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Gig review and interview: Calva Louise speak our language at The Bodega

The feast is far from over: a band fluent in electronica rock and fuzzy grunge, before their Rough Trade Nottingham gig, we sat down with Jess Allanic, Alizon Taho, and Ben Parker of Calva Louise to discover what it really means to be an oportunista...

In photos: Could Be Real Tribute Festival at Newstead Abbey

LeftLion headed to the beautiful Newstead Abbey for a one-of-a-kind event featuring 10 of the UK's best musical tribute acts across two stages. It may not have been the real thing, but that didn't stop everyone having fun...

Review: Monuments and Melodies all-dayer at Rough Trade

2024’s Monuments & Melodies Festival at Rough Trade Nottingham promised to be "a beacon for music enthusiasts”. LeftLion spent the day, and discovered a varied and dazzling array of talent, showcasing alternative music at its best...

Gig review: Sting and Nile Rodgers at Forest Live

The Forest Live concert series at Sherwood Pines – our area's largest public woodland, and part of Nottingham's back garden – has become a firm favourite on the local music festival scene. LeftLion went down to the woods and witnessed two legendary names, Nile Rodgers & CHIC and Sting, in action...

Festivals, exhibtions and gigs: Here's what's on this week in Notts: 1 - 7 July 2024

This week in Notts! Enjoy some homegrown talent on the canal at Waterfront Festival or an array of tribute acts at Could Be Real Festival, take an arty excursion to New Art Exchange or have a family day out at the Sneinton Festival.

Festival review: Day three at Download Festival

A fortnight ago, Download 2024 had reached its final day. LeftLion was there to witness an incredible climax to a weekend of rock and metal music at Donington Park...

Festival review: Day two at Download Festival

This time two weeks ago, LeftLion was fully immersed in the world of Download, the spiritual home of rock and metal music. Here's what happened on day two of the festival...

Festival review: Day one at Download Festival

Every year, thousands of rock fans from across the globe make the pilgrimage to Donington Park, only half an hour from Nottingham city centre. This year, LeftLion joined them for an epic weekend at the 2024 edition of Download, perhaps our country's most legendary rock and metal music festival. Here's what happened on day one...

LeftLion Issue #173 July 2024

Featuring Charity Shop Sue, Cheap Dirty Horse, The Pastel Project, Graeme Park, Nottingham Food Tours, Notts LGBTQ+ music to check out and lots more

Gig review: Belle Chen at Metronome

Belle Chen is a captivating modern classical artist, born in Taiwan and raised in Australia. Last week, she graced the stage at Nottingham's Metronome – a venue with a growing reputation for bringing our city the very best in established and new touring music as part of their ongoing Piano Sessions series...

Overheard in Notts: June 2024

'That's Wollaton Hall, where they filmed the Spider-Man movies.'

Parties, theatre, the Queer Glitter Ball, a Boots Exhibition, and 90s grunge: Here's whats on in Notts this week: 24 - 30 June

The sun is out, the days are long. Get out and about in Notts this week to see exhibitions, theatre, gigs, parties and more. Here's our top picks of things coming up in Notts...

Gig review: John Grant at Rough Trade

The great man that is John Grant visited Nottingham’s Rough Trade to support the release of his brand new album The Art of The Lie. We headed down to watch his performance and Q&A with the album’s producer Ivor Guest...

In photos: Eyre Llew with Pacific K and Matt Darin at Rough Trade

Well-loved local band Eyre Llew took to the Rough Trade Nottingham stage to play a very special local show before setting off for a European festival trip. Support came from Pacific K and Matt Darin. Nigel King captured the action...

We Speak to Indie Musician Electronic Cherry Seraph Ahead of Her Bodega Gig

Female producer and queer artist Cherry Seraph's sonic evolution over the years is displayed throughout her discography. She released her debut EP mid-pandemic, and since then explores an ethereal genre bending sound. We caught up with Cherry ahead of her gig at The Bodega on 11 July.

Gig review: Cloudbusting at Rescue Rooms

Cloudbusting are an established and wildly popular tribute to the magnificent music of Kate Bush. We went to watch their recent show at Rescue Rooms, as part of the band's The Line, The Cross and The Curve Tour...

Gig review: Nick Mason at the Royal Concert Hall

With a refreshing new set since the last time Pink Floyd drummer Nick Mason and his band of merry men, The Saucerful of Secrets graced our fair city, LeftLion witnessed something of a renaissance at Nottingham's Royal Concert Hall...

In photos: Toby Jepson at Rock City Beta

Music reviews: June 2024

This month on our stereos: Theorist and Friends, Shadows of a Silhouette, Lex, Mimosa, George Gadd + The Aftermath and Jude Forsey

Indie gigs, comedy music and pride parties: Here's what's on in Nottingham this week: 17-23 June

This week we're highlighting the best evening and late night parties and music taking place around Notts. From indie gigs to 'Britain's funniest band' to Nottingham's  Queer Prom, there's undoubtedly something for everyone in today's Pick of the Week.

Gig review: Girls Aloud at Motorpoint Arena

After 11 years off the stage, the Girls Aloud show is back. As the girls headed towards the end of their reunion tour, the show visited Nottingham’s Motorpoint Arena, offering a heartfelt tribute to their late band mate, Sarah Harding, and a fun, upbeat return to noughties girl group goodness...

Our June cover artist Zarina Teli talks about her work and inspirations

Our June cover artist Zarina Teli talks about her work and inspirations

In photos: Forzafest at Trent Navigation

Forzafest is a new live music event promoted by members of the Nottingham Forest fan group Forza Garibaldi and hosted at the Trent Navigation's brilliant Big Shed venue. LeftLion was there to capture some of the action...

Gig review: Bernard Butler at Metronome

Singer, songwriter and legendary guitarist Bernard Butler dropped in to Metronome recently to promote his new album. The result was a night of great music and fascinating stories from his 35 years in the business...

Review: The sun shines on Radfest Community Festival 2024

As I park up for Radfest 2024 the clouds suddenly part and the sun shines brightly, writes Bassey who's reminded of the similar weather at Radfest last year and already feels the day will be a success...