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Gig review: Mystery Jets at Rough Trade

Following a six-year studio album hiatus - which could be seen in dog years in recording terms - indie-rock Londoners Mystery Jets are about to put their collective heads above the parapet once more with their seventh offering, A Hole To See The Sky Through. Rough Trade played host to the band for the Nottingham date of their promo tour...

Preview: Our Story at Nottingham's Libraries.

Our Story is a creative heritage project currently touring our local libraries that celebrates the lives of the county's trans and gender diverse people. Rosalie Spring the Project Producer and Director Jo Tyabji talk Left Lion through the event...

The wondrous world of Ruby D’Woo: meeting Nottingham’s own burlesque and cabaret star

From workshop classes in Haus of Ruby D’Woo, to hosting top-notch live burlesque and cabaret shows across the county, Ruby D’Woo is Nottingham's award-winning burlesque and cabaret artist. Ahead of the Cosy Cabaret coming up next month, she tells us what brought her to the burlesque stage, how she crafts performances, and why burlesque has become a journey of self-expression, confidence, and empowerment for so many…

Gig review: Man/Woman/Chainsaw at Rough Trade

It was a baking hot Tuesday in mid-August, the nation was awaiting an eclipse, and Man/Woman/Chainsaw were in the mood for dancing. Rough Trade Nottingham provided the venue...

Theatre Review: Anybody For Murder at Theatre Royal Nottingham

Murder, mayhem and mistaken identities are all tangled together in a cynical comedy from two of British TV’s finest writers, as part of this year's Classic Thriller Season...

Locating Lawrence: August 1926

Grouse shooting is ‘an event for those that shoot, and a still bigger one for those that get shot’... Here's what DH Lawrence was up to 100 years ago this month.

Gig review: Kid Spirit at The Grove

Kid Spirit took to the stage last Saturday night at The Grove for an intimate gig showcasing songs from their debut EP, Morning Star...

Gig review: Keyside at Rough Trade

How Kino Koło Notts Is Bringing the Stories of Eastern Europe to Nottingham

From the Baltics to the Balkans, Eastern Europe is a region rich with diverse cultures, histories and creative voices. Kino Koło Notts is helping Nottingham audiences discover the stories behind the stereotypes, bringing together film screenings, workshops, food and conversations that celebrate the people and traditions of the region. We spoke with the team about community cinema, challenging perceptions and their vision for a more connected cultural landscape in Nottingham.

Nottingham City of Literature's Big City Reads: meeting four authors involved

The Big City Reads campaign continues until 12 August to provide free books to young people across the city. With a mix of very different stories covering this year’s theme of identity, we asked four young writers to interview some of the selected authors about their work...

Left Brian: The 2026 Season Preview

The Classic Thriller Season Returns to Theatre Royal Nottingham

The Classic Thriller Season is a long-running annual summer repertory tradition at the Theatre Royal, Nottingham, featuring live stage performances of comedy murder mysteries and psychological thrillers. It's back this month with three plays that will offer your annual quota of puzzles and adrenalin rushes...

Nadia on… Nottingham’s maternity services

Nottingham East's Labour MP Nadia Whittome discusses Nottingham's maternity services.

Content warning: baby loss, death.

Nottingham's first citywide Citizens' Assembly creates bold plan for environment

Nottingham’s aim to reach Carbon Neutrality by 2028 (CN28) sounds like a tall order, but a new manifesto from the Nottingham Environment & Climate Assembly (NCA) might just bring it closer by connecting the public, the City Council, and local businesses. 

Art, gigs, Bowie, European parties, and family festivals Here's what's on this week in Nottingham Monday 3 - Sunday 9 August

There's lots happening this week to kick off August's event schedule, from European parties to family festivals and events - here's our top picks...

Nottingham hyperpop artist EMiDORA on her brand new EP

Described as Nottingham's answer to Charli XCX, hyperpop sensation Emily Baldwin – AKA EMiDORA – has been quickly making a name for herself on the local circuit. Having just released her long-awaited debut EP, Haunted By The Outside, Emily sat down with us to discuss the creative journey to making the project. 

Locating Lawrence: July 1926

The hot weather is affecting Lawrence’s ability to write, but he has the energy for sword-dancing…

Out of Time: Noel Coward in Nottinghamshire

Noel Coward is remembered as a playwright and actor most often associated with the West End and London. Yet, his work has been performed for decades on stages across Nottingham’s leading theatres, with his film adaptations regularly screened in our historic cinemas. The Midlands also became something of a retreat for him. Here’s the role that our part of the world played in his life… 

Gig review: Playback launch showcase at The Carousel

Luke Brennan, the creator of Playback, wants to change the music industry for the better to help support the local scene. The first Playback showcase took place at Notts grassroots venue, The Carousel, and was completely sold out with 100% of ticket sales going towards the artists performing - proving that change is possible for the industry...

Jazz and archeological finds: Here's what's on in Nottingham this week: 27 July - 2 August

This week in Notts is, like usual, another great one. If you fancy a mix of live music (either jazz or emo, up to you) Peggy's Skylight and Rescue Rooms both have gigs waiting in the wings. But if you've got young ones to entertain then Lakeside Arts has you covered. Here's what's happening... 

Gig review: As It Is at Rough Trade

Rough Trade Nottingham feels more intimate than usual tonight, with bodies packed shoulder‑to‑shoulder and buzzing with the kind of anticipation that only comes with a long‑awaited return. As It Is are back with their new self‑titled album, their first release since 2022, and the room carries that shared understanding that this isn’t just another in‑store, it’s something that many fans thought they would never see - a chance to see As It Is again and what the band look like in this new era...

Exhibition review: Physical Culture and And The Soul is for the Birds at Nottingham Contemporary

Two very different exhibitions are currently displayed at the Nottingham Contemporary. In one, classical sculptures intersect with modern fitness culture. In the other, a Brazilian artist creates an imagined folklore… 

Ten things Splendour Festival brought to Nottingham

This weekend Nottingham waved goodbye to eighteen years of its biggest festival, Splendour. This late-July homegrown occasion welcomed over 25,000 guests into the grounds of Wollaton Hall & Deer Park each year. Here’s a look back at some of the highlights and what it’s provided to Nottingham in the long run...

Artists, Lovers, Outsiders: the new exhibition at Nottingham Castle

The latest exhibition over at Nottingham Castle tells the story of Robert MacBryde and Robert Colquhoun, two Scottish artists, lovers, and outsiders, whose mark on mid-century Modernist art has largely been overlooked. Sophie Gargett caught up with curator and award-winning writer Damian Barr, whose fictional biographical novel The Two Roberts sheds light on a love story that was hidden for decades.

Notts Pride, immersive theatre shows and great sporting events: here's what's on in Nottingham this week: events 20 July - 26 July

This week in Notts is just as vibrant as the last. If you're still not ready to say goodbye to the summer festivals, Boho Festival might be your solution. Or maybe you're looking for a change of pace? Whether it's an immersive theatre show at People's Hall, sporting events to get your adrenaline pumping, live music and more, here's what Nottingham has to offer this week...