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In photos: Tomás Doncker at Peggy's Skylight

Gig review: Love with Johnny Echols at Rescue Rooms

Cited as a major influence on rock luminaries including Led Zeppelin, The Doors, REM and Primal Scream, Love just might be the most important band you’ve never heard of. LeftLion stopped by Rescue Rooms for a night of psychedelic wonder, and much more besides. Support came from Midnight Rodeo and Bye & Bye...

A House in Jerusalem: How this Nottingham company made the first UK and Palestine co-produced film

For 24 years Al Clark and Rachel Robey have produced independent films, from all around the world, through their Nottingham based company Wellington Films. They've just wrapped up their tenth feature film, Sister Midnight, which saw the pair travel to Mumbai to shoot on location, aired at Cannes recently and set to be released early next year. Their most recent film, A House in Jerusalem, saw them travel to Palestine - the film is the first ever UK/Palestine co-production - for several months. Last month it screened in Broadway, which is where the company is based, but it is returning for two more screenings due to popular demand.  

We caught up with Beans on Toast ahead of the Foolhardy Folk Festival at Nottingham Arboretum

Honorary Nottingham lad Beans on Toast is back in town! The trees have been telling tales of yolkish yonder and folkish fun, and that August bank holiday has never looked more inviting. We caught up with Jay as he gears up for this year’s Foolhardy Folk Festival.

Gig review: Rumkicks at Ye Olde Salutation Inn

Coming to the end of a gruelling 30-date European tour, South Korean Punk trio Rumkicks landed in Nottingham. We dropped in to The Sal to catch the action...

In Photos: The Fall of Troy at The Bodega

Magic, comedy, theatre and an album launch party. Here's what's on in Nottingham this week: 5-11 August

August has come around, and whether you're craving some uplifting comedy or theatre to occupy your summer evenings, live DJ sets at a local, album launch party or just a no-nonsense concert at Rock City, we've got you covered at LeftLion. Here are our picks of the Week from 5 to 11 August.  

Five free family events in Nottingham this summer

The summer holidays are here and with the cost of living crisis raging on; the budget for days out, trips and activities can soon get out of control. However, there’s no need to break the bank this summer as there’s a whole host of free events for families in Nottingham. We’ve gathered our top five and there’s something for everyone here with activities from charities, galleries and local organisations. So if you’re in the thick of it with the long summer holidays, check out these family friendly events – all free!

Music Reviews: July 2024

June music reviews: The Roster, Red Sea, The Public Eye, 2079, Ben Mark Smith and Mighty Lightweights

Theatre, cricket and LeftLion live. Here’s what’s on in Notts this week: 29 July - 4 August 2024...

The Summer holidays has officially started; LeftLion's here to help keep you and the little ones occupied. From romantic theatre, to radical punk, cricket and a special LeftLion live podcast, read all about them and more below...

Join Us For A LeftLion Live Interview at Nottingham Central Library with Artist Emily Catherine

Next up in our series of LeftLion Interviews at Nottingham Central Library is the hip-hop inspired illustrator Emily Catherine on Friday 2 August at 7pm…

We speak to Notts based men’s mental health charity Tough to Talk

Since forming in 2022, Notts based charity Tough to Talk has already been making positive waves in workplaces and male-centric communities. With his own personal mental health struggles giving him first hand knowledge of the struggles some men have with talking, founder Steve Whittle tells us about their successes so far and strategy for the future.

Big City Reads book reviews: Electric Life

For the third instalment of our Big City Reads reviews - part of a campaign run by Nottingham City of Literature to provide free books for local young people - Mia gives us her thoughts on Electric Life by Rachel Delahaye. A gripping science-fiction tale, the book according to Mia well and truly allows the reader to escape into another world.

Review: Waterfront Festival at The Canalhouse

Nottingham's music scene is bursting at the seams, with new events popping up almost every month. Bassey spent a day at The Canalhouse and found himself spoilt for choice at the eclectic and charity-supporting Waterfront Festival...

Notts Pride, 80s inspired Boho festival, Imara art auction, a punk gig. Here's what's on in Nottingham this week 22 - 28 July

Happening here in Nottingham this week: Notts Pride street parties, Boho festival in the wilderness, Imara art auction, punk rock band Phat problem & friends, Madagascar the Musical at The Royal Centre.

We spoke to genre-defying queer electro-punk duo Arch Femmesis

Punk meets Club Kid with the genre-defying queer outfit, Arch Femmesis. Izzy Morris chatted to Zera Tønin and Princess Stephen about visual inspirations, Nottingham’s queer spaces and the city’s LGBTQI+ scene.

Gig Review: Cultural Vibrations turns 15 at Nottingham Playhouse

Cultural Vibrations is the brainchild and legacy to the Nottingham music scene, of Rasta Rella aka Rastarella L Falade. From very humble beginnings the organisation has become a central part of World Music in our city and now celebrates its 15-year anniversary. We went along to the Playhouse to celebrate...

In photos: Acoustickle Summer Showcase at Nottingham Playhouse

This year marks the 15th anniversary of Acoustickle, the local live music event representing original jazz, soul, RnB, hip hop and poetry artists from the UK. Since 2009, Acoustickle has established a fearsome reputation for being the spot to discover the next wave of artists. Last Friday's Acoustickle Summer Showcase saw emerging artists and promoters of the Global Ethnic Majority take over Nottingham Playhouse for a micro-festival within Transform Festival...

Exhibition review: Hamid Zénati, Claudia Martínez Garay and Julian Abraham at Nottingham Contemporary

A dynamic display of different cultures and styles are currently on show over at Nottingham Contemporary, showcasing floaty, folkish patterned hangings to musical instruments you can pick up and play. We went for a visit to enter the worlds of three very different artists, Hamid Zénati, Claudia Martínez Garay and Julian Abraham.

Haunting Ballet, sonic soundscapes, chilled open mics and wild bingo parties: Here's what's on in Nottingham this week 15-21 July

This week in Nottingham, enjoy some haunting ballet, wild bingo, have a chilled, creative Sunday at Cherry of Top, or check out new live music from the East Midlands.

Gig review: Ben McElroy at By Our Hands, with R.Dyer and Leah Sinead

A special evening of experimental folk at the unique, intimate venue By Our Hands, in Sneinton Avenues...

We talk shop with Nottingham legend and boss laydeh Charity Shop Sue

Fashion guru, DJ, LGBTQ+ icon, boss laydeh and star of her own TV show, it could be said that Charity Shop Sue is Nottingham’s biggest export. Having first graced our screens a decade ago, we thought it time to catch up, reflect on her illustrious career, and get some sahnd advice for living your best life.

Gig review: The Gaslight Anthem at Rock City

On the day when the whole city and country were somewhere watching the England vs Netherlands Euros semi-final, American rockers The Gaslight Anthem had the unenviable task of performing to 2,000 mildly distracted punters at Rock City. Taking the challenge firmly in their stride (and the result thankfully going England’s way), it made for a memorable night like no other in Nottingham’s most iconic music venue…

Gig review: Better Lovers at Rescue Rooms

Better Lovers rose like a phoenix from the ashes of the well-loved Every Time I Die, much to the joy of hardcore fans. At Nottingham's Rescue Rooms, they proved just why they are worth successors...

Gig review: Palm Reader at Rescue Rooms

All good things must come to an end, and sadly that includes bands, too. We were at Rescue Rooms as local metal group Palm Reader were given an emotional send-off...