Site search

A gamemaster in Notts: we hear from an escape room employee

Escape rooms have become quite a craze in recent years - so much so that Nottingham is lucky to boast almost fifty different rooms in and around the city. Ranging from the family-friendly and fun to the downright creepy and challenging, the premise is simple - your team is locked in a space for typically one hour and must solve a series of puzzles in order to escape - and with intricate sets, curious props and clever narratives, they make for an immersive and unique experience. 

We decided to chat to one gamemaster in Notts to see what goes on behind the scenes, learn how the stories are created, and hear some of the strange observations they get on human relationships …Can you guess which escape room we spoke to? 

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

Kicking off a new regular New Music review series, LeftLion's Latest Listens is our picks of the latest and greatest sounds from all around Nottingham and the Midlands. This week, LeftLion listens to new releases from Hollow Stone, Ben Blackadder, Molly Hindley and LYVIA.

GIRLBAND! talk to us about their rising fame, the Notts music scene and what they’re currently listening to

Redefining alternative music and inclusivity, GIRLBAND! are smashing preconceptions with every release and live performance. Michael Prince recently spoke to the band for LeftLion…

Our August cover artist Dani Bacon talks photography, creativity and imposter syndrome

We chat to the photographer behind this month’s cover art, Dani Bacon…

Nadia on... the new Labour government

Nadia Whittome, the newly re-elected MP for Nottingham East and regular LeftLion columnist, talks about the new Labour government

We delve into Notts Queer History with CJ DeBarra

With the colour and joyfulness of Pride celebrations now a key part of our calendar, it’s easy to forget that not too long ago the LGBTQ+ community had to carefully hide their identities. The history books may skirt around it, but Queer people have existed forever - in Notts and beyond - and gradually their stories are coming out. Historian and journalist (and LeftLion’s newly appointed History Editor), CJ DeBarra has been researching Nottingham’s Queer history ahead of the upcoming release of their LGBTQ+ History Project. LeftLion HQ caught up with them to hear more about Nottingham’s Queer history…

Overheard in Notts: July 2024

So she went to work naked…

Theatre, cricket and LeftLion live. Here’s what’s on in Notts this week: 29 July - 4 August 2024...

The Summer holidays has officially started; LeftLion's here to help keep you and the little ones occupied. From romantic theatre, to radical punk, cricket and a special LeftLion live podcast, read all about them and more below...

We speak to Notts based men’s mental health charity Tough to Talk

Since forming in 2022, Notts based charity Tough to Talk has already been making positive waves in workplaces and male-centric communities. With his own personal mental health struggles giving him first hand knowledge of the struggles some men have with talking, founder Steve Whittle tells us about their successes so far and strategy for the future.

We talk to CIC Pulp Friction about supporting people with learning disabilities and Autism and their Chelsea Flower Show awards

Running for fourteen years, it all started with one college leaver’s simple ambition - getting a job. Pulp Friction has now grown into a multi-faceted organisation offering learning disabled and autistic people across Notts opportunities to get into work. Strings to their bow include running a community garden, community café, catering service, and their nominative mobile smoothie bike. Now they can add several Chelsea Flower Show awards. We met the team to hear all about their work…

Notts Pride, 80s inspired Boho festival, Imara art auction, a punk gig. Here's what's on in Nottingham this week 22 - 28 July

Happening here in Nottingham this week: Notts Pride street parties, Boho festival in the wilderness, Imara art auction, punk rock band Phat problem & friends, Madagascar the Musical at The Royal Centre.

Ahead of his Pride set, Hacienda DJ Graeme Park talks Selectadisc, the evolution of clubbing culture and being a DJ in the 90s

From starting out as a teenager working in a Notts record shop to DJing around the world and playing to 8000 alongside a classical orchestra, Graeme Park is one of the original founders of the UK’s clubbing and rave scene. We caught up with him ahead of two new shows in the city at Nottingham Pride and Hacienda Live at Wollaton Hall…

A protest organiser in Notts

Why is the right to protest important? From Pride to the Luddite movement, an activist in Notts talks about the need for demonstrations past and present.

Notts Folk-punk band Cheap Dirty Horse talk punk, politics and pop up gigs

I stumbled into The Old Bus Depot during the Dot To Dot Festival in May and came across my 'Best Find of the Day' award, as Cheap Dirty Horse played an anarchic set of songs, I was blown away by their attitude and their performance has stayed with me since. Imagine my pleasant surprise when LeftLion asked me to interview the band as part of the LGBT Pride special…

We talk shop with Nottingham legend and boss laydeh Charity Shop Sue

Fashion guru, DJ, LGBTQ+ icon, boss laydeh and star of her own TV show, it could be said that Charity Shop Sue is Nottingham’s biggest export. Having first graced our screens a decade ago, we thought it time to catch up, reflect on her illustrious career, and get some sahnd advice for living your best life.

Loud and proud: ten top LGBTQ musical acts to discover in Notts

Within music and entertainment the LGBTQI+ community have always been at the forefront of creativity, pushing boundaries of identity, performance and sound. In celebration of these, we take a look at some of the musical artists hailing from Nottingham's vibrant LGBTQ+ community. Have a read, and explore some new sounds from these wonderful creatives.

Our July cover artist Moonbuns Collective talk inspirations and creative processes

We chat to the creators of this month’s cover art, the Moonbuns Collective…

Nottingham designer and entrepreneur, Sara Christie talks about merging representation, authenticity, and empowerment with her family heritage

Nottingham designer and entrepreneur, Sara Christie, is no stranger to turning heads with her iconic, bold, statement accessories and signature chunky chains. Since the launch of her label BYSARACHRISTIE in 2020, her pieces have garnered a cult following. Fans include the likes of global superstar Kelis, popular singer-songwriter RAYE and actress Sarah Niles to name a few. Following the launch of her latest collection, The Empress Collection, we caught up with Sara to find out more…

Burrata, focaccia, sangria - oh my! Explore the Notts food scene with this tasty new tour

A new treat for cuisine connoisseurs in town is EAT: Nottingham Food Tours. Our two intrepid Food Editors, Julia and Lucy, take a wander through the streets of Nottingham to sample some of the best food the city has to offer - and along the way, they uncover historic tales that bring Nottingham’s past to life.

Festivals, exhibtions and gigs: Here's what's on this week in Notts: 1 - 7 July 2024

This week in Notts! Enjoy some homegrown talent on the canal at Waterfront Festival or an array of tribute acts at Could Be Real Festival, take an arty excursion to New Art Exchange or have a family day out at the Sneinton Festival.

Follow the rainbow: we learn about Notts LGBT+ Network

With official Pride month coming to an end and Notts Pride coming up soon, we thought it important to honour a charity that has given nearly fifty years of its time to Nottingham’s Queer community: Notts LGBT+ Network. Beth Green is a current volunteer for the Network; they caught up with two others David and Rachel, to share their commendable work and dedication.

Notts Book Arts Festival Returns To A Library Near You

'Blend' is the word at this year's celebration of zines, illustrations and bookbinding...

Overheard in Notts: June 2024

'That's Wollaton Hall, where they filmed the Spider-Man movies.'

Parties, theatre, the Queer Glitter Ball, a Boots Exhibition, and 90s grunge: Here's whats on in Notts this week: 24 - 30 June

The sun is out, the days are long. Get out and about in Notts this week to see exhibitions, theatre, gigs, parties and more. Here's our top picks of things coming up in Notts...

Hoops Meet Homicide in New Notts Thriller

Author and playwright Steve Orme’s hoop-shooting detective Miles Davies returns…