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Hockley Hustle 2024: preview and highlights

The indomitable Hockley Hustle is back! Taking place on Sunday 20 October, and showcasing 400 artists over fifty venues, see the city’s music, arts and culture come alive with music, art dancing and creative workshops. With proceeds going to nine different Nottingham charities, the festival has raised £200,000 over its eighteen years. We spoke to some of the people involved this year to hear their highlights from previous years and see what they are looking forward to.

Comedy Review: Ed Byrne at the Newark Palace Theatre

Ed Byrne brings his new show to Newark and shares why comedy is tragedy plus time...

LeftLion Issue #176 October 2024

This month's LeftLion features an obituary to the iconic Ratcliffe-on-Soar power station, which turned off its cooling towers at the end of September. We also speak to Peter Hook, Wunderhorse, Megan Crook Textiles, and Crazy Little Sing Called Pub, share memories of 15 years of JT Soar and give you a preview of what's to come at this year's Hockley Hustle.

Heart and Coal: the history and future possibilities of Ratcliffe-on-Soar

The end of September saw the closure of the UK’s last remaining coal-fired power station: Ratcliffe-on-Soar. Environment Editor Adam Pickering reflects on the past and future of this instantly recognisable Nottinghamshire landmark, the conflicted feelings that surround it, and how it could be re-purposed in the years to come.

A conversation with Rick Witter of Shed Seven

Rick Witter has fronted Shed Seven since 1990, experiencing the rapid rise and continued success of the York band, which has included seven top-40 albums. We sat down for a candid conversation about new album Liquid Gold, record shops and working with Issy Ferris…

Theatre Review: The Long Run at the Nottingham Playhouse

The Long Run, by Katie Arnstein, is a poignant yet humorous exploration of life’s toughest battles, set against the backdrop of her mother’s cancer journey...

From migrant poetry to psychey deepsea disco: Here's what's on in Nottingham this week, 30 September - 6 October, Pick of Week

Whether you're a poetry fan, a Kate Bush aficionado, a sucker for local alt-folk, or just a pirate at heart, there's plenty to keep you busy this week in Nottingham. 

Gig review: The Dangerous Summer at Rescue Rooms, with Happydaze and Broadside

All the way from Ellicott City, Maryland, The Dangerous Summer graced Nottingham's Rescue Rooms, delivering an unforgettable alternative rock performance. Known for their emotionally raw lyrics and anthemic sound, the band did not disappoint...

Gig review: Divorce at The Bodega with Catmilk

We stopped by The Bodega to catch the first night of a four-date residence for fast-rising local band Divorce. Combining elements of grunge, country and alt-rock, the four piece put on a blazing show...

Gig review: Mad Dog Mcrea at Rescue Rooms, with 5 Hills Out

With heavy storms expected, we headed indoors to the comfortable surroundings of Rescue Rooms to await the visit of Devon folk rockers Mad Dog Mcrea...

We speak with Wunderhorse about life, Rock City and everything in between

If you’re looking for a fresh and fast-rising guitar band to get excited about, look no further than Newquay-formed quartet Wunderhorse, who released their acclaimed second album Midas back in August. Ahead of a sold-out headline show at Rock City this month, we spoke to frontman Jacob Slater about the ethos behind the record and his past experiences playing live in Notts.

LeftLion's Latest Listens #6: Notts music we're currently spinning

After a week off, LeftLion's Latest Listens is back with our music team's picks of the latest and greatest sounds from all around Nottingham and the Midlands. This time, we feature new releases from Drew Thomas, London Grammar, The Days of Tomorrow, The Publics and flöat...

Overheard in Notts: September 2024

"Yoghurts are like nicotine patches for snack addicts"

We catch up with Lace Thief ahead of her Rough Trade show

Laura Dickinson is the name behind indie-folk project Lace Thief. We spoke with her as she prepared to celebrate the launch of her new single with a show at Rough Trade Nottingham where there will be support from Peter Hall and Cracked Hands, and appearances from artist Gemma Vincent and DJ Jay Sandhu... 

The Thompsons on The Cold War, Broadmarsh and stand-up comedy

Nottingham's most opinionated greengrocers on... The Cold War, Broadmarsh and stand-up comedy

We speak with Pale Waves about influences and their mature new album, Smitten

With their fourth album Smitten released on 27th September, Pale Waves are continuing to make big waves of their own. Ahead of the release, we caught up with drummer Ciára Doran to hear about the band’s influences, creativity and experiences…

Gig review: Maximo Park at Metronome

For more than 20 years, Geordie heroes Maxïmo Park have been one of the UK’s best manufacturers of certified indie bops. Now back with their eighth studio album Stream of Life, we went down to Metronome to hear the new album played in full before its official release on Friday…

Gig review: Frank Carter and the Sex Pistols at Rock City

Expectations were high as Frank Carter took to the stage at Rock City with one of the most legendary acts of all time - the Sex Pistols - for what proved to be the ultimate punk reunion...

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.

Gig review: Deco at Rough Trade

At what was somewhat of a hometown gig for the band, at a venue they played many times in their early days, Deco gave an intimate performance of songs from their debut album Destination: I Don’t Know, as well as a handful of fan-favourites. We were at Rough Trade to listen in...

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…

Comedian Pierre Novellie talks about autism, the Isle of Man and his dislike of mouth noises

Acclaimed comedian, Pierre Novellie, returns to Nottingham for a gig at the Canalhouse. Leftlion caught up with Pierre recently to find out more about his recent autism diagnosis and his new act. 

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.