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Hockley Hustle: 10 Acts You Can't Afford to Miss

Hockley Hustle, Nottingham’s beloved multi-venue music and arts festival, will return with its usual dose of chaos, creativity, and community spirit this weekend. Over the years, it’s become a must-attend event in the city’s cultural calendar, taking over the bars, pubs, and streets of Hockley for a full day of live music, art, and charity fundraising. What started as a grassroots initiative in 2006 has blossomed into a vibrant showcase for local talent, with artists spanning genres from indie and hip-hop to jazz and grime, rubbing shoulders with some of the best up-and-coming talent in the East Midlands.

From local legends making waves on the national scene to fresh talent ready to blow your socks off, 2024’s edition promises a mix of sounds as eclectic as the city itself.  With this year’s event just around the corner, we’ve scoured the line-up to bring you 10 of the acts you absolutely can’t afford to miss this year...

Paul Smith, Horror films, Hockley Hustle, Veggie food and KittyArama: Here's what's on this week in Nottingham: 14-20 October 2024

There's so much happening in Nottingham this week, we couldn't narrow it down! Enjoy some horror movies, gigs galore, hear from Notts fashion legend Paul Smith and lots more.

Seann Walsh moves from stand-up to drama in this new play at the Theatre Royal

Comedian Seann Walsh has made a name for himself in the world of stand-up. But will his move to acting be stand out?

Punks and weirdos: Celebrating 15 Years of studio and performance venue JT Soar

From the headquarters of a fruit and vegetable wholesaler near Sneinton Market to one of Nottingham’s best loved recording studios and truly intimate, DIY music venues - it’s been quite a journey for JT Soar. 

When Phil Booth and his business partner Nick first took over the space at number 2 Aberdeen Street, they saw beyond an empty concrete room with metal grilles and a scooter garage next door. Their vision was to create something truly special: a recording studio, rehearsal and gig space, with a truly barrier-free ethos in all senses of the word.

Now fifteen years later, JT Soar celebrates its decade-and-a-half anniversary since it first opened its doors, marking the occasion with a “two-day, one stage, all killer-no filler line-up” of some of Phil Booth’s favourite bands. Ahead of what is being billed as ‘JT Soar Fest’, we asked staff, promoters, bands and community members to share their favourite memories of JT Soar, and outline what makes it so special.

Festivals of beer and film, theatre and storytelling - Here's what's on this week in Notts 7 - 13 October 2024

Check out a celebration of short films, sample a huge range of beer and cider, enjoy some human stories, or be entertained by a bit of music and theatre this week in Notts.

LeftLion's Latest Listens #7: Notts music we're currently spinning

This week's edition of LeftLion's Latest Listens, our music team's picks of the latest and greatest sounds from all around Nottingham and the Midlands, features new releases from Bored Marsh, Jake Bugg, Jake Greener, Dorothy Ella & Gordon Parma, and Malin Hill...

Nadia on... the benefits of wealth tax

Nottingham East Labour MP talks about the benefits of wealth tax

We chat to Jake Bugg about his inspirations, memories and what we can expect from his new album

From performing on the BBC Introducing stage at Glastonbury aged 16 to releasing his fourth studio album, A Modern Day Distraction, this month, Nottingham-born singer-songwriter Jake Bugg has had a wild musical journey. Ahead of his new album being released this week, we sat down with the local hero to hear about the making of the record, supporting Liam Gallagher and battling Metallica at Glastonbury…

LeftLion Issue #176 October 2024

This month's LeftLion features an obituary to the iconic Ratcliffe-on-Soar power station, which turned off its cooling towers at the end of September. We also speak to Peter Hook, Wunderhorse, Megan Crook Textiles, and Crazy Little Sing Called Pub, share memories of 15 years of JT Soar and give you a preview of what's to come at this year's Hockley Hustle.

From migrant poetry to psychey deepsea disco: Here's what's on in Nottingham this week, 30 September - 6 October, Pick of Week

Whether you're a poetry fan, a Kate Bush aficionado, a sucker for local alt-folk, or just a pirate at heart, there's plenty to keep you busy this week in Nottingham. 

