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“All my life I’ve been taught that the police won’t help me” – Artist and activist Kay on George Floyd, police brutality and the ongoing protests in Britain…

For many, the death of George Floyd was quickly contextualised as an American problem. Stories of racial profiling and police brutality have grown to become expected from a country that seems more divided than it has been in a generation, leaving many in Britain feeling disgusted at how things are done on that side of the Atlantic. But, as the events of the last week have shown, the illusion that issues raised from Floyd’s killing are consigned to the US has been roundly smashed, with thousands taking to the streets in eighteen countries around the world (as well as all fifty US States) to support the Black Lives Matter campaign, which is now considered the largest Civil Rights campaign in history. Growing up in the projects of Alameda, California to Eritrea-born parents, artist and activist Kay – who works under the name The Rainbow Prince – has seen the way police brutality and racism takes form on both sides of the pond, having moved to Nottingham six months ago. And as Notts gets ready to play its part in the movement with a protest on Sunday 6 June, we talk to Kay about why activism is important in the UK…

Notts Rebels: 1831 Reform Bill Riots

In celebration of the Nottingham Castle Trust’s #VoicesofToday campaign, our Notts Rebels series continues with a look at the 1831 Reform Bill Riots, which shook Nottingham 189 years ago...

The Battle of Stoke Field: The Story Behind Nottinghamshire's Only Registered Battlefield

It was the battle that finally ended the War of the Roses, the bloody civil struggle for control of the throne that plagued England for decades, and has been described as one of the defining moments in the country’s history. With this month marking the 533rd anniversary of the events that took place on Nottinghamshire’s only registered battlefield, we take a look at the story behind The Battle of Stoke Field…

5 Nottingham Albums to Listen to This Month

Brighten up your lockdown with this month's Notts musical highlights...

My First... Month in Isolation

We hear your anonymous stories about adapting to life in a pandemic...

5 Nottingham Albums to Listen to This Month

The sounds of Notts, reviewed. If you'd like to write for us, or want your tunes chatted about, get in touch by emailing music@leftlion.co.uk...

Historical Author Emily Brand: "I feel a sort of security in writing about real people who lived, loved and died, generations ago"

Emily Brand is a local historian who’s been researching the Byron family tree and all its drama-sprouting branches. With a close look at life in the eighteenth century, her fourth book The Fall of the House of Byron is released this month. We sat down for a digital chat with the author to find out more...

She Found It At The Movies: Author Christina Newland on Her Book on Female Desire in Film

Nottingham-based freelancer Christina Newland has penned articles for film mags from Empire to Sight & Sound, but now it’s her turn in the editor’s chair. We spoke to her about her new collection of essays, She Found it at the Movies...

March Mix of the Month: Beane’s Proper Notts House Party

In this mix series we invite local DJs to get creative with each issue’s theme. For March's history focus, Beane Noodler serves up Nottingham's house output from the 90s to now...

6 Nottingham Soldiers and the Historical Turning Points They Found Themselves in

It’s a sad fact of history that the fate of nations was often decided on the field of battle. In amidst the smoke of firing muskets, the explosions of cannonballs, the clashing of swords and the screams of dead and dying men, history was written in blood, and the world as we now know it was formed. In a new six-part podcast series, we’re bringing to life the stories of six Nottingham soldiers who were witness to these historical turning points, uncovering how life took them from the streets of Nottingham to some of the most definitive battles in world history… 

6 Nottingham Venues with a History of Murder, Poison and Intrigue

From T C Hine to Watson Fothergill, Nottingham has had more than its fair share of renowned architects leaving their stamp on the city’s skyscape. But beyond the outer beauty of the structures they created lie stories of deceit, murder, poison and intrigue. These are the weird and wonderful true stories from some of Nottingham’s most stunning historic buildings...

Book Reviews: March 2020

A few words about words...

5 Nottingham Albums to Listen to This Month

The sounds of Notts, reviewed. If you'd like to write for us, or want your tunes chatted about, get in touch by emailing music@leftlion.co.uk...

Film Review: True History of the Kelly Gang

1917's George MacKay gives a manic performance as Ned Kelly in Justin Kurzel's outback Western...

Comedian Mark Thomas is Bringing His History-Themed Show to Lakeside Arts in April

Comedian, presenter, political satirist, journalist, radio personality, libertarian anarchist... There aren’t many things that Mark Thomas can’t turn his hand to. With his brand new history-themed show, 50 Things About Us, heading to Lakeside Arts for back-to-back shows in April, we caught up with the stand up legend to get his thoughts on Nottingham, touring and the British Empire...

February Mix Of The Month: Games With Galaxy Wolf In Space

In this mix series we invite local DJs to get creative with each issue’s theme. For February's game-themed mag, Galaxy Wolf In Space offers up a set of glitched-out bliss...

9 Gigs to Go to in Nottingham This Month

Get yourself out the house and in the crowd for these lot... 

3 Nottingham Books to Read This February

Three page-turners to get lost in this month... 

5 Nottingham Albums to Listen to This February

The latest sounds from the Nottingham vault...

Film Review: The Personal History of David Copperfield

This adaptation of Charles Dickens’ book from 1850 manages to stay true to its source material while injecting a refreshingly modern feel to the story. Through combining subtle dialogue with playful physical performances, this is a purely entertaining movie that channels the qualities of some of the most renowned British classics...

Book Reviews: January 2020

We've rounded up a couple of books to get you through this massive Monday morning of month. Or not.

Review: Daliso Chaponda - Blah Blah Blacklist at Nottingham Playhouse

Malawi's Got Talent: Come for the Madonna gag, stay for the awkward questions...

20 Great Battle Scenes from Film History

From the walls of Jerusalem to the beaches of Normandy, to the Mongolian plains and the waves of the Atlantic. Whether its spears and shields or bullets and bayonets, these are twenty of the greatest battle scenes in film history...

Music Reviews: Pete Woosh’s 52 Card Trick

DiY collective founder Pete Whoosh started Spirit Wrestlers following a cancer diagnosis which led him to explore holistic treatment and reconnect with the healing power of music. Back in March 2019, the not-for-profit label launched  The 52 Card Trick project, releasing tracks on a weekly basis for a year and donating the proceeds to chosen charities that support natural healing.

Packed with soothing sounds from known names including Hot Toddy, Brawther and Ex Friendly, alongside gems from local talent and beyond, as the project comes close to the end we look back at the breadth of releases and check out some highlights...

Two Books to Check Out This January

History comics make up this month's selection...