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Notts Rebels: Usha Sood

In celebration of the Nottingham Castle Trust’s #VoicesofToday campaign, our Notts Rebels series continues with a look at the life and career of Usha Sood, one of Europe's trailblazing Human Rights lawyers…

Lockdown Laughs: What Happened to Nottingham's Comedy Scene During Quarantine?

In a time where the world needs laughter more than ever, we see how some of Nottingham's funny people have been coping during lockdown... 

Snap Notts: Anti-Racism Protest

This issue's highly-emotive poem was inspired by the anti-racism protest which took place at the Forest Rec on Sunday 7 June...

The Show Must Go On: Nottingham Pride 2020 Moves Online

With Nottingham’s annual celebration of LGBTQ+ culture put on hold due to COVID-19 restrictions, organisers have decided to move Pride 2020 online to provide a unique, innovative way for the community to stay proud... 

Death in Exile: Why the WWII Polish Prime Minister in Exile Was Laid to Rest in Newark on Trent

77 years ago this month, at the height of World War Two, Prime Minister Winston Churchill arrived in Nottingham to deliver a eulogy at the funeral of Władysław Sikorski who was being laid to rest in Newark-on-Trent. The Polish Prime Minister in exile had died in mysterious circumstances twelve days previously, with his airplane crashing just sixteen seconds after take off in Gibraltar, killing all on board but the pilot. But what were the circumstances that led up to one of the key figures in WWII being buried in Nottingham? We look at the events and conspiracies that continue to surround the death of Władysław Sikorski…

The Pythian Club's Benjamin Rosser on His Time in Nottinghamshire Police and the Removal of Statues

Not only did the death of George Floyd spark anti-racism protests all over the globe, it placed the role of the police in society under a level of scrutiny never seen before. While Floyd’s murder at the hands of Minnesota police officer Derek Chauvin replicated an event that has become depressingly commonplace in the United States, protests in Britain had large elements of anti-police sentiment to them. Having spent ten years as a member of Nottinghamshire Police before leaving to establish The Pythian Club – an organisation set up to enrich and empower young people in Nottingham – community leader Benjamin Rosser is uniquely placed to offer an insight into the inner workings of the British police force…

Auction to Help Secure Creswell Crags' Post-Lockdown Future

After securing a £250,000 emergency-funding grant, the efforts to ensure the post-lockdown future of Creswell Crags continues with an auction hosted by Bargain Hunt's Charles Hanson

Nusic No Rules Session: Georgie - Simple Things // Chasing Kites

Our third No Rules Session features Georgie on the Council House balcony. The idea was that whilst we can't do Future Sessions, which have more rules than an EU trade deal, we'd record whoever we want, wherever we want, maybe even let them commit Nusic blasphemy and do a cover. We're drawing the line at sessioning artists from Derby though. Or are we?

Nottingham Beach and Riverside Festival Cancelled for Summer 2020

Nottingham City Council has today announced the cancellation of two major summer events. Both the Nottingham Beach and Riverside Festival will not take place this year due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Nottingham Grassroot Venues Turn to Fans for Support During Lockdown

Amy Allen explores the lockdown’s impact on our favourite local haunts, as well as a national campaign that’s looking to support them…

Film Review: Eurovision Song Contest - The Story of Fire Saga

An over-the-top parody of the much-loved song contest, with a star-studded cast that pays homage to the competition and is laughable – despite the criticism it has received.

UPLOAD Virtual Festival: Interactive ‘Digital Park’ Festival In Nottinghamshire This Weekend

This new festival aims to support vulnerable arts organisations and connect through culture, with lots of Nottinghamshire talent involved including Rob Green, Ajay Henry, Major Labia and more...

Streaming from a Distance: George Gretton Interview

The local musician has been busy in his bedroom studio finishing his latest EP, soon to be released to the world. When Alanah Kholsa caught up with George, ‘streaming’ was the order of the day, as she learned about his virtual gigs and his latest single, Slipstream.

