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How ANTI All Genders Barber adds an extra dose of inclusivity to cutting hair in Nottingham

While getting a haircut is a fairly ordinary part of life for some, having a stranger alter your appearance can feel daunting for others, especially if you’re trans or non-binary and find yourself tangled up with widely-debated, unequal gender-based prices, or neurodivergent and don’t feel great about the socially-sanctioned small talk. Nottingham’s ANTI All Genders Barber is looking to provide a solution to that… 

Interview: BalletBoyz directors Michael Nunn and Billy Trevitt at Nottingham Playhouse

After 25 years of pushing boundaries, BalletBoyz return to Nottingham with a radical new show celebrating their silver anniversary. Artistic Directors Michael Nunn and Billy Trevitt talk to Leftlion about the story so far...  

Five worthwhile bottomless brunches in Nottingham (with a twist)

There is only one social occasion where it’s acceptable to be double-parked with margaritas before midday, and the best part is it sometimes comes with pancakes. Bottomless brunch has become a go-to activity for catch-ups with friends, thanks to the promise of unlimited cocktails without sacrificing a good night’s sleep. Nottingham has dozens of bottomless brunch experiences but these five independents all have something unique to offer, from drag queen bingo to table-side magic and even a sober option for foodies

Competition: Win Nottingham Wing Fest 2026 Tickets

The world’s biggest chicken wing festival lands in Nottingham for the first time ever at the new Out Nottingham venue. We have two pairs of tickets to give away to our clucky readers...

Gig review: The Kairos at The Bodega, with Florentenes & The Rossettis

Some gigs feel like a night out; others feel like a moment you’ll keep tucked behind your ribs for a while. On Friday, The Bodega, leaned firmly into the latter as The Kairos turned a sold-out room into something closer to a living, breathing organism...

Plans for new statue of Maid Marian in Nottingham City Centre unveiled

Nottingham City Council, Backlit Gallery and It’s in Nottingham, have announced plans for a new statue of Maid Marian to be unveiled this summer and located on Maid Marian Way...

Gig review: Basht. at The Bodega

There’s a particular kind of intimacy reserved for a sold-out show. It’s the kind that presses in on you, that asks something of you before a single note is played, and when fast-rising Irish rock band Basht. took to the stage at The Bodega, it felt like everyone in the room understood they were about to be part of something rather than just witness it...

Why Nottingham could be the UK’s next indie film city

Last month, we were lucky enough to be invited to the Q & A screening of The Correction Unit hosted by the folks at cinema collective Lounge Trip. From there, we mingled with the cast and crew of the film as well as local filmmakers to find out just what Nottingham needs in terms of funding for films, plus one big question: could Nottingham become the UK’ next indie film capital? 

Gig review: James at Motorpoint Arena

Touring across sold-out arenas throughout England on their Love is the Answer tour, James returned to Nottingham’s Motorpoint Arena giving an awe–striking performance to an ever-eager crowd. Support came from Doves...

Gig review: Brooke Combe at Rescue Rooms

Morrissey once quipped "Manchester, so much to answer for…" during the heyday of seminal indie trailblazers, The Smiths. The same could be said of another scene pioneered in the North West: Northern Soul. More than 50 years after sparking into life at its cultural home, the Wigan Casino, thanks to the long lost Tamla Motown and soul tracks unearthed and spun following visits across the pond, the roots of the much-revered movement still spread to this day. Brooke Combe is keeping the trend growing..,

Enthralling theatre and crowd pleasing comedy: Here's what's on in Nottingham this week Monday 13 - Sunday 19 April

The weather's getting warmer, and here in Notts everybody's getting out and enjoying culture, whether as part of some memorable screenings at local cinemas, or some top tier local music. Here's some events which we think you shouldn't miss...

Nottingham UNESCO City of Literature's Youth Advisory Board Celebrate the Launch of their Poetry Pamphlet

Join Nottingham UNESCO City of Literature's Youth Advisory Board as they celebrate the launch of their first poetry pamphlet on the 12th of April

New Nottingham Journal Reopens for Submissions

After selling out its debut issue, the New Nottingham Journal – the city’s print literary journal publishing short fiction, slow journalism, poetry and black-and-white art – is preparing its return in 2026.

Gig review: Idlewild at Rescue Rooms

Nearly 11 years since they last played the venue, beloved Scottish rockers Idlewild returned to Rescue Rooms this week. Bringing with them songs from their 2025 self-titled album along with a stacked catalogue of classics from across their 30+ year existence, they put on one hell of a performance to kick start this short run of UK dates. Here’s what went down…

Catching up with Nottingham poet and cultural historian Panya Banjoko

Panya Banjoko is a Nottingham-born poet and cultural historian and a tour de force in our local literature scene. She’s also the keeper of the Nottingham Black Archive and has been a Patron of Nottingham UNESCO City of Literature since it first received the accolade in 2015. We talk to Panya about past and current projects, her new StoryArcs fellowship and why mature ladies get more done…

Theatre Interview: Sam Harry Macgregor actor and writer from Hold The Line at Nottingham Arts Theatre

Hold the Line is a new play coming to the Nottingham Arts Theatre that lifts the lid on life and work at the NHS 111 telephone service. Rising star Sam Harry Macgregor, who wrote and stars in the play, talks to Leftlion about the journey...  

Nadia on... student loans

Labour MP for Nottingham East Nadia Whittome discusses university loans and student fees...

Blues, dance, and Hong Kong culture: Here's what's on in Nottingham

There's lots of events this week set to spread some strong community spirit and selfless sentiment here in Notts. Here are some of our favourites... 

LeftLion Interviews Podcast #15: Blur’s Dave Rowntree on NASA, Nottingham gigs and his new book of old Blur photos

This episode we are joined by Blur drummer Dave Rowntree who talks about Blur's early years, his memories (or lack of) of their Nottingham appearances, NASA and space and his new photo book No-one You Know'..

Rediscovering wild medicines and food with The Nottingham Forager

Nestled in roadside thickets, hidden amongst hedgerows and sprouting from our local playing fields, parks and playgrounds, a world of forgotten foods quietly grow. With shoots spurting from the ground as we move into spring, Sophie Gargett spent some time with Lucy Buckle, aka The Nottingham Forager, to discover more about identifying, picking and eating wild food.

Gig review: Eyre Llew at The Grove, with Ella Clayton

Nottingham’s ambient veterans Eyre Llew gave an assembled crowd at The Grove a taste of a new era. With support from the sublime Ella Clayton, we experienced a magical evening...

Gig review: Gorillaz at Motorpoint Arena

It’s incredible to think that across their 25+ year existence, the world’s most famous animated band – Gorillaz - hadn’t performed in Nottingham until now. However, in support of their highly ambitious and India-inspired new record The Mountain, Damon Albarn brought a huge ensemble along to the Motorpoint Arena to finally right that wrong. Here’s what went down at Gorillaz’s visually epic and guest-filled debut show in Nottingham… 

Gig review: Kofi Stone at Rescue Rooms

Straight off the top: the Nottingham jam nights where musicians test their skills

Anyone who takes a deeper than average dive into Notts music will probably come across a corner of the scene with a very particular kind of magic – jam sessions – improvisation events where new connections are forged and the music is completely different each time. Acoustickle’s Parisa East and Joe Egan, founder of popular jam Perkalater, talk about why these occasions are valuable. 

Immersive indie theatre, all day gigs, impactful exhibitions: here's what's on in Nottingham this week 30 March - 5 April

This is a great week in Notts for music and art lovers... check out our top picks.