedy to football and theatre.

Gig review: Cast at Rock City

Cast rolled back the years at Rock City with a joyous celebration of their debut album, All Change...

In photos: Tom Gensler at The Old Bus Depot

Singer-songwriter (and regular LeftLion music writer) Tom Gensler delivered a successful debut headline show at The Old Bus Depot, supported on stage by Leah Wilcox and, Daisy Peacock. We dropped in to see the show and join many others from the supportive Notts music community...

Gig review: Dry Cleaning at Metronome

The Windmill in Brixton has churned out more obscure and subversive acts than one can shake a stick at. Black Country, New Road, black midi (R.I.P Matt Keasniewski), and Fat White Family trace their origins to this mini mecca of the DIY scene. While Dry Cleaning did not form straight out of the Windmill, their Brixton roots are well known. The band’s rise from part-time university lecturers to re-inventers of juxtaposing prose with taut, contracting post-punk music has been nothing but praiseworthy. Their show in Nottingham's Metronome would be unmissable...

Album lauches, gripping theatre and top quality comedy: Here's what's on in Nottingham this week Monday 19 - Sunday 25 January

New year, new music. If you’re looking to add some new albums to your playlists, look no further than this weeks’ gig picks. If drama is more your thing, we have you covered with gripping theatre and opera. If you’re simply looking to brighten up the January days, we have a dose of comedy that will do just the trick.

Seeing the wood for the trees: what makes Nottingham a 'green' city?

With the recent success of urban greening projects, like the Green Heart Park, Nottingham is starting 2026 with lots of love for spots of nature in-and-around its city centre. Caradoc Gayer looks at what makes Nottingham a particularly ‘green’ city, and how in 2026 we can continue to ensure that it stays that way. 

Gig review: Biffy Clyro at Motorpoint Arena

They are one of Britain’s most beloved rock bands, having headlined major festivals like Download and Reading & Leeds Festival multiple times over the years. But Scottish trio Biffy Clyro have been avoiding playing our great city, having not played Nottingham since November 2010 – long before their rise to festival headliner status. Correcting that wrong this January, Biffy finally returned to Nottingham after 15 long years as part of their Futique arena tour – and it was one show we simply couldn’t miss…

Out of Time: The Lonely Hearts Magazine of Nottingham

When it comes to dating, we often think of Tinder, Grindr, Hinge… the list goes on. But how did people meet each other before we could swipe right? Surprisingly, the history of the personal advert is thought to go back to the 1700s, but one of the earliest examples from Nottingham was a monthly magazine called The Link. CJ De Barra delves into its history and the repercussions of its ‘improper’ use…

From grassroots gigs to arena shows: Here's what's on in Nottingham, 12 - 18 January

January: a quiet month? Not in Nottingham. This week the city stays busy as ever, with nationally loved bands playing shows and smaller gigs taking place at local venues. If you're suffering from January blues there's bound to be something here that will banish them... 

From The Kitchen with Connor Sullivan, Head Chef at Bar Iberico

We chat to Connor Sullivan, Head Chef at Bar Iberico Nottingham

Ten Nottingham activities that could improve your mental and physical wellness

It’s a new year and inevitably many of our thoughts turn to lifestyle changes, getting fit, trying new things and increasing our physical and mental wellness. Aside from hitting the gym there are various other things you can try in Nottingham to get the endorphins going and make this January feel a little lighter. Here are a few of our recommendations, but make sure that you check out individual websites for special events and more info…

Pantomines, plays, art, and singing: Here's what's on in Nottingham during Christmas 2025

Season's greetings everybody! We know that around now is the time when lots of us get off work for a bit, and look for new, festive things to do around Notts with people that we care about. With that in mind, here are eight events happening through Christmas and New Year, in Nottingham, which we're certain are worth attending... 

Truth or Legend: the case of the classic Nottingham greeting

Our urban myths investigator Matthew Blaney takes a look at the possible origins of the classic Nottingham greeting... 

“It’s time to restate the case for the nature-first approach to Broad Marsh” - Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust urge local people to have their say on Homes England consultation

As Homes England moves the Broad Marsh development forward, public consultation continues. Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust’s Erin McDaid argues that whilst the UK Government continues to push the false narrative that nature is a blocker of growth, Nottingham’s Green Heart shows that nature can unlock a once in a generation transformation of our city. 

Gig review: James Yorkston at The Bodega

It wasn’t too long ago that James Yorkston visited The Bodega. Last time, it was with collaborator – and lead singer of Swedish legends The Cardigans – Nina Persson. This time, he finds himself in the midst of a solo tour, obviously relishing the relative freedom that affords as well as the venue’s improved dressing room (now with sofas!). Part gig, part suped-up folk night at your local, this was a rambunctious, heartfelt and human evening of music...

In photos: Sabaton at Motorpoint Area

Gig review: Divorce at Rock City

What a year it has been for Nottingham’s indie darlings Divorce. Since their historic four-night sold out run at The Bodega last September, they’ve released a critically acclaimed debut album in Drive To Goldenhammer, toured music festivals and venues all around the world and ended up on the cover of NME Magazine. Then to put a bow on an incredible 12 months, they closed out their headline UK tour at Rock City this past weekend with their biggest hometown show to date. Here’s what happened at their victory lap…

Nottingham City of Literature Call For Young Readers For Big City Reads 2026.

Are you, or do you know, a young person aged between 14-25 who loves reading and wants to give back to their community? If so read on...

Gig review: Wheatus at Rescue Rooms

Though they are no strangers to Nottingham, Wheatus delivered a highly nostalgic, energetic, and interactive midweek show at Rescue Rooms as if it was their first time. They maintain a distinctive, affectionate relationship with Nottingham, even adopting referring to the crowd as “Notts”, which is a small but strikingly sincere touch. Supported by Thomas Nicholas Band, of the American Pie franchise fame, with covers aplenty, we went along to hear for ourselves...

In photos: Seb Lowe at Rescue Rooms