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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's Latest Listens #38: Notts music we're currently spinning

With this year off to a great start for new music, in this edition of LeftLion's Latest Listens for 2026, our music team reviews releases from Divorce feat. Marcus Mumford, Blackadder, Bloodworm and Make Strangers...

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. 

LeftLion's Latest Listens #37: Notts music we're spinning in 2026

In this, the first edition of LeftLion's Latest Listens for 2026, our music team reviews new releases from Daudi Matsiko, Ruby Aeron, ktlyle, LYVIA and Verbal Warning...

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…

Fine Fat Funk: Fat Digester talk thirty years of making music ahead of Beat the Streets

Not many Nottingham-based bands and acts can boast a thirty-year longevity, but Fat Digester certainly can. The eclectic, cool and funky collective have been making audiences move and groove in awe since the 90s, and have no intention of stopping or slowing anytime soon. We had a chat with frontman Paul 'Ned' Needham all about the band’s approaches, stage shows and very exciting future plans!

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

Step Right Up! Sneinton Market's Circus Hub tell us about their inclusive range of classes

If January, or life in general, has you feeling slothful, running away with the circus can sound like just the right dose of romanticism. But rather than leave your entire life to cavort with clowns, how about heading down to Sneinton Market’s Circus Hub to try some aerial silks, hoop, rope, and trapeze. We spoke to owners Kay Monrose and Ria Ashcroft, to hear about the benefits of their diverse range of classes and why anyone can have a go at circus skills…

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…

The LeftLion music awards: what we loved in 2025

From thriving new venues to an abundance of local talent gaining national exposure, 2025 proved that our city is one of the best in the country for breeding and platforming exceptional musical talent. With this in mind, we thought we’d celebrate with some end-of-year awards – championing the best local releases and gigs to happen this year in Nottingham. Voted for by our music team, here’s what stood out in the Notts music world in 2025…

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