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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... 

Book review: The Unravelling of Mary Reddish by David Whitfield

We take a look at The Unravelling of Mary Reddish by David Whitfield, a novel about the blurred lines between sanity, control and women's autonomy, which is set against the backdrop of Nottingham General Lunatic Asylum - the first publicly-funded asylum in England.

Festival review: Paint By Numbers at The Bodega

In a mark of just how healthy Nottingham's music scene is, this year we were treated to a brand new metropolitan festival. Paint By Numbers took place at (award winning) The Bodega, and turned out to be a day of sweat, softness and standout sets. We went along to see tomorrow’s headliners come to the forefront, capturing Nottingham’s music scene at a moment of momentum...

“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. 

Classical Concert : The Hallé Christmas Concert at the Royal Concert Hall

A magical evening of strings, brass, woodwind, piano and percussion delivered pure Christmas cheer and celebration in the heart of Nottingham...

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

Gig review: Divorce at Rock City

What a year it has been for Nottingham’s indie darlings Divorce. Since their historic four-night sold out run at The Bodega last September, they’ve released a critically acclaimed debut album in Drive To Goldenhammer, toured music festivals and venues all around the world and ended up on the cover of NME Magazine. Then to put a bow on an incredible 12 months, they closed out their headline UK tour at Rock City this past weekend with their biggest hometown show to date. Here’s what happened at their victory lap…

Nottingham City of Literature Call For Young Readers For Big City Reads 2026.

Are you, or do you know, a young person aged between 14-25 who loves reading and wants to give back to their community? If so read on...

Review: Littlest Yak at Lakeside

Lu Fraser and Kate Hindley's 2020 children's book comes to life in the Lakeside's family Christmas production...

Evil Scarecrow, sing-a-longs, family theatre and late night parties: here's what's on this week in Notts 15-21 December 2025

Twas the week before Christmas and all through Notts, festive parties and happenings are afoot! Here's some of our top picks of the week...

Gig review: Wheatus at Rescue Rooms

Though they are no strangers to Nottingham, Wheatus delivered a highly nostalgic, energetic, and interactive midweek show at Rescue Rooms as if it was their first time. They maintain a distinctive, affectionate relationship with Nottingham, even adopting referring to the crowd as “Notts”, which is a small but strikingly sincere touch. Supported by Thomas Nicholas Band, of the American Pie franchise fame, with covers aplenty, we went along to hear for ourselves...

In photos: Seb Lowe at Rescue Rooms

Night Creatures Podcast #4: Nate Coltrane from Mimm on 14 years of parties, Nottingham Street Food Club and Our Yard

Night Creatures is a LeftLion podcast, shining a light on the promoters of Nottingham. Your host and interviewer is Beane, co-founder of Nottingham’s beloved Soul Buggin’ night and he brings with him over twenty years of experience of putting on great parties in the city.

Theatre Review: The Last Noel at the Lace Market Theatre

At the Lace Market Theatre, Christmas nostalgia meets the sting of memory,  with nowhere to hide from either...

In photos: Amy MacDonald at the Royal Concert Hall, with better joy

Gig review: Ice Nine Kills at Motorpoint Arena

It may be Christmas time, but for one Wednesday night in mid-December, the Motorpoint Arena took us firmly back to Halloween season. Paying homage to classic horror movies both old and new, American metal outfit Ice Nine Kills brought their latest arena tour to Nottingham and it was simply one of the most over-the-top, theatrical and madcap shows we’ve ever witnessed. Here’s how the carnage unfolded…

The Nottingham Culture Review of 2025

2025 is almost at an end, but what happened? Here's our potted history of another year of culture and entertainment in Notts…

Gig review: Wolf Alice at Motorpoint Arena

As Wolf Alice have evolved into one of the best and most beloved bands in Britain, Nottingham has been there with them every step of the way. From providing a support slot for Swim Deep at Rescue Rooms well over a decade ago, to giving them their first mosh pit at The Bodega, to playing a midday slot at Dot-to-Dot and then later headlining Rock City, our city has always been a key part of their journey. Now as they complete the UK leg of their first arena tour, it seems fitting that Nottingham is the final stop. Here’s what went down…

Nottingham Adopts The Safe Space Pledge

The Safe Space Pledge is a city-wide commitment to making Nottingham a friendlier, safer place for everyone enjoying the city’s day-time and night-time offerings...

Gig review: The Rasmus at Rock City

It may be close to the end of 2025, but for one night only, The Rasmus transported us back to 2003 for the final night of their Weirdo tour at Rock City,  accompanied by fellow Finnish band Block of Flats and American emo rockers The Funeral Portrait. From within a beautifully mixed crowd of longtime fans, younger listeners and older fans reliving their youth and chasing that sweet feeling of nostalgia, the show was full of energy and enthusiasm, from the bands and fans alike...

Theatre Review: The Little Mermaid at Nottingham Playhouse

This fresh take on The Little Mermaid is capturing hearts and catching imaginations... 

Exhibition review: Prisoners of Love: Until the Sun of Freedom

A powerful, affective exhibition at Nottingham Contemporary, Prisoners of Love: Until the Sun of Freedom simulates the physical and psychological confinement that Palestinians face on a small and large scale, while exploring the possibilities for resistance that emerge from these conditions.