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Film Review: 1917

Sir Sam Mendes’ World War One epic is the most Oscar-nominated film of the year, but that means nowt without the ol’ LeftLion stamp of approval…

Plant-based Restaurant No.12 Cook Fresh and Local

After two years spent building a strong reputation and scooping up numerous awards, plant-based restaurant No. 12 have dropped the Houndsgate, expanded to bigger premises and crafted a new, more varied menu...

9 Tips for Emerging Artists from Musicians' Union

Aiming for a career as a working musician? Forget what your parents, no-good friends or washed-up X Factor stars say – it’s possible. We had a chat with the Musicians’ Union and asked for their top tips on making your dreams come true in a realistic manner...

7 Music Communities for Women and Non-binary People in Notts

Back in ‘66, James Brown might have crooned that “this is a man’s world”, but these days we know that’s nowhere near the truth. When it comes to music there’s no doubt there’s a thirst for inclusive, safe spaces for those who don’t identify as a fella, and Notts absolutely has plenty to add to that conversation. 

We’ve rounded up a snapshot of some of the best community groups for music-loving females or non-binary folk who’d love to get involved.

Snap Notts: Hopkinson's Art Centre

Every month we pair up a local poet and photographer and give them a location in Nottingham to create work around. This month, it's everyone's favourite surprise-packed antique shop...

A Roadie in Notts: "People think I can get guestlist or signed stuff for anyone."

Our Day in the Life series looks at the trials and tribulations of people in Nottingham...

Under Cover Artist #121: Mina Berntsen

We delve into the artistic process of Mina Bernsten, the creative brains behind our cover which celebrates Nottingham’s music scene...

Overheard in Notts

What the bob are you lot on about, now?

Nottingham in Photos

Our city, captured by some of the best local photographers abaht...

LeftLion Magazine #121

The Music Special. Featuring JT Soar, Duke101, A History of Rock City, Nusic on Nottingham's best music decade, Silent Orchestra, Overall There is a Smell of Fried Onions, and more...

A Goodbye From Our Outgoing Arts Editor…

Our wonderful Art Editor is hanging up her easel and beret, after two years of doing a marvelous job…

The United States of Nottingham: How Much Do You Know About the American Towns Named After Notts?

Two intrepid reporters. Five stateside locations. One giant waste of time. This is the whirlwind story of our investigation into how the name of our great city made its way across the New World. This is the United States of Notts…

December Mix Of The Month: Seasonal Hibernation from Pushkins Prefers

In this mix series we invite local DJs to get creative with each issue’s theme. To round off ‘19 Greg, of local music webzine Pushkins Prefers, weaves together a special selection designed for the period of seasonal weirdness that lies between Christmas and New Year…

LeftLion Film Podcast #25 - Part 1: The Best Films of 2019

In part one of the end-of-year podcast, hosts Ashley Carter and Derry Shillitto are joined by Daniel Turner to run through the best films of 2019...

A Santa in Notts: "We’d been told that we shouldn't suggest the kids should sit on our knee"

'Tis the season to be jolly! Unless, of course, you're a Victoria Centre Santa Claus...

Name Sakes: Nine Notts Residents Who Share Their Names With Celebrities

All of the name, none of the fame. We delved into the lives of nine Notts' residents who share their monikers with the rich and famous...

Notes From a Mental Health Nurse: Self-Compassion

Each month, our anonymous mental nurse, who has over two decades on experience working in Nottingham, will deal with a specific mental health issue with practical, accessible advice. This month, it's self-compassion...

Snap Notts: Winter Wonderland

Our regular poet and photographer collaboration head to Winter Wonderland to get you feeling all warm and festive...

Nottingham City of Literature are Running a Creative Writing Competition for Writers Aged 10-25

Are you a youngster in our city who has gifted gears whirring away? We have a corking competition for you… 

Overheard in Notts

We've been earwigging on your lot's conversations...

Notts’ Panto Legends Kenneth Alan Taylor and John Elkington on Bringing Sleeping Beauty to the Playhouse This Christmas

This year marks 35 years since Kenneth Alan Taylor first brought pantomime to the Nottingham Playhouse when he arrived as Artistic Director. For a generation, his gentle northern tones were the voice of the quintessential panto dame, a role he reprised over and over before hanging up the costume changes for writing instead. It’s also been 21 years since John Elkington first appeared in a Playhouse panto and solidified himself as the current dame of choice. Our Stage Editor – and massive panto fan – sat down with them both during rehearsals for Sleeping Beauty to find out about this year’s production… 

LGBTQ+ Notts: What's Kicking Off in December?

The Thompson Brothers on 2019, New Year and The Election

Nottingham's most opinionated grocers on...

LeftLion Magazine #120

Featuring United States of Notts, Name Sakes, Nottingham Playhouse Panto, Nottingham Community Wardrobe, Basket Brigade and more... 

Notts Author Darren Simpson is Inspiring Children to Love Reading

We had a natter with him about his new project with the National Literacy Trust...