LeftLion's Latest Listens #6: Notts music we're currently spinning

After a week off, LeftLion's Latest Listens is back with our music team's picks of the latest and greatest sounds from all around Nottingham and the Midlands. This time, we feature new releases from Drew Thomas, London Grammar, The Days of Tomorrow, The Publics and flöat...

Overheard in Notts: September 2024

"Yoghurts are like nicotine patches for snack addicts"

Locating D.H. Lawrence: September 1924

Lawrence was always happy to give writers feedback, though was ruthless with his criticisms. As he prepares to move to Mexico, he discovers his father has died.

From alt-rock and grunge, to football and surrealism. Here's what's on in Nottingham, 23 -29 September

There's no shortage of energetic gigs, side-splitting comedy, or thought provoking art and design shows, to keep you busy in Notts this week. Here's what's on. 

We chat to midlands brand Groovy Garage about the appeal of Streetwear in Notts

Notts is no stranger to the streetwear world. Once home to the likes of iconic 80s/90s independent streetwear shop GForce, whose stylish and original garms made waves around the globe, recent years have seen the likes of Mimm, Garms, Relic x Hooked and Hidden Garmz open shop in the city.

With a new kid on the block, Groovy Garage launching its second Midlands presence in Nottingham’s Urban Outfitters, it begs the question: ‘Why does streetwear have Nottingham in such a chokehold?’ Ahead of Groovy Garage’s launch, we chatted to their director Jack Tavener, and delved into the rise of streetwear culture.

In sickness, health, and training season: we spoke to We Run Notts

Sometimes a little teamwork is imperative for getting motivated to exercise. Husband and wife, Dennis and Victoria, created We Run Notts as a platform to share their running journeys and encourage their followers to do the same. Since beginning in May 2023, the two have shared the highs, lows, and in-between bits of running recreationally, along with creating the A-Z of running in Notts.

Legendary and local music, art and 2000s telly at the theatre: Here's what's on this week in Notts 16-23 September

This week in Notts! Check out live music, from the legendary to the local, enjoy some art, or have a bloody good time at the theatre.

Brews, hairdos and tunes: Trekkah Benjamin reflects on the 10th anniversary of Phlexx Records

Currently celebrating its 10th birthday, Phlexx Records has made its name as one of Notts’ most successful labels, since its founding in 2013 by local names Trekkah Benjamin and Bru-C. With the recent set-up of their new record store, adjoining coffee shop, and barber shop on Weekday Cross, we caught up with Trekkah to reminisce on the history of Phlexx and their ambitions to move ever up and onwards.

LeftLion's Latest Listens #5: Notts music we're currently spinning

This week's edition of LeftLion's Latest Listens, our music team's picks of the latest and greatest sounds from all around Nottingham and the Midlands, features new releases from Bloodworm, Otala, Marseille and #NAME?...

From theatre trips to interstellar journeys: Here's what's on in Nottingham this week, 9 -16 September

This week in Notts there are events catering for everyone from emo-fans, to local indie-gig-goers, to stage savants. Here are our picks of the week from 9 to 16 September. 

LeftLion's Latest Listens #4: Notts music we're currently spinning

In this week's edition of LeftLion's Latest Listens, our music team's picks of the latest and greatest sounds from all around Nottingham and the Midlands, we review new releases from Dark Bloom, ktlyle and Alex Blythe...

From indie gigs to horror film festivals: Here's what's on in Nottingham this week 2 - 8 September

Whether you're mad for musicals or already looking forward to the Halloween season, there's plenty to counteract the September blues this week in Notts. Here are our picks of the week from 2 September to 8 September. 

Nadia on… the far right

Regular columnist and Nottingham East MP Nadia Whittome talks about the far right

LeftLion's Latest Listens #3: Notts music we're currently spinning

In this week's edition of LeftLion's Latest Listens, our music team's picks of the latest and greatest sounds from all around Nottingham and the Midlands, we review new releases from ALT BLK ERA, Cappo, Pink Cliffs and River Drive...

LeftLion Issue #175 September 2024

LeftLion Issue #175 features... The Circus of Life Surrealist exhibition, The Angel Microbrewery, Raymond's, Phlexx Records and coffee, the Nottingham War Rooms, The Savoy Cinema, Poetraits and lots more.