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Left Stag: April

A very serious conversation with Mr Brian Butterfield ahead of his Nottingham Theatre Royal seminar

After decades spent opening and closing businesses, entrepreneur extraordinaire Mr Brian Butterfield has a wealth of knowledge and wisdom to impart. Reflecting on his illustrious career, which has included everything from karaoke bars and injury solicitors to inaccurate speaking clocks and dubious diet plans, he’s coming to the Theatre Royal next month. We sat down with Brian for a very serious chat about finance, tax and the secret to success…

Comic festivals, choirs, funky soul and jazz, and gigs: here's what's on in Notts 13 - 19 May

Sing, dance, create and learn in Notts this week, with a lovely hodgepodge of events across the city...

Theatre Review: Surfacing at the Playhouse

What if you came up for air and the world you knew was gone?

Gig review: John Bramwell at Metronome

From Johnny Dangerously to the Full Harmonic Trio: it’s been quite the career arc for Hyde’s John Bramwell. The 59-year-old has come a long way since his days as a solo performer on Saturday morning Granada TV alongside the likes of Caroline Aherne. We went down to Metronome to immerse ourselves in the music...

DJ collective Soul Buggin’ talk to us about celebrating twenty years of excellent parties in Nottingham

One of the most respected DJ ensembles in Nottingham, Soul Buggin’ is renowned for throwing atmospheric, unpretentious and downright excellent parties. With around a hundred events under their collective belt, Elmo, Beane, Mark and Wrighty are gearing up to celebrate Soul Buggin’s 20th birthday with a balls-to-the-wall shindig featuring an impressive array of headliners. We caught up with the four DJs on how they’ve gone from strength to strength to develop what many describe as the finest little dark room disco in Nottingham.

We visit The Sparrows' Nest, an archive of activism, anarchy and radical history spanning over fifty years

It’s often the places you least expect that can lead you into a treasure trove of forgotten secrets and hidden gems. This is true of The Sparrows’ Nest, which recently celebrated fifteen years. Disguised as a regular house in the middle of St Ann’s, it houses an incredible collection of flyers, books, leaflets and most importantly, local press and zines centred around activism, anarchy and radical history spanning over fifty years.

Sneinton’s Backlit Gallery to receive almost £500k in funding from Arts Council England

Fantastic news for Nottingham’s creative community as Sneinton’s Backlit Gallery is set to receive Arts Council funding to secure and develop their building.

Gig review: Frank Turner world record at Saltbox

15 shows. 15 cities. 24 hours. That’s right, singer-songwriter, punk legend and all-round nice guy Frank Turner took album promotion to the next level on the early May bank holiday weekend, attempting to break a Guinness World Record for most shows in different cities in the space of 24 hours. Stopping off at Saltbox during this crazy sprint across the country, we went along to support the cause…

Theatre Review: A Tribute to Amy + Screening: Back to Black

Theatre Review: A Tribute to Amy + Screening: Back to Black

Nottingham Chamber Music Festival is Bringing Classical Music to Contemporary Spaces this July

Classical music isn't just for posh people, you know. Nottingham Chamber Music Festival is out to prove the point with inclusive performances in venues like Nottingham Contemporary's Blend café, Delilah Fine Foods, and St Mary's Church in the Lace Market. There are also family performances and free admission events for people wanting to dip their toe in the genre...

Sting, Nile Rodgers & CHIC and Anne Marie To Perform At Sherwood Pines For Forest Live This June

Forest Live, the summer concert series presented by Forestry England, has announced that Nile Rodgers and Sting will both perform at Sherwood Pines this June. They are the first artists to be announced in the series, which takes place in unique forest settings around England...

A History of Nottingham Forest FC Fanzines

We take a deep dive into the history of Nottingham Forest FC fanzines and fan publications, from the 1980s to the present day...

We Speak to Julie Pritchard, Creator of 1980s-90s Nottingham Forest Football Fanzine Brian

It’s the late ‘80s, the internet doesn’t exist yet, and neither does the Premier League. However, the community around local football clubs is strong and one avid supporter, Julie Pritchard, decides it’s time for a Nottingham Forest fanzine. Thus Brian is born lasting eight years and 47 issues…

Free Green Hustle Festival Returns to Old Market Square this June

Green Hustle returns on Saturday 1 June with another all singing, soil-slinging festival of positive action, and it's all taking place smack bang in the middle of town...

Eclectic Nottingham jazz rock band Otala tell us about their new single Commedia

Teetering on the intersection between post-rock, spoken word poetry, and new-age jazz, Otala have garnered local interest for their unique tapestry of creative inspiration. Their latest single Commedia marks the beginning of an exciting year for the band. We sat down with frontman Oscar Thorpe, saxophonist Charlotte Foulkes, and drummer Fin Hills to talk about their upcoming record…

In Photos: Stone Cold Hustle at Peggy's Skylight

Our Top Picks for Pint of Science 2024

Pint of Science Festival is back this 10th-15th May 2024, ready to serve up another selection of pub-based exploration into the world of science and innovation. From AI-made music, to food and nutrition, and even a dash of climate bother, there’s plenty to spark your curiosity. Here are our top tips for what to check out…

We talk to comedian Peter Serafinowicz ahead of his Theatre Royal gig in June

Ahead of his gig at Theatre Royal Nottingham, the creative genius behind Brian Butterfield sheds some light on his alter ego...

Miniature Designer and Youtuber Louise Sugden Talks Warhammer and the Industry’s Roots in Nottingham

From working at Games Workshop to amassing over 100k followers on YouTube, Louise Sugden is a hardcore Warhammer hobbyist whose miniature goblins have sold into the thousands. We sat down to discuss the art of miniature making, being a YouTube creator, and how the industry is so embedded in Nottingham.

Food Review: Bang Pa In - The Newest Supper Club in Nottingham Weaves Tales of Thailand

The Thompsons on April Fools, Rainbow and Buses

Nottingham's most opinionated greengrocers on April Fools, Rainbow and Buses

Competition: Win Tickets For Live At The Hall Featuring Razorlight

Get ready for an epic night of music at Wollaton Hall on Friday 30 August, as "Live at the Hall" brings together an all-star lineup featuring Razorlight, Feeder, The Pigeon Detectives, and The Sherlocks.

LeftLion have three pairs of tickets to give away. The winners will be drawn on Monday 20 May and notified by email soon after. To be in with a chance of winning read on...

Theatre Review: The Blindboy Podcast in Conversation with Paddy Considine at Nottingham Playhouse

Blindboy Boatclub brings his hugely popular podcast to Nottingham Playhouse featuring a fascinating conversation with his guest, actor Paddy Considine, about acting, autism, and the best Nottingham pint.

Gig Review: L'objectif at The Bodega

Leeds-founded indie quartet L’objectif recently blessed The Bodega with the privilege of witnessing their 100th gig milestone as they stopped off in Nottingham as part of The Left Side UK tour …