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Ballet, arena gigs and Christmas pantomines: Here's what's on in Nottingham this week, 25 -31 November

As the festive season fast approaches, Nottingham sees some Christmassy occasions this week, alongside an art exhibition and the arrival at Motorpoint of the band-of-the-moment...

City Councillor comments on the launch of Nottingham Climate Assembly, and progress towards Carbon Neutral Nottingham 2028

Let's talk about Nottingham Climate Assembly. After five years of dedicated work from volunteers, the initiative has launched its crowdfunder campaign this week. LeftLion Environment Editor Adam Pickering, who is part of the push himself, reports on this moment. He also speaks to Councillor Sam Lux, whose motion to support the Climate Assembly has just received the full backing of Nottingham City Council...

Gig review: Ibibio Sound Machine at Rescue Rooms

On a cold Tuesday night in Notts, electronic Afro-funk masters Ibibio Sound Machine proved more than equal to the task of bringing warmth, joy and mirth to Rescue Rooms...

Fancy a Tiki one? New bar Tahulah’s Tiki Shack opens in Hockley

Are you pining for summery vibes and warmer climes as we approach the dark depths of the winter solstice, or just want to add a tropical flavour to your Christmas nights out? The ever-creative Fletchergate Industries are already a few steps ahead of you. This Christmas they’ve opened a brand new spot, Tahula's Tiki Shack, located on the former lower floor of Hockley Arts Club, Carlton Street...

Lost City Adventure Golf hits the bullseye with new 'interactive darts'

Lost City Adventure Golf has a new addition to its offering this Christmas, throwing interactive darts into their entertainment mix…

Disney on Ice: Road Trip

LeftLion was thrilled to receive an invitation to Disney on Ice: Road Trip!

Western musical Calamity Jane blows in from The Windy City to Nottingham Theatre Royal in March 2025

If you're a fan of the classic 1953 comedy-Western film and its long-running stage adaptation, or just looking for some good ol' fashioned escapism, then you're in for a treat early next year...

Film Review: Gladiator 2

Join us as we battle through the Gladiator 2 remake...

We talk to Blue Violet ahead of their Metronome Nottingham show with Echobelly

With a new album due in January and in the thick of a support tour with Echobelly, indie alternative duo Blue Violet have a lot to be excited about. We caught up with them ahead of their gig at Metronome...

Gig review: Steve Ignorant of Crass at The Old Cold Store

Steve Ignorant, founder member of influential anarcho-punk band Crass, performed to a sell-out crowd at Nottingham’s The Old Cold Store, proving that punk is most definitely not dead...

From West-African Funk to deep house yoga parties: Here's what's on this week in Nottingham 18-24 November

Whether you're chasing the party or settling in for a cosy winter, this week, Nottingham has it all. With Reggae taking over the Motorpoint Arena and meditative yoga and deep house over at The Hidden Warehouse, there's certainly something for everyone.

LeftLion Interviews Podcast #6: Natalie Duncan on Music Careers, Hockley Hustle, Goldie, Jools Holland, Ronnie Scott’s, Peggy’s Skylight and more

Our sixth episode features a conversation with Nottingham-born neo-soul, R&B, jazz (and more) singer-songwriter Natalie Duncan... 

We talk with Hard-Fi about their return to the studio, and why Nottingham rocks

Ahead of their raucous return to the Rock City stage on 23rd November, Hard-Fi frontman Richard Archer talks with Talia Robinson about all things modern musicality and the need for nurturing nostalgia... 

We chat with Sports Team about changes in sound, their live show ethos, and KSI...

Sports Team are a band who take music seriously – and always have fun with it. Famous for headline-grabbing stunts, which have led to a feud with Matty Healy and a chart battle with Lady Gaga, the English alt-rockers are determined to keep making waves. Before their big headline show at rescue Rooms next week, Ali Glen caught up with the band...

Review: JT Soar Fest 2024 at the Old Cold Store

JT Soar is 15! To mark this landmark occasion, the local recording studio, venue and all-round grassroots music heroes filled the Old Cold Store with live music from local, national and international bands – for a full weekend. We went along to celebrate with them...

After the End of History: British Working Class Photography 1989 – 2024 at Bonington Gallery

Over at Bonington Gallery an unfiltered time capsule of working class life is on display in the latest exhibition, After the End of History. Prompting questions about both change and continuity in British culture, over three decades of everyday life is revealed through the lens of 22 different photographers, including Richard Bilingham, Serena Brown and Rob Clayton. 

From cyphers to Mickey Mouse on ice skates: Here's what's on this week in Nottingham 11-18 November

This week in Nottingham, experimental musicians of highest calibre take over all of the best grassroots venues, while over at Motorpoint Arena the Disney canon is well-and-truly brought to life...

LeftLion's Latest Listens #10: Notts music we're currently spinning

This week in LeftLion's Latest Listens, our music team picks new releases from Lace Thief, Warren Ireland, Idolvein, Bram Bancroft and Revenge of Calculon

More photos: JT Soar Fest 2024 at the Old Cold Store

Long live The Bodega! We celebrate its 25th anniversary

Ah that special spot on 23 Pelham Street. From countless life-affirming gigs and hazy club nights inside the venue, to summer sessions outside in the quaint back alley of Cobden Chambers, The Bodega has been one of our city’s chief memory makers over the last quarter century.

Now to celebrate the iconic venue’s 25th anniversary this month, we thought we’d take a trip down memory lane with the bands, promoters and staff that have helped this space to endure as a cornerstone of our city’s vibrant music scene and nightlife, by reliving some of their favourite Bodega moments.

The Claw - October 2024

A re-cap of what happened in October...

We chat with Ian Broudie about goals, inspirations and Nottingham memories

The Lightning Seeds were formed in 1989 and named after a misheard Prince lyric, with frontman Ian Broudie going on to become one of the best tunesmiths of his generation, a writer of wonderfully melodic and uplifting indie-pop songs tinged with the band's custom vulnerability. Ahead of the band's return to Nottingham on 14th November, as part of their tour celebrating 35 years of the band and aptly timed to follow up on the release of their Greatest Hits album, Tomorrow’s Here Today, we had the chance to speak to frontman, producer and songwriter Ian Broudie...

How a Mini Cooper led to success on the stage and an acclaimed solo performance of A Christmas Carol

Guy Masterson's renowned Scrooge performance is coming to the Playhouse. He lets Leftlion in on how Richard Burton helped him along the way...

Comedy Review: Nightmare Nightmare Kill Kill at the Lord Roberts

Experimental drag comes to the city...

Film Review: Juror #2

A star-studded courtroom thriller from none other than legendary director, Clint Eastwood…