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Notts indie crooners Victory Lap talk inspirations, origins, and finding their sound

Victory Lap are undeniably one of Nottingham’s breakout bands of 2024. Prior to their debut EP Torch Songs, which was released in July, they were already making waves. But now, they have reached new heights, with an upcoming UK headline tour in the diary - including a show at Nottingham’s very own The Bodega. We chat to Tomas Ponting and James Denham about the band’s early origins, how they found their signature sound, and a suspicious new Fanta flavour which has emerged onto shelves…

Interview: Barnaby Blackburn on his new short 'Pylon'

We chat to Barnaby Blackburn about his new Bafta-qualified short film, Pylon. 

The Hallé are back and with a suitably wintry programme

The Hallé’s Artist-in Residence, Thomas Adès, conducts a programme centred on Finland’s greatest composer with two of his greatest symphonies, as well as two more pieces influenced by him...

Book Review: Ben Macpherson's 'Serious Nonsense for the Unbearably Festive'

As the nights get dark and a New Year draws closer, we turn to some cheeky, cheering new poetry...

Celestial talk blending the festive and futuristic at Trent Bridge's upcoming drone show

Over at Trent Bridge Cricket Ground this month, a festive event of a very different kind is taking place. Narrated by Matt Lucas, the classic Dickens tale A Christmas Carol will be told through a spectacular display of colourful drones lighting up the sky. But what on earth goes into planning this kind of event? We spoke to John Hopkins, Founder & CEO at Celestial, to find out more…

In photos: W. H. Lung at The Bodega, with Formal Sppeedwear

Gig review: Cane Hill at Saltbox

Heading a four-band line-up, Cane Hill proved they are well and truly back with a vengeance. We were at Saltbox for their high-energy set...

Indie quartet Divorce talk touring with their heroes and the Nottingham scene

Alt-indie quartet Divorce are undoubtedly one of the buzziest Nottingham bands of the moment. With debut LP Drive To Goldenhammer in the can and slated for release next March, LeftLion caught up with genial drummer, Kasper Sandstrøm, backstage in the midst of their sold-out four night residency at Bodega, to find out more about their long history with the venue and discuss their forthcoming first album…

LeftLion's Latest Listens #11: Notts music we're currently spinning

In this week's LeftLion's Latest Listens, our music team reviews new releases from Grain Mother, ALT BLK ERA (with Wheatus), and Drew Thomas...

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...

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…

Award winning actor Richard Armitage speaks about his latest crime novel

After a lengthy career making his name in blockbusters such as The Hobbit and BBC’s Robin Hood, multi-award winning actor Richard Armitage has turned to the written word. He visited Bromley House to discuss his latest crime novel The Cut, and how writing and acting converge.

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...

Talking therapy with Nottingham Counselling Service

As the nights roll in earlier and the weather gets chilly, it’s natural to not feel so breezy and bright. Over the next few months we’ll be dipping in with Nottingham Counselling Service to hear about their work and how we should normalise talking about our mental health.

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...

In photos: She Drew The Gun at Rough Trade

House and proud: a retrospective of Smokescreen Soundsystem

Being home to two of the UK’s greatest underground house soundsystems, DiY and Smokescreen, Nottingham has been spoilt for quality deep house music - but what were the origins of these now legendary gatherings, and how did they fit into the politics of the time? We asked the individuals who lived out those joyful days firsthand about the history of sound-systems in Nottinghamshire and beyond.

Gig review: The Lightning Seeds at Rock City

35 years on from the birth of The Lightning Seeds, the band are on a victory lap around the UK. We headed to their Nottingham stop – the legendary Rock City, of course – to revel in swirly synths, bright pop melodies and plenty of nostalgia...

In photos: Bradley Simpson at Rescue Rooms

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...

Classical Concert Review: The Nuremberg Symphony Orchestra with Jonathon Darlington at the Royal Concert Hall

Director's Seat: Shane Meadows on his gratitude for the Nottingham Television Workshop

Shane Meadows is a legend of British film and television. In the mid-90s he was making lots of short films around Nottingham before releasing his debut feature TwentyFourSeven in 1997. Since then he’s gone on to create masterpieces like A Room For Romeo Brass, Dead Man’s Shoes, This Is England, Gallows Pole, The Stone Roses: Made of Stone and more.

Shane joined us for the fifth instalment of LeftLion Live at the Library, a series of live interviews that we’ve been hosting since July at Nottingham Central Library. In front of a live audience, LeftLion Editor-in-Chief Jared Wilson chatted to Shane about his illustrious career, covering everything from the Nottingham Television Workshop to Notts County FC. Here we’ve treated you to a snapshot of the conversation, which is available in full for your auditory pleasure on Spotify, YouTube and Apple Podcasts. 

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...