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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...

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. 

In photos: Boston Manor at Rock City, with Trophy Eyes and Split Chain

Riding high on the wave of fifth album Sundiver, Boston Manor arrived at Rock City to play a blistering set. Support from Ozzie punk rockers Trophy Eyes and genre-blenders Split Chain made the night one to remember...

We talk to Boston Manor about chart success and Nottingham memories

Experienced Blackpool-based rockers Boston Manor have recently released their fifth album, but success still brings them joy and surprise. We spoke with vocalist Henry Cox as the band waited for news of Sundiver's chart position, and prepared to lift the roof off Rock City...

In photos: The Plot In You at Rock City

Gig review: American Football at Rock City

25 years ago, four friends from Champaign, Illinois formed a band, made a record together and then headed off to college - not once thinking of the potential impact of their music. Little did they know that album would go on to become a seminal masterpiece, one that would inspire a whole genre, as well as a new generation of artists and legions of fans all around the globe. Now travelling the world in 2024 celebrating that album’s quarter century, American Football stopped by Rock City to play their iconic LP1 in full…

Alt-rock quartet Bored Marsh talk festivals, finding success and their upcoming EP

In just a few short years, alt-rock quartet Bored Marsh have gone from non-existent to becoming one of the hottest bands to emerge from the booming Nottingham music scene. Now with the release of their debut EP on the horizon, we sat down with frontman Joe Need and guitarist Brad Westby to discuss their rapid rise.

The Thompsons on mods & rockers, Beans on Toast and escape rooms

Nottingham's most opinionated grocers, The Thompson Brothers, on... mods & rockers, beans on toast and escape rooms

Rights for Flies: the alternative rock band with an environmental twist

It’s summer. The wasps are coming for your ice cream, the flies for your park-bench picnic… but before you start swatting, have a listen to Rights For Flies. We spoke with Tobi from the Nottingham based band and activist collective to hear about hoverflies, breaking boundaries, and how art gives us the chance to champion environmental action.

Gig review: Fat Freddy's Drop at Rock City

New Zealand seven-piece Fat Freddy's Drop are renowned for their live energy and eclectic style. When they made a visit to Rock City recently, who better to send down to see them than super-fan LeftLion staffer Adam Pickering. He had no regrets...

Gig review: Rockabilly Americana Show at Binks Yard

The Binks Yard outdoor terrace was recently transformed into an Americana extravaganza, coming alive with all things Rockabilly, including four of the UK's top bands of the genre, along with dancing, costumes and vintage American cars. Andrew McCartney was there...

Rock City gives Lemmy a new home

The roar of engines and unmistakeable smell of petrol fumes signalled the arrival of a Harley Davidson convoy descending on Nottingham’s Talbot Street last night, as the ashes of Lemmy Kilmister of celebrated band Motörhead were delivered to Rock City...

Big City Reads book reviews: Seven Million Sunflowers

Through July, we've been publishing book reviews from local young people, as part of Nottingham City of Literature's campaign to give out thousands of free books. To finish this series, Ukrainian NTU graduate Anastasiia Denysiv reviews Seven Million Sunflowers by Malcolm Duffy, a story about the Russia-Ukraine conflict to which Anastasiia reflects upon her personal connection. 

Big City Reads book reviews: Electric Life

For the third instalment of our Big City Reads reviews - part of a campaign run by Nottingham City of Literature to provide free books for local young people - Mia gives us her thoughts on Electric Life by Rachel Delahaye. A gripping science-fiction tale, the book according to Mia well and truly allows the reader to escape into another world.

Big City Reads book reviews: Stand Up Ferran Burke

Books can be the spark that makes us want to know more, and according to young reader Kelsi, Steven Camden’s “astounding” Stand Up Ferran Burke is one of them. Here’s Kelsi’s review, as part of Big City Reads - a campaign ran by Nottingham City of Literature to get thousands of free books in the hands and hearts of local young people.

Gig review: The Gaslight Anthem at Rock City

On the day when the whole city and country were somewhere watching the England vs Netherlands Euros semi-final, American rockers The Gaslight Anthem had the unenviable task of performing to 2,000 mildly distracted punters at Rock City. Taking the challenge firmly in their stride (and the result thankfully going England’s way), it made for a memorable night like no other in Nottingham’s most iconic music venue…

In photos: Jimmy Rocket and Friends V2 at Mimm Studios

The second edition of the renowned Jimmy Rocket and Friends event at Mimm Studios featured sets from Lvndlxrd, Rukus Regardless, Stan, Kyeza, Vandal, Savage, Origin One, and of course Jimmy Rocket...

Competition: Big City Reads - win an original artwork by author and illustrator Tyrell Waiters

Nottingham City of Literature's Big City Reads campaign is underway, giving away thousands of free books to young people in the city. We're teaming up to give away one amazing prize. Read on...

Big City Reads book reviews: Vern: Custodian of the Universe

Big City Reads is a campaign ran by Nottingham City of Literature to get thousands of free books in the hands and hearts of local young people. There are four different books on offer, so we asked young people to write a review of each one. Here, Daniella Hoyland gives us her thoughts on Vern: Custodian of the Universe.

Faced With Library Closures, Council Launches Consultation

Aspley, Basford, Bilborough and Radford-Lenton library are all on the chopping block. Don't miss the chance to have your say...

Gig review: The Breeders at Rock City

Returning to Rock City after more than 30 years, The Breeders proved they've lost none of their dynamism. The show attracted old and new fans alike, and LeftLion was keen to get in on the action...

We learned about the Big City Reads project, which is giving away thousands of books to Nottingham’s youngsters

Books broaden young people’s horizons, give them an educational leg up, and can even provide big health benefits - but sometimes reading gets costly. We learned about the Big City Reads project, which is giving away thousands of books to Nottingham’s youngsters…

We speak to The Pastel Project about safety, healthcare, education, and making Nottingham a Trans Sanctuary City

Trans identities have become a huge news topic in recent years. Despite only 0.5% of the population reporting their gender identity and sex to be different than when registered at birth*, the media often leads us to believe that trans people pose a risk to the wider society, while trans people are rarely given a voice.

To learn more from the community themselves, we put some questions to Nottingham organisation The Pastel Project, to hear how they are looking to make Nottingham a Trans Sanctuary City, and understand their perspective on topics such as safety, law-making, healthcare, and education.

*respondents in the 2021 UK census

Parties, theatre, the Queer Glitter Ball, a Boots Exhibition, and 90s grunge: Here's whats on in Notts this week: 24 - 30 June

The sun is out, the days are long. Get out and about in Notts this week to see exhibitions, theatre, gigs, parties and more. Here's our top picks of things coming up in Notts...

In photos: Toby Jepson at Rock City Beta