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Gig review: IDLES at Rock City

Looking at this set of tour dates for hugely popular punk outfit IDLES – Alexandra Palace in London, M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool, OVO Hydro in Glasgow – the usually daunting Rock City stands out as one of the more intimate stops on their current UK tour, even with two sold out nights back-to-back. With the opportunity to catch the punk behemoths in this special setting simply too good to miss, we headed over to Talbot Street for night one…

Gig review: Rough Trade's 10th Birthday

Rough Trade Nottingham is 10 years old! The beloved record shop and live music venue has played vital role in our city's music culture for a decade, so we were thrilled to join their party to celebrate...

A queer tragedy comes to Lakeside Arts

This critically acclaimed dance production brings a mythologised Cuba to Nottingham on a cold November night. A world where gods walk and men are transformed by love... 

Gig review: Mickey Callisto at Acoustic Rooms

LeftLion headed to Rescue Rooms to catch 86TVs live, only to find the gig cancelled just minutes before the doors opened due to Jamie from the band being rushed to the hospital. We all wish him a swift and full recovery! Mickey Callisto, who was scheduled to support 86TVs, was not about to let the night go to waste and, with a "the show must go on" attitude, stepped up to fill the gap and deliver an unforgettable performance in the Rescue Rooms bar...

Exhibition Review: Man Hours by Grayson Perry

Lakeside Arts presents Grayson Perry’s Man Hours: a satirical exploration of contemporary life featuring bold woodcut prints and a mixture of mediaeval and antique maps of imagined territories. Initially popularised by his decorative pottery and subsequent winning of the Turner Prize in 2003, this exhibition presents the diversification of Perry’s media with this tongue-in-cheek social commentary in print.

Celestial talk blending the festive and futuristic at Trent Bridge's upcoming drone show

Over at Trent Bridge Cricket Ground this month, a festive event of a very different kind is taking place. Narrated by Matt Lucas, the classic Dickens tale A Christmas Carol will be told through a spectacular display of colourful drones lighting up the sky. But what on earth goes into planning this kind of event? We spoke to John Hopkins, Founder & CEO at Celestial, to find out more…

Gig review: Confidence Man at Rock City

Fresh off the back of releasing their new album 3AM (La La La), Confidence Man are on the road delivering delightful Australian eurotrash electro-pop to the masses. Izzy Morris headed down to Rock City for the band's triumphant return to Nottingham...

Locating Lawrence: November 1924

Parrots that taunt dogs and a railway journey that would frighten Michael Portillo…. 

In photos: W. H. Lung at The Bodega, with Formal Sppeedwear

Gig review: King Creosote at Metronome, with Emily Barker

With almost 50 albums in his cannon, King Creosote (aka Kenny Anderson) is in town to promote his latest long player, the Roman-themed I Des. Along with Emily Barker, in support and as part of the seven-piece band, the Metronome audience is treated to a performance packed with tender joy...

Gig review: Cane Hill at Saltbox

Heading a four-band line-up, Cane Hill proved they are well and truly back with a vengeance. We were at Saltbox for their high-energy set...

In photos: Massive Wagons at Rock City

Gig review: UB40 at Motorpoint Arena

The cold November weather did nothing to stop fans of UB40 packing out the Arena, where they were treated to a hit-filled set. As if seeing the legendary group wasn't enough, the evening also featured performances from Soul II Soul and Young Culture...

Indie quartet Divorce talk touring with their heroes and the Nottingham scene

Alt-indie quartet Divorce are undoubtedly one of the buzziest Nottingham bands of the moment. With debut LP Drive To Goldenhammer in the can and slated for release next March, LeftLion caught up with genial drummer, Kasper Sandstrøm, backstage in the midst of their sold-out four night residency at Bodega, to find out more about their long history with the venue and discuss their forthcoming first album…

LeftLion's Latest Listens #11: Notts music we're currently spinning

In this week's LeftLion's Latest Listens, our music team reviews new releases from Grain Mother, ALT BLK ERA (with Wheatus), and Drew Thomas...

Ballet, arena gigs and Christmas pantomines: Here's what's on in Nottingham this week, 25 -31 November

As the festive season fast approaches, Nottingham sees some Christmassy occasions this week, alongside an art exhibition and the arrival at Motorpoint of the band-of-the-moment...

City Councillor comments on the launch of Nottingham Climate Assembly, and progress towards Carbon Neutral Nottingham 2028

Let's talk about Nottingham Climate Assembly. After five years of dedicated work from volunteers, the initiative has launched its crowdfunder campaign this week. LeftLion Environment Editor Adam Pickering, who is part of the push himself, reports on this moment. He also speaks to Councillor Sam Lux, whose motion to support the Climate Assembly has just received the full backing of Nottingham City Council...

Theatre Review: Opera North - Ruddigore

Opera North nail a witty Gilbert & Sullivan classic

Light Post Farm Review

A light trail in the snow! Yes please! Here at LeftLion we had the pleasure of being invited to Light Post Farm, the brand new magical after dark trail at White Post Farm…

Gig review: Ibibio Sound Machine at Rescue Rooms

On a cold Tuesday night in Notts, electronic Afro-funk masters Ibibio Sound Machine proved more than equal to the task of bringing warmth, joy and mirth to Rescue Rooms...

Gig review: Kneecap at Rock City

The last time Irish hip-hop trio Kneecap played in Nottingham, it was to “about 30 people” at The Bodega a couple of years back. Since then, word has got out about the Irish-language rappers, with a successful debut album and a highly acclaimed music biopic making them one of the most talked about breakthrough acts of 2024. Now catapulted to festival headliner status (2000 Trees in 2025), a stop at Rock City on their current UK tour was a show that simply could not be missed…

Food review: Brunch with a Twist at Lilac Eatery

Now then, who doesn’t love a good brunch? A hybrid between breakfast and lunch, the brunch craze started gaining popularity in the late 1990s and early 2000s as café culture expanded in the UK, causing a cultural phenomenon that was later fuelled by the rise of social media. In Nottingham, one spot stands out for its imaginative and deliciously presented brunch offerings. Meet Lilac Eatery, who has a full-time residency at The Specialty on Friar Lane.

Fancy a Tiki one? New bar Tahulah’s Tiki Shack opens in Hockley

Are you pining for summery vibes and warmer climes as we approach the dark depths of the winter solstice, or just want to add a tropical flavour to your Christmas nights out? The ever-creative Fletchergate Industries are already a few steps ahead of you. This Christmas they’ve opened a brand new spot, Tahula's Tiki Shack, located on the former lower floor of Hockley Arts Club, Carlton Street...

Lost City Adventure Golf hits the bullseye with new 'interactive darts'

Lost City Adventure Golf has a new addition to its offering this Christmas, throwing interactive darts into their entertainment mix…

Buy: Overheard In Notts (Vol 6): Artificially Unintelligent

We like to think that Christmas isn’t Christmas without a bit of Overheard in Notts in it. Thus we are happy to announce the arrival of our latest book baby...