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Live music, light shows, and classic cinema: Here's what's on in Nottingham this week, 2 - 8 February

From legendary artists and independent musicians, to cinema and light installations, this week brings a wide assortment of events to the Notts creative scene. Here are our picks of this week...

Review: Beat The Streets 2026

“This is our 8th edition since 2018; we’ve raised over half a million pounds so far!” proudly announces Managing Director of DHP Family George Akins during the Beat The Streets press tour backstage at Rock City. It’s a mind-blowing sum of money and a reminder that this festival hasn’t just become a staple of the Notts calendar for giving the city an amazing day of live music – it’s an event that makes a huge difference. Heading out for another day of venue roaming and charity fundraising, this is what our LeftLion team got up to at Beat The Streets 2026…

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'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.

Concert Review: BBC Philharmonic's Bluebeard's Castle

The BBC Philharmonic bring their latest production, Bluebeard's Castle, to the Royal Concert Hall... 

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

Review: The National Youth Orchestra-Shimmer at the Royal Concert Hall

What could be more uplifting than the country's national orchestra for young people. And they are in town. So how did they do...

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…

Food review: terrific tapas at Vaso

Vaso is Nottingham’s shiny new tapas and wine bar – our food co-editor Julia, AKA The Nottingham Food Guide on Instagram, was first in line to check it out.

Food review: superb small plates at Piccalilli

For a year Cannon Court’s Piccalilli has been making its name with a menu packed full with unique takes on the British small plate. We went to see what the fuss was about…