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The Unravelling of Mary Reddish: author David Whitfield talks about his novel which draws from the history of asylums in Notts

Long before madness had a diagnosis, it had consequences. The Unravelling of Mary Reddish takes readers back to Georgian Nottingham, a world where sanity was judged through gender, reputation, and a strict social order. Katie Barr speaks to the author of the novel – David Whitfield – who drew on real asylum records from Nottingham to show how quickly a life can be unmade once those in power decide your mind is the problem. 

From Chinese art to liquid DnB: Here’s what’s going on in Nottingham this week, 9 - 15 February

It's Valentine's Day this week, and whether you're looking for activities to do with a significant other, or want to get out and experience what Notts has to offer solo, you're guaranteed to find something weird or wonderful you'll enjoy...

Class of 2026: six local music acts set to take Notts by storm in 2026

2025 in Notts music was mostly defined by awards. Rave-metal sister duo ALT BLK ERA won a MOBO award, rapper Jayahadadream won two Youth Music Awards including the Rising Star prize – and beloved venue The Bodega was crowned Grassroots Champion at the LIVE Awards.

Locally, we also saw the return of Splendour Festival with the Future Sound of Nottingham winners Saffron Gray and Archie & The Astronauts opening the festival main stage. This got us thinking – who are the next breakout stars from Nottingham and who can we expect to shine in the year ahead? After much deliberation, here’s six artists we expect to have a big 2026…

We speak to Nanna Bryndís Hilmarsdóttir from Of Monsters and Men

Notts artist Nakufo on her new light installation

For this month’s Art Works we heard from Notts based artist Nakufo, whose work Obelisk of Connectivity will be part of Light Night 2026.

What To See At Light Night 2026: Strobes in the Square, A 10 Metre Long Purring Cat, An Obelisk and More

Back for its eighteenth year this weekend, see the city glow after dark for this free, family-friendly event and explore landmarks, streets, art and hidden corners. 

Gig review: BBC Introducing East Midlands Showcase at Metronome

Local Nottingham venue Metronome delivered another sellout event in partnership with the BBC Introducing team, represented by Dean Jackson. There’s always a vibrancy inherent to nights like this, no doubt triggered by the breadth of grassroots talent, and Nottingham’s music lovers entered the room with the enticing persuasion that they might witness a slice of the future in the making...

Nottsword February 2026 answers

Did you get the right answers? Have a peek inside and see...

Nottsword January 2026 Crossword Answers

Did you get the right answers? Have a peek inside and see...

From Firefly club nights to Light Night 2026: Architecture Social Club on returning to Notts

Through February 6 and 7, Old Market Square will look a little bit different as it hosts the centrepiece of this year’s Light Night: Parallels, an installation built by London studio Architecture Social Club. The project is particularly close to the heart of two studio members – Design/Project Manager Andrew Walker – who’s a Notts native – and founder Satyajit Das – who in the early 2000s made his name in Notts music when he launched mythic techno club night, Firefly. They tell us more about the installation which marks a grand return… 

LeftLion's Latest Listens #38: Notts music we're currently spinning

With this year off to a great start for new music, in this edition of LeftLion's Latest Listens for 2026, our music team reviews releases from Divorce feat. Marcus Mumford, Blackadder, Bloodworm and Make Strangers...

LeftLion Issue #192 February 2026

Featuring Andy Warhol, Child Friendly City, Jim Baron of Crazy P and White Elephant, Victoria Centre Market, Light Night, Architecture Social Club, Sherwood Forest Trust, Hidden Brew and more...

Overheard in Notts: January 2026

In this month's Overheard in Notts, we can't see the food for the cheese... 

Locating Lawrence: January 1926

They’re eating the song thrushes. They’re eating the robins!

Interview: Stevie Gray comedian and MC at Comedy in the Caves

There's a new venue for stand-up in the city. And it's a cave. Left Lion chats with award-winning comedian Stevie Gray on his bold gamble to shake up Nottingham's comedy circuit... 

The case of Nile Rodgers and the Notts wallet thief

We hope that 2026 is providing you with some 'good times' - to add to them, why not read about this unexpected link between Nile Rodgers and Nottingham...

From stadiums to stages: Here's what's on in Nottingham this week, 26 January - 1 February

There are some big, once in a blue moon events this week in Notts, from live jazz and protest comedy to football and theatre.

Album lauches, gripping theatre and top quality comedy: Here's what's on in Nottingham this week Monday 19 - Sunday 25 January

New year, new music. If you’re looking to add some new albums to your playlists, look no further than this weeks’ gig picks. If drama is more your thing, we have you covered with gripping theatre and opera. If you’re simply looking to brighten up the January days, we have a dose of comedy that will do just the trick.

LeftLion's Latest Listens #37: Notts music we're spinning in 2026

In this, the first edition of LeftLion's Latest Listens for 2026, our music team reviews new releases from Daudi Matsiko, Ruby Aeron, ktlyle, LYVIA and Verbal Warning...

Any way you slice it: we check out new pizza joint The Slice

We check out The Slice: a new artisan bakery and Roman pizza spot on Middle Pavement...

Sunday Service: eight great spots in Notts for a roast

As we move through winter, the season of traditional British roast dinners is upon us. Here we’ve picked out eight of our favourite city centre spots to hide away for a feast with your friends and family…

From grassroots gigs to arena shows: Here's what's on in Nottingham, 12 - 18 January

January: a quiet month? Not in Nottingham. This week the city stays busy as ever, with nationally loved bands playing shows and smaller gigs taking place at local venues. If you're suffering from January blues there's bound to be something here that will banish them... 

From The Kitchen with Connor Sullivan, Head Chef at Bar Iberico

We chat to Connor Sullivan, Head Chef at Bar Iberico Nottingham

Mending our ways: how two Notts locals founded a national repairs directory

Ally Booker and Gemma Broad are two repairs professionals in Nottingham, who in June 2025 founded We Are Repairs: an online directory of UK businesses which give products of all kinds a longer lifespan. Their aim was to shift the public mindset away from a careless ‘throwaway culture’ – they tell us about how the project’s gone since. 

Workshops, jazz, exhibitions and indie: here's what's o n in Notts this week 5 - 11 January 2026

Get creative, explore ancient history, eat Korean or groove to 2000s indie classics this week in Notts...