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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.

“The UK’s first outdoor carnival was in Nottingham, not Notting Hill”... Nottingham Carnival returns this Sunday 18 August - here’s what to expect

The annual Nottingham Carnival returns to the Victoria Embankment this coming Sunday 18 August. We take a look into its history and speak with organiser Richard Renwick MBE, and Rastarella of Cultural Vibrations who is performing at the event, about what we can look forward to...

Rock City gives Lemmy a new home

The roar of engines and unmistakeable smell of petrol fumes signalled the arrival of a Harley Davidson convoy descending on Nottingham’s Talbot Street last night, as the ashes of Lemmy Kilmister of celebrated band Motörhead were delivered to Rock City...

GIRLBAND! talk to us about their rising fame, the Notts music scene and what they’re currently listening to

Redefining alternative music and inclusivity, GIRLBAND! are smashing preconceptions with every release and live performance. Michael Prince recently spoke to the band for LeftLion…

We chat to Hollow Stone about new music, and keeping it real

Hollow Stone sport a diverse and unique style, with authenticity and a love of music always being placed at the forefront of their work. We caught up with lead singer James Doherty ahead of the band's album launch show at The Angel on 17th August, to hear about the album and the development of Hollow Stone's eclectic indie sound...

Food review: affordable fine dining at Cleaver and Wake Nottingham

A new fixed evening menu has launched at Cleaver & Wake, offering you a taste of fine dining at a more affordable price. The canalside restaurant also welcomes guests to its new champagne terrace, just in time to enjoy the lighter summer evenings.

From metal, to jazz-fusion, to outdoor DJ sets. Here's what's on in Nottingham this week: 12 - 18 August

If you're in need of a live music fix then there's plenty to keep you happy in Notts. This week the city will host all kinds of acts, from an Oregon metal four-piece visiting Rescue Rooms on Monday to the arrival of carnival troupes on Sunday. Here are those Picks of the Week from 12 to 18 August.

Nadia on... the new Labour government

Nadia Whittome, the newly re-elected MP for Nottingham East and regular LeftLion columnist, talks about the new Labour government

Gig review: Sundara Karma at Rescue Rooms

When indie-rockers Sundara Karma played Rescue Rooms last Friday, it fell to the Rescue Rooms crowd to provide the atmosphere and energy, with the band looking like they’d rather be back at their humble beginnings than on the stage. LeftLion discovered some redeeming moments...

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.