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Artist Maximillion Speed talks about Surrealism and his collaborative art exhibition Circus of Life

The circus is coming to town later this month, with an array of artistic feats on display in a new exhibition at Surface Gallery. Showcasing the work of six very different artists, The Circus of Life playfully reveals both inner and other worlds, with shared themes of mental health, healing, playfulness and illusion. Ahead of the exhibition’s grand opening, artist Maximilion Speed treated LeftLion to a chat about the strange workings of creative thinking, why art should be made by humans, and what to expect from the work on show.

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. 

LeftLion's Latest Listens #3: Notts music we're currently spinning

In 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, we review new releases from ALT BLK ERA, Cappo, Pink Cliffs and River Drive...

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)...

LeftLion Issue #175 September 2024

LeftLion Issue #175 features... The Circus of Life Surrealist exhibition, The Angel Microbrewery, Raymond's, Phlexx Records and coffee, the Nottingham War Rooms, The Savoy Cinema, Poetraits and lots more.

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... 

Theatre Review: Grease The Musical

Iconic 1950s musical action...

Music Reviews: August 2024

August music reviews: Luna and the Lime Slices, The Blooms, KAP, Soul Infinity Orchestra, Ardency and GIRLBAND!

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...

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…

LeftLion's Latest Listens #2: Notts music we're currently spinning

LeftLion's Latest Listens is our music team's picks of the latest and greatest sounds from all around Nottingham and the Midlands. This week, LeftLion listens to new releases from Purple Suns, Modern Coven, Sunflower Thieves, Bram Bancroft and Lace Thief...

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...

Pick Six: Cherry On Top's eco-conscious fashion upcycler Grace Reeves

Event coordinator and eco-conscious fashion upcycler, Grace Reeves, shares her favourite things for this month’s Pick Six.

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...

In photos: Red Fang at Rescue Rooms

Gig review: Fat Freddy's Drop at Rock City

New Zealand seven-piece Fat Freddy's Drop are renowned for their live energy and eclectic style. When they made a visit to Rock City recently, who better to send down to see them than super-fan LeftLion staffer Adam Pickering. He had no regrets...

Gig review: Rockabilly Americana Show at Binks Yard

The Binks Yard outdoor terrace was recently transformed into an Americana extravaganza, coming alive with all things Rockabilly, including four of the UK's top bands of the genre, along with dancing, costumes and vintage American cars. Andrew McCartney was there...

We caught up with The Art of Football about their collaboration with Self Esteem about domestic abuse

In a recent campaign with Rebecca Lucy Taylor - AKA musician Self Esteem - Nottingham based designers The Art of Football have designed a football shirt to open up a conversation about domestic abuse. Head of Brand Kelvyn Quagraine and designer Nicole Kaminska spoke with LeftLion to reflect on the collaboration and football’s light and dark side.

From DIY theatre to still-life art: Here's what's on in Nottingham this week 19 -25 August

This week, there's definitely no shortage of opportunities to indulge your artistic, theatrical and musical needs, from art at Richmond House to the return of the Foolhardy Folk Festival. Here are our Picks of the Week from 19 to 25 August. 

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

Kicking off a new regular New Music review series, LeftLion's Latest Listens is our picks of the latest and greatest sounds from all around Nottingham and the Midlands. This week, LeftLion listens to new releases from Hollow Stone, Ben Blackadder, Molly Hindley and LYVIA.

History, style and roses: we visited The Bath Inn in Sneinton Market

Among Nottingham’s huge array of historical pubs, The Bath Inn, near the LeftLion offices in Sneinton Market, is one of our favourites, distinctive for its quasi-Egyptian decor, beautiful flower arrangements and the rich sense of history that hits you from the first step you take through the door. We visited for a chat with the Nottingham-born landlord Piers Baker, previously a rose grower by trade, to find out how the 19th century bar became the unique spot that it is today. 

We spoke to the organisers of Huldra Horror Shorts, a film festival in the woods this September

It’s still August, but if you are one of those people who hankers for Halloween, the Huldra Horror Shorts Festival might be for you. Taking place in the woodland near Notts Maize Maze this September, we meet the makers Dan and Kym Lord to ask what horrors await this year…