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Locating D.H. Lawrence: September 1924

Lawrence was always happy to give writers feedback, though was ruthless with his criticisms. As he prepares to move to Mexico, he discovers his father has died.

Film review: The Critic (2024) at Broadway Cinema

Enjoy some wicked humour and a twisty plot in this period thriller drama starring Ian McKellen

We spoke to Scouting for Girls ahead of their gig at The Weekend Festival

Since their formation in 2005, Scouting for Girls have earned a well-deserved place in the English pop-rock hall of fame, and cemented that status with the release of their latest studio album The Place We Used To Meet in 2023. The trio – Roy Stride on piano and lead guitar/vocals, Greg Churchouse on bass guitar and Peter Ellard on drums – combine irresistibly catchy tunes with boundless energy and a knack for crowd interaction, making their live shows particularly memorable.

Ahead of their upcoming gig at The Weekend Festival, we asked the band to share some insights into their music, touring, and dream gigs.

We spoke to Nottingham’s oldest cinema, The Savoy

There’s nothing quite like a vintage movie experience, and Nottingham is lucky to have an original Art deco cinema in Derby Road’s Savoy Cinema. Built in the 30s, the building still contains many original features to admire, and now after a recent refurb to bring deluxe seating in three screen rooms, there’s even more reason to visit. We went down to chat to General Manager Paul Scotton to get some insider info on the Savoy’s 89 year history…

From alt-rock and grunge, to football and surrealism. Here's what's on in Nottingham, 23 -29 September

There's no shortage of energetic gigs, side-splitting comedy, or thought provoking art and design shows, to keep you busy in Notts this week. Here's what's on. 

We chat with DECO about their debut album and the joy of touring

Formed in 2011, with roots in the Midlands and beyond, there’s a lot to unpack with 80s-influenced band Deco – and they've only just released their debut album. With two Nottingham shows imminent, lead singer Max Kendall found time to sit down with LeftLion to talk about the new record, as well as the band’s headline tour, and everything in between…

In photos: Boston Manor at Rock City, with Trophy Eyes and Split Chain

Riding high on the wave of fifth album Sundiver, Boston Manor arrived at Rock City to play a blistering set. Support from Ozzie punk rockers Trophy Eyes and genre-blenders Split Chain made the night one to remember...

LeftLion Interviews Podcast #4: Daudi Matsiko on Music, Songwriting, Depression and Robin Hood Prince of Thieves

The latest episode from our 'Live at the Library' podcast features British-Ugandan singer-songwriter Daudi Matsiko...

Comedy Queen and RuPaul Drag Winner Bianca Del Rio charms Nottingham

Sam Harvey checks out Bianca Del Rio's Dead Inside tour as it stops off at the Royal Concert Hall 

In photos: Smokescreen Soundsystem – 35 years of DiY

Nottingham’s iconic and anarchic music collective DiY Soundsystem joined forces with kindred friends Smokescreen Soundsystem for an all-night, sold-out party at Hidden Warehouse on 7 September 2024

Book Review: akal by Dave Wood

We sit down with a mindful new collection from a much-valued Nottingham poet...

We chat to midlands brand Groovy Garage about the appeal of Streetwear in Notts

Notts is no stranger to the streetwear world. Once home to the likes of iconic 80s/90s independent streetwear shop GForce, whose stylish and original garms made waves around the globe, recent years have seen the likes of Mimm, Garms, Relic x Hooked and Hidden Garmz open shop in the city.

With a new kid on the block, Groovy Garage launching its second Midlands presence in Nottingham’s Urban Outfitters, it begs the question: ‘Why does streetwear have Nottingham in such a chokehold?’ Ahead of Groovy Garage’s launch, we chatted to their director Jack Tavener, and delved into the rise of streetwear culture.

Actor and Comedian Colin Hoult on ADHD, Mapperley Hospital and Being a Vampire

He's worked with vampires, ghosts and Ricky Gervais. Now Colin Hoult is bringing his new comedy show to Nottingham and reveals to us how it all began, as a child, in the shadows of Mapperley...

Gig Review: Eyre Llew at The Bodega

They are one of our city’s finest musical exports and now, after some time away, ambient rock outfit Eyre Llew are officially back. Once again performing live and this time with a second album in the bank, we went along to their hometown show at The Bodega to hear how the new music is coming along…

Robin Hood Beer and Cider Festival Returns Celebrating 47 Years of Beers and Cheers

Nottingham’s flagship celebration of ale and cider is back at Trent Bridge from Wednesday 9 – Saturday 12 October...

Matt Lucas to narrate A Christmas Carol Drone Show at Trent Bridge this December

A captivating new drone light show retelling A Christmas Carol, and narrated by Matt Lucas, will come to Trent Bridge Cricket Ground on December 7 and 8.

In sickness, health, and training season: we spoke to We Run Notts

Sometimes a little teamwork is imperative for getting motivated to exercise. Husband and wife, Dennis and Victoria, created We Run Notts as a platform to share their running journeys and encourage their followers to do the same. Since beginning in May 2023, the two have shared the highs, lows, and in-between bits of running recreationally, along with creating the A-Z of running in Notts.

We talk to Boston Manor about chart success and Nottingham memories

Experienced Blackpool-based rockers Boston Manor have recently released their fifth album, but success still brings them joy and surprise. We spoke with vocalist Henry Cox as the band waited for news of Sundiver's chart position, and prepared to lift the roof off Rock City...

Fear and nationhood: a look inside Nottingham's preserved Cold War bunker

Over in Aspley, nestled in a modern housing estate, a preserved relic of the Cold War era stands solemnly. With a multitude of curious features, from furniture to forgotten documents, The Nottingham War Rooms holds a wealth of insight into how the Government were preparing in the Midlands for a nuclear attack.

With renovations planned to give the building a new life, we spoke to architectural photographer and Nottingham Trent University (NTU) Senior Lecturer Martine Hamilton Knight, who recently had the chance to photograph the space, and Dr Daniel Cordle, until recently an Associate Professor at NTU, who specialises in nuclear culture and history, to find out more.

Legendary and local music, art and 2000s telly at the theatre: Here's what's on this week in Notts 16-23 September

This week in Notts! Check out live music, from the legendary to the local, enjoy some art, or have a bloody good time at the theatre.

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

Brews, hairdos and tunes: Trekkah Benjamin reflects on the 10th anniversary of Phlexx Records

Currently celebrating its 10th birthday, Phlexx Records has made its name as one of Notts’ most successful labels, since its founding in 2013 by local names Trekkah Benjamin and Bru-C. With the recent set-up of their new record store, adjoining coffee shop, and barber shop on Weekday Cross, we caught up with Trekkah to reminisce on the history of Phlexx and their ambitions to move ever up and onwards.

LeftLion's Latest Listens #5: Notts music we're currently spinning

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, features new releases from Bloodworm, Otala, Marseille and #NAME?...

Pick Six: gig photographer Faye Stacey

For this month’s Pick Six we turned to gig photographer and regular LeftLion contributor Faye Stacey

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.