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Norse Nottingham: How the Vikings Impacted Our City

“All my life I’ve been taught that the police won’t help me” – Artist and activist Kay on George Floyd, police brutality and the ongoing protests in Britain…

For many, the death of George Floyd was quickly contextualised as an American problem. Stories of racial profiling and police brutality have grown to become expected from a country that seems more divided than it has been in a generation, leaving many in Britain feeling disgusted at how things are done on that side of the Atlantic. But, as the events of the last week have shown, the illusion that issues raised from Floyd’s killing are consigned to the US has been roundly smashed, with thousands taking to the streets in eighteen countries around the world (as well as all fifty US States) to support the Black Lives Matter campaign, which is now considered the largest Civil Rights campaign in history. Growing up in the projects of Alameda, California to Eritrea-born parents, artist and activist Kay – who works under the name The Rainbow Prince – has seen the way police brutality and racism takes form on both sides of the pond, having moved to Nottingham six months ago. And as Notts gets ready to play its part in the movement with a protest on Sunday 6 June, we talk to Kay about why activism is important in the UK…

A 11 Year Old in Lockdown

With social media and the endless cycle of 24-hour news, it’s easy to get lost in the stories of how COVID-19 has affected adults. But with schools reportedly opening sooner than most of society, eleven-year-old Jagoda Brown-Polanowska describes her experiences of lockdown…

Overheard in... Our Comments Section

Town has been a bit quiet as of late, so we’ve had a peek at all of the goofy, weird and wonderful comments you lot leave on our social media pages and picked out some of our highlights…

The Battle of Stoke Field: The Story Behind Nottinghamshire's Only Registered Battlefield

It was the battle that finally ended the War of the Roses, the bloody civil struggle for control of the throne that plagued England for decades, and has been described as one of the defining moments in the country’s history. With this month marking the 533rd anniversary of the events that took place on Nottinghamshire’s only registered battlefield, we take a look at the story behind The Battle of Stoke Field…

Nottingham Documentary Soul Boy to Feature on BBC One

Renowned Nottingham documentary makers Luke Radford and Toby Curson are looking to lift the spirits of the nation with their upbeat story of 18-year-old Athony Flavin, who finds joy from a surprising source - Northern Soul. 

Out of Time: The Philanthropic Legacy of Florence Boot

Florence Boot is fondly remembered for her numerous charitable acts that helped transform the lives of countless local workers, as well as the landscape of the city itself, during the early 20th century. In terms of a legacy, she’s been considered  one of the most valuable assets in the history of Boots. What many don’t know, however, is that her position of equal partner in the family business was earned due to her relentless efforts to champion workers’ rights…

Into the Archives: What LeftLion and Overall... Were Printing In Mays Gone By

Our new regular feature delves back into the LeftLion and Overall There is a Smell of Fried Onions archives to find what Notts was up to back in the day...

Open Kitchens Deliver Over 10,000 Free Meals to Notts' Key Workers and Vulnerable People

Busy workers. Blissful smiles. Big ideas; we discover how Nottingham’s newest charity initiative Open Kitchens is bringing meals to the doorsteps of those who need it most...

NHS @ 70: The Organisation Collecting Your Stories, Memories and Opinions of the NHS

Up until recently, it’s fair to say that many of us have been guilty of taking the NHS for granted. But as the coronavirus continues to wreak havoc on the country, stretching the health service to its absolute limits, you can’t help but feel that, as a nation, we’re finally starting to truly understand the value of what we’re lucky to have. One organisation was well-ahead of the curve on the appreciation front, however, as the NHS at 70: The Story of Our Lives project has been collating stories, memories and experiences of the NHS for a few years, and 2020 has seen them focus their attention on the East Midlands. We talk to Oral History and Public Engagement Coordinator James McSharry to find out more...

Young Nottingham Musicians Make Friends Across the World in Lockdown

Educational youth charity Nottingham Music Hub have been making friends across Europe during lockdown by releasing a socially-distanced music video, performed by the Robin Hood Youth Orchestra...

Nadia Whittome Loses Care Job During Fallout Over PPE Comments

Nadia Whittome has faced criticism over her comments about inadequate PPE for care workers, leading to Lark Hill Retirement Village telling the Nottingham East MP that her services were no longer required. As she faces a backlash across social media and the wider press, Ashley Carter looks back at the recent interview Whittome gave to LeftLion, and explores the reasoning behind the care home’s decision to fire her…

Introducing Our New Art Editors...

One of the last things we did before the world went all Walking Dead was to appoint two brand-new Art Editors. But sadly for us, them and the entire artistic community in Nottingham, all of the galleries in the city closed their doors soon after. So by means of an introduction, we thought it might be nice for Laura-Jade Vaughan and Rachel Willcocks to write about an exhibition that made a big impression on them...

Just The Tonic Launch Online Comedy Night

Nottingham comedy club Just the Tonic have launched new digital live comedy night This Glorious Lockdown and there's an exclusive discount for LeftLion readers...

Ye Olde Trip Now Covered in Rainbows

Following a BBC news story earlier this month expressing sadness at England's oldest inn being boarded up, we're pleased to report that the place is now covered in rainbows...

Isolation Fest 2020: We Shall Overcome Festival review

Our Community Editor, Caroline Barry, swapped tents and portable toilets for oven chips and home comfort as she checked out Isolation Fest 2020: We Shall Overcome Festival. Here's what she thought...

Out of Time: Nottingham Doctor John Arderne, England’s First Surgeon

As the most devastating pandemic recorded in human history, the Black Death decimated Europe in the 14th century, killing somewhere between 30-60% of the continent’s entire population. But amidst the death, misery and chaos, one Nottingham doctor named John Arderne blazed a medical trail that still sees him referred to as England’s first surgeon…

Under Cover Artist: Natalie Owen

We talk to LeftLion's own Natalie Owen about the beautiful she designed for our April issue...

Create Your Own Spa Day at Home

Just because you haven’t worn makeup in weeks or your beard is verging on the bushy side, it doesn’t mean you can’t give yourself a little TLC. Self-care is more important than ever, so we’re guiding you through how to throw the ultimate spa day experience at home....

4 Virtual Reality Exhibitions to Check Out in Nottingham

Just because Nottingham's cultural institutions have closed their doors, it doesn't mean you can't check out what they've got to offer...

Interview: Electronic Music Open Mic Night Notts

Nick Strang speaks with Stewart Cuthew, responsible for running Notts’ branch of events that swap the acoustic guitars for synths and buttons. If you’ve been exploring the art of production in lockdown, you might wanna show yer new skills at its next night when things are up ‘n’ running again. For now, have a read and learn about the unique creative community...

Bless Our Hustle - The New Website for Self-Employed Creatives

Quite a few of us have had our lives turned upside-down or, more specifically, outside-in, over the last few weeks. But for some their work, as well as their lifestyle, has suffered...

Fundraising Festival Goes Online: We Shall Overcome Isolation Fest

Imagine a festival where the music is great, it’s dry and comfy, drinks are cheap and plentiful and the toilets are actually clean - our community editor Caroline Barry shares what’s in store at WSO Isolation Fest this weekend...

Overheard in Notts: Corona Special

If Big Baby don't laugh about it, Big Baby might cry... 

COMPETITION: Create Your Own LeftLion Cover

Ever fancied having a crack at a LeftLion cover? Well now's your chance...