Site search

In photos: Venus Grrrls at The Bodega with Retina and Penny Moon

Gig review: American Football at Rock City

25 years ago, four friends from Champaign, Illinois formed a band, made a record together and then headed off to college - not once thinking of the potential impact of their music. Little did they know that album would go on to become a seminal masterpiece, one that would inspire a whole genre, as well as a new generation of artists and legions of fans all around the globe. Now travelling the world in 2024 celebrating that album’s quarter century, American Football stopped by Rock City to play their iconic LP1 in full…

Comedy and conspiracies: we chatted to Dom Joly about his upcoming show at Nottingham Playhouse

Can Dom Joly save Nottingham from the conspiracy theorists? He chats with LeftLion about his struggle with extreme believers, his new book and his globe-trotting adventures. 

Gig review: Molly Payton at The Bodega

Molly Payton has taken back the driver’s seat after a tumultuous period in her career: finding herself completely independent for the first time, navigating the limbo of being between managers and labels, and emerging more determined than ever. Following the release of her debut album YOYOTTA, she is revelling in how fun making music can be, while performing her new songs around the UK with her full band. We were lucky enough to catch her performance at The Bodega in Nottingham, alongside daydream indie-pop artist tinyumbrellas...

Review: Proms Nottingham-Music of Sherwood Forest

The BBC orchestra visits Nottingham for a first for the world-famous Proms. 

Gig review: The Hoplites and friends at Metronome

Brand-new Nottingham ska group The Hoplites have already impressed listeners with their blend of original tunes and stomping rhythms, and as they took to the stage for the first time at Metronome, they proved that their live sound is also something very special...

Food Review: Raymonds, Stoney Street

Another highly anticipated new spot in Nottingham, Raymond’s, finally opened its doors in August. Our Food Co-Editor, Julia Head, took a stroll through Lace Market to check out the buzz and capture the first impressions of this vibrant addition to the local dining scene.

From theatre trips to interstellar journeys: Here's what's on in Nottingham this week, 9 -16 September

This week in Notts there are events catering for everyone from emo-fans, to local indie-gig-goers, to stage savants. Here are our picks of the week from 9 to 16 September. 

GrowNotts talk to us about greening up Nottingham with their colourful street planters

You may have seen some of the planters dotted around town looking extra loved up lately - a dash of colour around Canning Circus, Bridlesmith Gate becoming an altogether more pollinator-friendly aisle to walk down. A lot of this greening action can be traced back to GrowNotts. Angelena Efstathiou caught up with grower-in-chief Jack Harris, to hear all about how they’re greening up our city whilst bringing the community with them…

Gig review: A golden era of dance music with Haçienda at Wollaton Hall

Haçienda, the iconic music brand that has captivated audiences for over three decades, made history once again amid the beauty and heritage of Nottingham's Wollaton Hall. Headlined by Soul II Soul with DJs galore, and other big name acts including 808 State and Ultra Naté, the event proved to be an eye-opener...

Interview: Comedian Mark Thomas

Cathy Symes interviews Mark Thomas, the left-wing political comedian and protestor about his new stand-up show Gaffa Tapes which is coming to the Nottingham Lakeside on Friday 25 October...

Gig review: Melt-Banana with Arch Femmesis at Rescue Rooms

Japanese noise rock band Melt-Banana are known for speed, energy and experimentation. Dropping in for a whirlwind gig as part of hurricane of a world tour, they subjected Rescue Rooms to a dose of that legendary power...

Gig review: Lime Cordiale at Rescue Rooms

Adding a splash or two of Lime Cordiale to your playlist is guaranteed to make your day a little sweeter! One of Australia’s biggest and busiest bands performed to a sold-out Nottingham Rescue Rooms crowd, and we couldn’t wait to have a taste...

Review: Live at the Hall featuring Razorlight

Live at the Hall provided a day of fantastic live music in the beautiful setting of Nottingham's Wollaton Park. With the event headlined by Razorlight, we were also treated to guest performances from indie-rock stars Feeder and The Sherlocks, as well as local artists including Catmilk...

Gig review: Cassyette at Rough Trade

This World F**king Sucks, but Cassyette surely doesn’t. The nu-gen artist finally has a physical body of work to her name, and we headed to Rough Trade to hear some snippets live and up-close...

From indie gigs to horror film festivals: Here's what's on in Nottingham this week 2 - 8 September

Whether you're mad for musicals or already looking forward to the Halloween season, there's plenty to counteract the September blues this week in Notts. Here are our picks of the week from 2 September to 8 September. 

Gig review: Gustaf at The Bodega

Nottingham got a small taste of the NYC art-rock scene as Gustaf dropped in to The Bodega, bringing a whirl of innovation, fun and quirky percussion (look out for the rubber chicken)...

Review: Foolhardy Folk Festival 2024

Curated with care by Beans on Toast, this year's Foolhardy Folk Festival at the Arboretum once again provided great music, good vibes and trees galore... 

In photos: Launch day at The Grove

Nottingham has always been renowned for its live music scene. That scene has become even brighter with the opening of brand new venue The Grove, in Sneinton Market. We were there to document the opening day, which featured music from seven of our city's most exciting up and coming bands...

Rights for Flies: the alternative rock band with an environmental twist

It’s summer. The wasps are coming for your ice cream, the flies for your park-bench picnic… but before you start swatting, have a listen to Rights For Flies. We spoke with Tobi from the Nottingham based band and activist collective to hear about hoverflies, breaking boundaries, and how art gives us the chance to champion environmental action.

Live comedy, experimental music and outdoor cinema. Here's what's on in Nottingham this week 26 August - 1 September

From Grease The Musical to Razorlight live in Wollaton Park, there are some enormous, artistic spectacles set to close out Nottingham's summer, events calendar this week. Here are our Picks of the Week from 26 August to 1 September.

Gig review: KAP at Saltbox Presents

To celebrate the release of her Still The Girl EP, Notts sensation KAP took to the mic as guest host / artist-in-residence for one night only at Saltbox, supported by a diverse array of local talent…

A tale of rags to riches - from Apprentice to Alderman of Nottingham

How a young lad from Derbyshire rose through Nottingham society and transformed his life 170 years ago.

Gig review: Hamish Hawk at Rough Trade

Hamish Hawk’s latest album A Firmer Hand is here, and to celebrate, the Scottish singer-songwriter brought his witty lyricism and enchanting vocal performance to Nottingham’s Rough Trade for a good old-fashioned in-store gig...

Gig review: ACHB at JT Soar

Choosing a space at the fabulous JT Soar venue, Notts locals ACHB hosted a fun-packed, eclectic line-up of local acts. LeftLion contributors Gemma and Natalie experienced an entertaining evening, with a few surprises, too...