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Allies and activism: Palestine solidarity in Nottingham

A campaigner on a range of issues, Louise Regan is the National Chair of the Palestine Solidarity Campaign, Chair of the Nottingham Palestine Solidarity Campaign and an Executive Member of the National Education Union (NEU). With the conversation around the Palestine movement increasing, we spoke to Louise about her previous visits to Palestine, the current aims of the PSC, and why this is an issue that has drawn huge protests in Nottingham.

Back to the future: chatting with the dual winners of Future Sound of Notts 2025

Back in July, what could safely be described as Nottingham’s most exciting music competition: Future Sound of Nottingham, returned to Rock City – eight local acts taking the stage to showcase their talent. R&B singer Saffron Gray and alt-rock trio Archy & the Astronauts were crowned dual winners, and bagged nothing less than a main-stage slot at Splendour Festival later last month. We thought that it was the perfect time to catch up with these two acts (before they’re swept up by the national music press, of course)... 

Left Magpie: 2025 Season Preview

Our monthly Notts County column is back after a hiatus and now penned by Julian McDougall, formerly of the beloved Notts County fanzine The Pie and currently of the excellent When Saturday Comes magazine. Here's his predictions for the coming season at Meadow Lane...

Left Stag: 2025 Season Preview

UK Women’s March Nottingham 2025

Coming up on the 9 August, The UK Women’s March aims to show in solidarity with women and girls around the world – to demand safety, equity and justice for women, girls and gender-diverse people everywhere. We caught up with Amy, the appointed City Lead for UK Nottingham Women’s March, to find out what's in store...

Truth or legend: the case of the Bramley Apple tree

With this month’s LeftLion cover presenting you lovely readers with a zen looking-tree person, and Sherwood Forest providing inspiration for the latest exhibition at Nottingham Castle, it seems only right to dive into the greener myths and legends Nottingham has nurtured over the last millennium...

In photos: Nothing But Thieves at Rock City

Remembering LGBTQ+ and woman's rights solicitor Laraine Del Buono

While Laraine Del Buono is remembered for her strong advocacy for LGBTQ+ and women's right her friends, Julian Griffiths and Carrie Salzedo recalls her commitment and passion towards work alongside her sense of humour and soprano voice.

The Thompsons on Splendour Festival, street names, and the Major Oak

Here's what Nottingham's most opinionated grocers had to say about this month's topics in LeftLion...

Festival review: Sunday at Splendour 2025 in Wollaton Park

LeftLion's Latest Listens #27: Notts music we're currently spinning

In this edition of LeftLion's Latest Listens for 2025, our music team reviews new releases from Davoli & Jess Beer, Vona Vella, LYVIA, Dirt Bloom and Hallowed Men...

Festival review: Saturday at Splendour 2025 in Wollaton Park

After a year away, the biggest weekend in the Nottingham musical calendar returned – Splendour Festival. With a stellar line-up of indie legends, pop icons, local heroes and the very best emerging talent from the Midlands and beyond, we headed down to Wollaton Hall to catch all the Saturday action…

A Life Composed in Stories: Author Frances Thimann on how classical music shaped her latest collection

Notts writer Frances Thimann’s latest short story collection, Sweet Thames, Run Softly, Till I End My Song, dives deep into the emotional pull of classical music. We caught up with her to discuss rivers, Bach and memory...

Book clubs, sing-a-longs and pride parties: Here's what's on in Nottingham this week, 21-27 July

From pagan literature book clubs, to legendary ice rink openings for family summer fun- whether you're an art enthusiast, music lover, or just looking for a new club to join, there'll probably be something happening in Notts this week which you'll enjoy. Here are our picks for this week...

LeftLion's Latest Listens #26: Notts music we're currently spinning

In this week's edition of LeftLion's Latest Listens for 2025, we take a deep dive into the new album from Midnight Rodeo...

Counselling, community, and café cosiness: inside Maid Marian Way's new Pride Shop

This year will be the first Nottingham Pride since The Pride Shop on Maid Marian Way opened its doors to the public. More than just a shop, it offers a safe space to the LGTBQ+ community in Nottingham through support groups, events and counselling, as well as a cosy café. We spoke to founder Jake Hook about his motivations for setting up the business and its impact on the city.

Gig review: enchanting 90s goth with Miranda Sex Garden, Hurtsfall and Modern Coven at Rough Trade

Local gig putter-onners I’m Not From London treated Rough Trade to a night of bewitching harmonies and gothic glamour, presenting the reformation of ethereal 90s dark wave band Miranda Sex Garden, with support from Notts own Hurtsfall and Modern Coven.

Festival review: Nottingham Chamber Music Festival – Tunnel Vision

The Nottingham Chamber Music Festival is an annual series of concerts put together by a team of dedicated volunteers, bringing classical music artists to some of our city’s most beautiful and historical spaces. For the closing concert of the 2025 edition, the festival worked with the Nottingham Park Residents Association to host string quartet, The Le Page Ensemble, in the stunning surroundings of the Park Tunnel. A special one-of-a-kind concert not to be missed, we went along to experience this cave-dwelling performance first-hand…

Review: Miss Americana – A Tribute to Taylor Swift at the Nottingham Playhouse

A dazzling, high-energy tribute that captured the spirit, sparkle and soul of Taylor Swift. Xenna is a powerhouse performer who gave fans exactly what they came for, and more...

Pick Six: Girlband frontwoman Georgie

Ahead of their upcoming performances at Pride and Splendour, for this month’s Pick Six we turn to Georgie from Girlband! to tell us some of her and the band’s favourite things in Notts…

Musicals, festivals, and local legends: Here's what's on in Nottingham this week, 14 -21 July

From a musical about the life of a music legend, to the long-awaited return of a local one, if you're stuck for things to fill the coming week in Nottingham then you're certainly in the right place. Here are our picks...

Theatre Interview : Laurie Owen, director of The Prince at the Lace Market Theatre

The Prince by Abigail Thorn is about to launch at the Lace Market Theatre. This ambitious show stars three trans women and merges Shakespeare with the modern world. LeftLion interviews the director, Laurie Owen, on the hows and whys...  

Gig review: The Moonlandingz at Rescue Rooms

Described by one of our team as "one of the most bonkers (but enjoyable) gigs I've been to in a long while", The Moonlandingz made a big mark on Nottingham as they arrived at Rescue Rooms for a rescheduled show. Supported by Jeanie & The White Boys (whose lead singer also sang with the headliners), the band delivered a fun, energetic and unapologetically politically incorrect show...

Twelve food and drink spots in Notts that are perfect for enjoying the sunshine

While the sun is gracing us with its presence, what better way to while away the hours than grazing on delicious food and drink in a terrace or beer garden? We’ve rounded up twelve of the city’s best spots for outdoor eating and drinking, so you can tick them all off your list before the summer ends.

Gig review: Future Sound of Nottingham Final at Rock City

The Future Sound of Nottingham is one of our city's most exciting music competitions. In the culmination of this year's event, eight acts from across the area competed at Rock City in a high energy final. Read on to find out which musicians were awarded the opportunity to perform at Splendour Festival...