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Paul Smith, Horror films, Hockley Hustle, Veggie food and KittyArama: Here's what's on this week in Nottingham: 14-20 October 2024

There's so much happening in Nottingham this week, we couldn't narrow it down! Enjoy some horror movies, gigs galore, hear from Notts fashion legend Paul Smith and lots more.

Concert Review: Steeleye Span at the Playhouse

After fifty-five years of gold discs and international tours, folk rockers Steeleye Span are taking their music back on the road. Andrew McCartney reviews their performance at the Nottingham Playhouse... 

Comfort, colour and joy: we spoke to Megan Crook about her clothing empire

Among the array of shop fronts in Sneinton Market, one you are not likely to miss is the vividly colourful Megan Crook. In addition to The Textile Guru, her separate fabric and haberdashery store, Megan Crook designs, sews and sells her own range of vibrant and quirky clothing, with a focus on inclusivity, sustainability and fun. We went along to chat to Megan to hear more…

Out of Time: The wartime kitchen that sprung up on Broad Street

Broad Street has been the heart of Hockley for several decades since Broadway Cinema opened in 1990. Today its surrounding businesses offer a diverse range of cuisine for those looking for some tasty snap. However, the space itself has played a bigger part in the community for far longer; CJ De Barra takes us back to the Second World War, when the site was a communal kitchen to feed the hungry during difficult times.

"Rough sleeping is the tip of the homelessness iceberg": Framework tell us about their urgent winter appeal on World Homelessness Day

Notts based charity Framework have launched an urgent winter appeal for funds, closely following the premiere of homelessness documentary Someone's Daughter, Someone's Son, by Lorna Tucker, at Broadway Cinema. We heard more from Claire Eden, Head of Fundraising and Communications at Framework, and Sam Lanes, Manager of Street Outreach, about the challenges that the charity are facing and the help that they need to tackle them. 

Seann Walsh moves from stand-up to drama in this new play at the Theatre Royal

Comedian Seann Walsh has made a name for himself in the world of stand-up. But will his move to acting be stand out?

Punks and weirdos: Celebrating 15 Years of studio and performance venue JT Soar

From the headquarters of a fruit and vegetable wholesaler near Sneinton Market to one of Nottingham’s best loved recording studios and truly intimate, DIY music venues - it’s been quite a journey for JT Soar. 

When Phil Booth and his business partner Nick first took over the space at number 2 Aberdeen Street, they saw beyond an empty concrete room with metal grilles and a scooter garage next door. Their vision was to create something truly special: a recording studio, rehearsal and gig space, with a truly barrier-free ethos in all senses of the word.

Now fifteen years later, JT Soar celebrates its decade-and-a-half anniversary since it first opened its doors, marking the occasion with a “two-day, one stage, all killer-no filler line-up” of some of Phil Booth’s favourite bands. Ahead of what is being billed as ‘JT Soar Fest’, we asked staff, promoters, bands and community members to share their favourite memories of JT Soar, and outline what makes it so special.

Gig review: Seas of Mirth at The Old Bus Depot

For one night only, The Old Bus Depot was transformed into a neon-lit sub-aquatic world of wonder, as genre-blending independent band Seas of Mirth made their incomparable mark. LeftLion's Lewis Oxley dived in...

We spoke to 80s post-punk legend Peter Hook, ahead of his gig at Rock City

The term legend can be thrown around a lot in music nowadays, but only a select few truly deserve the tag. From his iconic basslines to his enduring work with Joy Division and New Order,  Peter Hook is one-such artist. As he sets his sights on a return to Nottingham to play New Order’s Substance albums in full, we had a whirlwind chat with Hooky about his life in music.

In photos: Seb Lowe at Rescue Rooms, with The Guest List

Festivals of beer and film, theatre and storytelling - Here's what's on this week in Notts 7 - 13 October 2024

Check out a celebration of short films, sample a huge range of beer and cider, enjoy some human stories, or be entertained by a bit of music and theatre this week in Notts.

LeftLion's Latest Listens #7: Notts music we're currently spinning

This week's edition of LeftLion's Latest Listens, our music team's picks of the latest and greatest sounds from all around Nottingham and the Midlands, features new releases from Bored Marsh, Jake Bugg, Jake Greener, Dorothy Ella & Gordon Parma, and Malin Hill...

Pick Six: Actor, writer and comedian Colin Hoult

This month’s Pick Six is chosen by Nottingham-born actor, writer and comedian Colin Hoult

Classical Music Review: BBC Philharmonic with John Storgårds at the Royal Concert Hall

After critical acclaim at this year's Proms, how will the BBC Philharmonic fare in Nottingham?

Gig review: Night Swimming at The Bodega Bar

Sometimes a gig breaks from the usual mould, and Monday night at The Bodega offered just that: a seated, laid-back atmosphere in the downstairs bar with free entry, where the crowd gathered around small tables in a casual but attentive setting…

In photos: Gaffa Tape Sandy at The Bodega, with Really Big Really Clever and Airport Dad

Our October cover artist Steve Cole talks photographing Ratcliffe-on-Soar

This month’s cover artist Steve Cole tells us more about his stunning photography of Ratcliffe-on-Soar Power Station

The Claw - September 2024

The Claw is back for the 2024/25 season...

Heart and Coal: the history and future possibilities of Ratcliffe-on-Soar

The end of September saw the closure of the UK’s last remaining coal-fired power station: Ratcliffe-on-Soar. Environment Editor Adam Pickering reflects on the past and future of this instantly recognisable Nottinghamshire landmark, the conflicted feelings that surround it, and how it could be re-purposed in the years to come.

A conversation with Rick Witter of Shed Seven

Rick Witter has fronted Shed Seven since 1990, experiencing the rapid rise and continued success of the York band, which has included seven top-40 albums. We sat down for a candid conversation about new album Liquid Gold, record shops and working with Issy Ferris…

From migrant poetry to psychey deepsea disco: Here's what's on in Nottingham this week, 30 September - 6 October, Pick of Week

Whether you're a poetry fan, a Kate Bush aficionado, a sucker for local alt-folk, or just a pirate at heart, there's plenty to keep you busy this week in Nottingham. 

Gig review: The Dangerous Summer at Rescue Rooms, with Happydaze and Broadside

All the way from Ellicott City, Maryland, The Dangerous Summer graced Nottingham's Rescue Rooms, delivering an unforgettable alternative rock performance. Known for their emotionally raw lyrics and anthemic sound, the band did not disappoint...

We speak with Wunderhorse about life, Rock City and everything in between

If you’re looking for a fresh and fast-rising guitar band to get excited about, look no further than Newquay-formed quartet Wunderhorse, who released their acclaimed second album Midas back in August. Ahead of a sold-out headline show at Rock City this month, we spoke to frontman Jacob Slater about the ethos behind the record and his past experiences playing live in Notts.

LeftLion's Latest Listens #6: Notts music we're currently spinning

After a week off, LeftLion's Latest Listens is back with our music team's picks of the latest and greatest sounds from all around Nottingham and the Midlands. This time, we feature new releases from Drew Thomas, London Grammar, The Days of Tomorrow, The Publics and flöat...

Overheard in Notts: September 2024

"Yoghurts are like nicotine patches for snack addicts"