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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...

History, style and roses: we visited The Bath Inn in Sneinton Market

Among Nottingham’s huge array of historical pubs, The Bath Inn, near the LeftLion offices in Sneinton Market, is one of our favourites, distinctive for its quasi-Egyptian decor, beautiful flower arrangements and the rich sense of history that hits you from the first step you take through the door. We visited for a chat with the Nottingham-born landlord Piers Baker, previously a rose grower by trade, to find out how the 19th century bar became the unique spot that it is today. 

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...

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…

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.

Gay-bourhoods: a history of Nottingham queer bars

It has long been established that Broad Street is Nottingham’s official queer area complete with the rainbow crossings to prove it. Home to Lord Roberts, Rough Trade, Broadway, the Transgender clinic and health shop, it has the highest number of queer and queer adjacent businesses and support services. It hasn’t always been the only queer area of Nottingham throughout the decades… Here’s a brief history of queer spots in Notts.

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

In photos: Gary Numan at Rock City

Locating Lawrence: June 1924

Will 12 bottles of smuggled whisky and five wild horses tame D.H. Lawrence’s rage? Probably not. Here's what D.H. Lawrence was up to in June 1924

Gig review: Bruce Dickinson at Rock City

The floors of Rock City took a beating as Iron Maiden front-man and rock legend Bruce Dickinson visited Nottingham to celebrate his new album, and prove that he's still at the top of his game...

We chat to They Might Be Giants about life, music and everything in between

In November, offbeat alternative rockers They Might Be Giants will grace Rock City with their presence. LeftLion’s Izzy Morris sat down with John Flansburgh to discuss life lessons, the band's huge back catalogue, and a certain stick...

Spoken word, album launches, restaurant week and the Castle Rock Yard Party: Here’s what’s on in Nottingham this week: 3 – 9 June 2024

Gig review: Ferocious Dog at Rock City

In May, Rock City played host to a very special gig as local folk rock supergroup Ferocious Dog returned, accompanied by multiple support acts. We went along to witness the rebellion and passion...