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From metal, to jazz-fusion, to outdoor DJ sets. Here's what's on in Nottingham this week: 12 - 18 August

If you're in need of a live music fix then there's plenty to keep you happy in Notts. This week the city will host all kinds of acts, from an Oregon metal four-piece visiting Rescue Rooms on Monday to the arrival of carnival troupes on Sunday. Here are those Picks of the Week from 12 to 18 August.

Emily Catherine shares some of her art ahead of her debut solo exhibition

Nottingham illustrator and Hip Hop enthusiast Emily Catherine is a busy woman. Along with being one of the artists behind Beermat Doodles and the creator of LeftLion’s wonderful editorial illustrations, she has a plethora of her own creative projects under her belt, from album covers to hand painted portraits. Ahead of her upcoming exhibition I Can Heal and Give You Art later this month, we asked Emily to give us a bit of insight into her creative process and the stories behind her artworks…

Our August cover artist Dani Bacon talks photography, creativity and imposter syndrome

We chat to the photographer behind this month’s cover art, Dani Bacon…

Nadia on... the new Labour government

Nadia Whittome, the newly re-elected MP for Nottingham East and regular LeftLion columnist, talks about the new Labour government

Gig review: Sundara Karma at Rescue Rooms

When indie-rockers Sundara Karma played Rescue Rooms last Friday, it fell to the Rescue Rooms crowd to provide the atmosphere and energy, with the band looking like they’d rather be back at their humble beginnings than on the stage. LeftLion discovered some redeeming moments...

Punk-meets-pop-art: the colourful world of Sneinton’s Herbie Hare Gallery

Anyone who has taken a wander around the Sneinton Market Avenues recently is likely to have come across a giant rabbit or a mohawked mannequin lurking in one of the lanes. These are the punk-meets-pop-art creations of local artist and gallery owner Herbie Hare, whose vibrant artworks bring a splash of humour and fun to the area.

In photos: Tomás Doncker at Peggy's Skylight

Gig review: Love with Johnny Echols at Rescue Rooms

Cited as a major influence on rock luminaries including Led Zeppelin, The Doors, REM and Primal Scream, Love just might be the most important band you’ve never heard of. LeftLion stopped by Rescue Rooms for a night of psychedelic wonder, and much more besides. Support came from Midnight Rodeo and Bye & Bye...

A House in Jerusalem: How this Nottingham company made the first UK and Palestine co-produced film

For 24 years Al Clark and Rachel Robey have produced independent films, from all around the world, through their Nottingham based company Wellington Films. They've just wrapped up their tenth feature film, Sister Midnight, which saw the pair travel to Mumbai to shoot on location, aired at Cannes recently and set to be released early next year. Their most recent film, A House in Jerusalem, saw them travel to Palestine - the film is the first ever UK/Palestine co-production - for several months. Last month it screened in Broadway, which is where the company is based, but it is returning for two more screenings due to popular demand.  

We caught up with Beans on Toast ahead of the Foolhardy Folk Festival at Nottingham Arboretum

Honorary Nottingham lad Beans on Toast is back in town! The trees have been telling tales of yolkish yonder and folkish fun, and that August bank holiday has never looked more inviting. We caught up with Jay as he gears up for this year’s Foolhardy Folk Festival.

Gig review: Rumkicks at Ye Olde Salutation Inn

Coming to the end of a gruelling 30-date European tour, South Korean Punk trio Rumkicks landed in Nottingham. We dropped in to The Sal to catch the action...

In Photos: The Fall of Troy at The Bodega

Magic, comedy, theatre and an album launch party. Here's what's on in Nottingham this week: 5-11 August

August has come around, and whether you're craving some uplifting comedy or theatre to occupy your summer evenings, live DJ sets at a local, album launch party or just a no-nonsense concert at Rock City, we've got you covered at LeftLion. Here are our picks of the Week from 5 to 11 August.  

We chat to Bruce Asbestos about his monster exhibition at Lakeside Arts this summer

Whether it’s creating giant monsters, quirky fashion or video games, one thing that is always integral to the work of Bruce Asbestos is playfulness. With an immersive exhibition of abstract inflatable monsters currently showing at Lakeside Arts throughout August we sat down with Bruce to talk about art, AI, and being a creative in Notts.

LeftLion Issue #174 August 2024

The August issue of LeftLion features Herbie Hare, The Dungeon Club, The Bath Inn, geocaching, Notts queer history, Beans on Toast and lots more...

We delve into Notts Queer History with CJ DeBarra

With the colour and joyfulness of Pride celebrations now a key part of our calendar, it’s easy to forget that not too long ago the LGBTQ+ community had to carefully hide their identities. The history books may skirt around it, but Queer people have existed forever - in Notts and beyond - and gradually their stories are coming out. Historian and journalist (and LeftLion’s newly appointed History Editor), CJ DeBarra has been researching Nottingham’s Queer history ahead of the upcoming release of their LGBTQ+ History Project. LeftLion HQ caught up with them to hear more about Nottingham’s Queer history…

Circle of Light call for young people to collaboratively create an album

The award winning Circle of Light music and wellbeing project is looking for young people to take up the life-changing opportunity to join them to create an album this August...

Five free family events in Nottingham this summer

The summer holidays are here and with the cost of living crisis raging on; the budget for days out, trips and activities can soon get out of control. However, there’s no need to break the bank this summer as there’s a whole host of free events for families in Nottingham. We’ve gathered our top five and there’s something for everyone here with activities from charities, galleries and local organisations. So if you’re in the thick of it with the long summer holidays, check out these family friendly events – all free!

Theatre Review: An Officer and a Gentleman

An outstanding blend of powerhouse vocals, an 80s soundtrack and a storyline to melt your heart...

The ultimate guide to Gloworm Festival as Vicky McClure revealed as special guest

Gloworm is a dedicated family festival that delivers entertainment for both children and their adults, with a jam-packed weekend schedule of activities, performances, live music, and interactive experiences. We give you the lowdown on what's in store for 2024.

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. 

Competition: Craig Charles Funk & Soul House Party at Saltbox

Craig Charles will be taking over Saltbox on Saturday 31 August with his Funk & Soul House Party! Our friends at Saltbox have secured a mighty prize for us to give away to LeftLion readers, with 4x tickets and a £50 bar tab going to the lucky winner...

Overheard in Notts: July 2024

So she went to work naked…

Music Reviews: July 2024

June music reviews: The Roster, Red Sea, The Public Eye, 2079, Ben Mark Smith and Mighty Lightweights

Theatre, cricket and LeftLion live. Here’s what’s on in Notts this week: 29 July - 4 August 2024...

The Summer holidays has officially started; LeftLion's here to help keep you and the little ones occupied. From romantic theatre, to radical punk, cricket and a special LeftLion live podcast, read all about them and more below...