Site search

Classical concert: Sinfonia Viva at the Royal Concert Hall

This matinee concert brings three distinctive voices from Eastern Europe to Nottingham...

How the Nottingham Gig Buddies community is uniting music lovers

Starting in 2009, and now with nearly 6,000 members to its name, the meetup.com social group Nottingham Gig Buddies (NGB) has been a life changer for many, bringing together people from many different backgrounds, ages, interests, through their passion for music. To understand the success behind the growth of this group, we got to know the people behind it.

Out of Time: When David Lynch visited Nottingham’s Goose Fair Seeking Carnival Freaks

David Lynch, the visionary American filmmaker died on 15 January 2025. A little known fact is that in the late 1970s Lynch visited Nottingham’s Goose Fair looking for inspiration and cast members for his film The Elephant Man…

LeftLion's Latest Listens #14: Notts music we're currently spinning

In this, the first edition of LeftLion's Latest Listens for 2025, our music team reviews new releases from Rainbow Frog Biscuits, Bad Milk Blood Robot, Eleanor McGregor and Divorce...

Review: Backyard Festival at The Bodega

When Nottingham’s music scene comes together for a cause, magic happens — and that’s exactly what unfolded at this year’s Backyard Festival at The Bodega...

Standing In This Place: Artist Rachel Carter tells us her inspirations behind a new sculpture for Nottingham's Green Heart park.

With just 17% of statues in the UK depicting women and only 2% dedicated to people belonging to ethnic minorities, there is a clear need for more varied representation in public art. Luckily, one local artist is looking to change this in Nottingham, whilst also representing the long and diverse history of our city’s textile industry. 

Standing In This Place, a sculpture by Rachel Carter will be erected in the Green Heart park in February. We asked Rachel to tell us more about the piece, how she became an artist, and what it’s like to work as a sculptor.

Human rights barrister and author Christian Weaver talks about his second book, The Right To Protest

Rising Nottingham star Christian Weaver was named Legal Aid Newcomer of the Year in 2023 for his tenacious work addressing dangerous public housing. The Secret Barrister called his first book ‘exceptional‘ - we join him now as he releases his second, Your Right To Protest...

We Speak To Mariposa Choreographer Carlos Pons Guerra of DeNada Dance Theatre About His Madame Butterfly-inspired Dance Opera

Choreographer Carlos Pons Guerra and his company DeNada Dance Theatre bring their critically acclaimed show Mariposa, to Mansfield Palace Theatre on Friday 28 February. We asked him some questions about the show…

Switch Up founder Marcellus Baz talks about changing the lives of disadvantaged young people

The story of Dr Marcellus Baz BEM is stuff of Nottingham legend. From a kid weighed down by poverty to the leader of an internationally recognised social enterprise, he’s lifted countless people out of disadvantaged backgrounds while inspiring others along the way. Having started collaborating more often with businesses and charities across the city, he made time in his busy schedule to chat with us about the credo behind his long career.

All you need to know about the International Postcard Show at Surface Gallery Nottingham

This month, Surface Gallery's International Postcard Show unites artists across the globe with an inclusive exhibition showcasing a multi-medium array of postcard-sized artworks, created by artists as far-flung as Japan. Charlotte Pimm-Smith talks to exhibitions co-ordinator Jez Kirby about it.

Local metal group Evil Scarecrow talk puppets, props and crowd participation

With over two decades under their belts and a record for theatrical live performances, Evil Scarecrow are one of Nottingham’s most eccentric and entertaining live bands. Playing Beat the Streets later this month, Iulia Matei caught up with them to see what wickedness we have to look forward to.

Magic, caves, exhibitions and music: Here's what's on in Nottingham events 6 - 12 January 2025

It might be cold outside, but there's no need to be bored in January. This week in Notts there's magic, exhibitions, caves, live music and more....

The Garage: A 1980s Nottingham Music Haven

We take a look at The Garage nightclub, a fixture in the Lace Market during the 1980s opened by Selectadisc founder Brian Selby and home to live bands, house music, and much more besides…

Alternative sister duo ALT BLK ERA talk songwriting, honesty and working with Wheatus

From a MOBO award nomination and TikTok fame to playing packed tents at the country’s largest rock festivals, alternative duo ALT BLK ERA became one of Nottingham’s big breakout acts in 2024. With their highly anticipated debut album Rave Immortal set for release at the end of January, 2025 is shaping up to be an even bigger year for sisters Nyrobi and Chaya. To find out more about the making of the record and their plans for the upcoming year, we sat down for an expansive chat…

Screen round up: best cinema experiences of 2024

To close out 2024, our cinephile screen team share some of the movies and experiences that have shaped their year, particularly spotlighting those independent efforts that found a home at Nottingham cultural hotspots, like Broadway Cinema. If you’re eager to experience new cinematic worlds, learn about people from different walks of life, or just remind yourself what an excellent offering we have in our local cinemas, read on…

In photos: Lucy Spraggan at Rock City

In photos: Bad Nerves at Rescue Rooms

LeftLion Interviews Podcast #8: George Akins on Rock City, Beat The Streets, Thekla, Dot To Dot, Massive Attack and 30 years working in live music

A bonus eighth episode  talking with the most influential man in the Nottingham music scene, George Akins; owner of DHP Family, Rock City, Rescue Rooms, Bodega, Stealth, Splendour Festival, Dot To Dot and more...

Music Reviews: December 2024

This Christmas, our music team have highlighted new releases from Notts artists...

LeftLion Music: The Best of 2024 Awards

What a year it’s been for the Nottingham music scene: from new venues opening to local talent gaining national exposure, 2024 proved that our city is one of the best in the country for breeding and platforming exceptional musical talent. With this in mind, we thought we’d celebrate with some end-of-year awards – championing the best local releases and gigs which took place in our city since the start of the year. Without further ado, here’s what stood out in the Notts music world in 2024…

Gig review: Christmas Covers at The Bodega

Mitch Gavell put his Christmas jumper on and headed to The Bodega for the Nottingham institution that is the Christmas Covers Party…

Gig review: The Publics at Rescue Rooms

Gig review: The Unthanks at Royal Albert Hall

The Unthanks filled the magical space of Nottingham's Albert Hall with timeless tales, and warm music despite the strains of Northumbrian winter...

It doesn't seem a year too long, a decade of Beeston Tales

Mike Payton and Tim Ralph, founders of the Beeston Tales, celebrate their tenth anniversary with a special night of fun... 

In photos: While She Sleeps at Rock City