Nusic No Rules Session: Jerub - That Place // Trade It All

Our second No Rules Session features Jerub on the Council House balcony. The idea was that whilst we can't do Future Sessions, which have more rules than an EU trade deal, we'd record whoever we want, wherever we want, maybe even let them commit Nusic blasphemy and do a cover. We're drawing the line at sessioning artists from Derby though. Or are we?

Stop Wars to Stop Racism: The History Behind Belward Street's Iconic Street Art

For years, Richie 'Pops' Baker's 'Stop Wars' design stood as one of Nottingham's most recognisable and iconic street art pieces. Having recently been reimagined as the new 'Stop Racism' piece, the artist, who now calls New Zealand home, explains the history behind his design...

Nusic No Rules Session: Saint Raymond - Right Way Round // Adore You (Cover)

Our first No Rules Session features Saint Raymond on the Council House balcony.

The idea was that whilst we can’t do Future Sessions, which have more rules than an EU trade deal, we’d record whoever we want, wherever we want, maybe even let them commit Nusic blasphemy and do a cover. We’re drawing the line at sessioning artists from Derby though. Or are we?

Flying Home During COVID: Your Stories of Getting Back to Notts During Coronavirus

Those who had holidays booked as the COVID crisis began to escalate were faced with a difficult decision: to go ahead with their plans and risk getting sick or stranded, or give up their hard-earned holidays and take the financial hit. But for some, the situation was out of their control, as they were already abroad by the time the health crisis had become a serious issue. With panic starting, misinformation spreading and lockdown looming, they faced a ticking clock to get back to the UK before it was too late…

Out of Time: Tim Birkin and the Bentley Boys

Refusing to follow his father into Nottingham’s lace industry, Sir Tim Birkin’s eclectic life was full of exhilaration and tragedy, from flying planes in World War One to becoming one of the most famous names of the Vintage Racing era...

Notts DJs Invited to Join ‘Set For Love’ Fundraiser This Weekend

Carl Cox, Eats Everything and Nightmares on Wax are headlining the second charity DJ stream from LNADJ, and they’re looking for local DJs to join them.

12 Stories and Poetry Collections You Should Read During Lockdown

Our Literature Editor runs down some of the books that have kept her busy during these times...

Bandcamp Launches Juneteenth Fundraiser: Notts Music that Supports Anti-Racism Causes, Update

A portion of any purchase made on Bandcamp today will go towards the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, following the music platform’s latest announcement. We’ve updated our previous Bandcamp Day article to showcase Notts artists who will also be donating profits towards other anti-racism causes.

Writer Josh Helmer on His New Self-Published Dystopian Novel, Dark Wonders

With life currently feeling like it’s been torn from the pages of a dystopian novel, now seems like the perfect time to release a novel exploring themes like technology, society and the future. Luckily for us, that’s just what Joshua Helmer has done with Dark Wonders. We caught up with the Nottingham writer to discuss his self-published debut novel...

Book Review: Shell by Paula Rawsthorne

We checked out the young adult novel...

From Slums to Skate Parks to Shopping: The History of the Broadmarsh

From slums and skate parks, to shopping centres and abandoned residential plans, the intu Broadmarsh Centre has long proved to be a problematic piece of architecture in Nottingham’s cityscape. Plans have come and gone, ownership has changed hands, and promises have been made. As work on the latest development plans by current owners intu grind to a halt, Dan O’Neill explores the turbulent history of the Lister Gate location...

5 Nottinghamshire Artists You Can Support from Home

Back in mid-March, before our lives took an unexpected turn, Nottingham Contemporary hosted a fair celebrating all things print. It was my last cultural day out, and with a variety of workshops and some thirty stalls to browse, it did not disappoint. The fair introduced me to many talented makers based here in Nottingham, and now, without galleries to visit, it’s a great time to bring art into the home, while supporting Nottingham’s creative community.

Here are a few of the featured artists, whose works are available for purchase…