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LeftLion's Latest Listens #14: Notts music we're currently spinning

In this, the first edition of LeftLion's Latest Listens for 2025, our music team reviews new releases from Rainbow Frog Biscuits, Bad Milk Blood Robot, Eleanor McGregor and Divorce...

Review: Backyard Festival at The Bodega

When Nottingham’s music scene comes together for a cause, magic happens — and that’s exactly what unfolded at this year’s Backyard Festival at The Bodega...

Human rights barrister and author Christian Weaver talks about his second book, The Right To Protest

Rising Nottingham star Christian Weaver was named Legal Aid Newcomer of the Year in 2023 for his tenacious work addressing dangerous public housing. The Secret Barrister called his first book ‘exceptional‘ - we join him now as he releases his second, Your Right To Protest...

Switch Up founder Marcellus Baz talks about changing the lives of disadvantaged young people

The story of Dr Marcellus Baz BEM is stuff of Nottingham legend. From a kid weighed down by poverty to the leader of an internationally recognised social enterprise, he’s lifted countless people out of disadvantaged backgrounds while inspiring others along the way. Having started collaborating more often with businesses and charities across the city, he made time in his busy schedule to chat with us about the credo behind his long career.

Local metal group Evil Scarecrow talk puppets, props and crowd participation

With over two decades under their belts and a record for theatrical live performances, Evil Scarecrow are one of Nottingham’s most eccentric and entertaining live bands. Playing Beat the Streets later this month, Iulia Matei caught up with them to see what wickedness we have to look forward to.

Magic, caves, exhibitions and music: Here's what's on in Nottingham events 6 - 12 January 2025

It might be cold outside, but there's no need to be bored in January. This week in Notts there's magic, exhibitions, caves, live music and more....

The Garage: A 1980s Nottingham Music Haven

We take a look at The Garage nightclub, a fixture in the Lace Market during the 1980s opened by Selectadisc founder Brian Selby and home to live bands, house music, and much more besides…

Alternative sister duo ALT BLK ERA talk songwriting, honesty and working with Wheatus

From a MOBO award nomination and TikTok fame to playing packed tents at the country’s largest rock festivals, alternative duo ALT BLK ERA became one of Nottingham’s big breakout acts in 2024. With their highly anticipated debut album Rave Immortal set for release at the end of January, 2025 is shaping up to be an even bigger year for sisters Nyrobi and Chaya. To find out more about the making of the record and their plans for the upcoming year, we sat down for an expansive chat…

In photos: Lucy Spraggan at Rock City

In photos: Bad Nerves at Rescue Rooms

LeftLion Interviews Podcast #8: George Akins on Rock City, Beat The Streets, Thekla, Dot To Dot, Massive Attack and 30 years working in live music

A bonus eighth episode  talking with the most influential man in the Nottingham music scene, George Akins; owner of DHP Family, Rock City, Rescue Rooms, Bodega, Stealth, Splendour Festival, Dot To Dot and more...

Music Reviews: December 2024

This Christmas, our music team have highlighted new releases from Notts artists...

LeftLion Music: The Best of 2024 Awards

What a year it’s been for the Nottingham music scene: from new venues opening to local talent gaining national exposure, 2024 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 which took place in our city since the start of the year. Without further ado, here’s what stood out in the Notts music world in 2024…

Gig review: Christmas Covers at The Bodega

Mitch Gavell put his Christmas jumper on and headed to The Bodega for the Nottingham institution that is the Christmas Covers Party…

Gig review: The Publics at Rescue Rooms

Gig review: The Unthanks at Royal Albert Hall

The Unthanks filled the magical space of Nottingham's Albert Hall with timeless tales, and warm music despite the strains of Northumbrian winter...

Gig review: Otala at The Bodega, with Bram Bancroft and Martial Arts

They’ll be back eventually, but for now, local sweethearts Otala have performed what they say could be their last gig in Nottingham for a “long while”. Jake George was there to witness the celebration...

Paddy Sneath of Working Man's Kitchen talks about opening a new pizzeria in Sneinton Market

Home of the viral Pizza Dog, Working Man’s Kitchen built a national reputation from a humble food truck. Now it’s starting a new chapter as an independent pizzeria with an important cause at its heart. Co-food editor Lucy Campion sits down with Paddy Sneath, the working man behind the kitchen, to find out more about his pizzeria and journey from pylon painter to pizza maker. 

Gig review: Shed Seven at Rock City, with The Sherlocks

From Christmas jazz to seasonal stage productions: Here's what's on in Nottingham this week, 16-22 December

This week in Nottingham, festivities get into full-swing, as the Theatre Royal puts on some Christmas-themed show tunes and Bodega's annual Christmas Covers party returns for its 22nd year. Meanwhile, Lakeside Arts showcases a magical new stage show for kids and Malt Cross puts on a seasonal jazz night.

Gig review: Confyde at Billy Bootleggers

As the shows begin to quiet down towards Christmas and the New Year, a hometown performance at Billy Bootleggers for much loved local band Confyde was welcome news and a perfect way to get out of the horrendous weather for a few hours of heavy metal huddling...

LeftLion's Latest Listens #13: Notts music we're currently spinning

In this week's LeftLion's Latest Listens, our music team reviews new releases from ALT BLK ERA, Jayahadadream, Pretty Windows and Alice for Breakfast...

Gig review: Travis at Rock City

It's a rejuvenated Travis that take to the Rock City stage, that legendary stage which seems to transform a night out from good to great...

A seasonal stocking packed with composers and their Christmas gifts

Kevin Stanley is full of Christmas spirit as he reviews the Hallé's annual festive concert at the Royal Concert Hall...

Gig review: The Damned at Rock City

Despite mellowing a little with age, The Damned ripped through a generous set at Rock City, delighting fans and providing more than a few surprises...