Site search

A Forest of Stars

Sam Heaton talks turning Notts County's The Nest into a versatile live events venue

In 2024 Notts County FC turned an old metal fabricators warehouse next to their stadium into a state-of-the-art live events venue. Thus The Nest was born and has since led a double life as a football fanzone and as a major player in Nottingham’s live music and events scene. We spoke to their events manager Sam Heaton about those last two years and their big plans for the future…

LeftLion Magazine Issue #196 June 2026

Our June issue features The Foragers Kitchen, Selina Molinski (AKA Charity Shop Sue), Alison Rashley of Television Workshop, Dusty 4 Track, Green Meadows, artist Julian Pinnick, Nottingham Puppet Festival and lots more.

LeftLion Interviews Podcast #18: Nyrobi and Chaya of ALT BLK ERA on winning a MOBO, playing Jools Holland, touring with Pendulum and homecoming gigs

This episode we are joined by Nyrobi and Chaya of ALT BLK ERA, who talk about their whirlwind year of winning a MOBO, appearing on Jools Holland and touring Europe with Pendulum…

Kalum Thompson: the teenage midfielder shining bright in Nottingham Forest's youth division

It’s been a turbulent year at Nottingham Forest FC. While prospects of Premier League survival have become brighter and the dream of European silverware more enchanting, in all the uncertainty there is one definite; the club has some serious talent waiting in the wings...

We paid a visit to the Nigel Doughty Academy to check in with the latest academy lads. The club has boasted some fine academy graduates over the last decade including Ryan Yates, Brennan Johnson and Matty Cash. So don’t be surprised if a certain Kalum Thompson is next to join that list! Now aged seventeen, Thompson crossed the Irish Sea last summer to join the Reds from Linfield. Like a duck to water the youngster has quickly marked himself as one of the most exciting prospects in youth football…

Comedy, music festivals and local talent: Here's what's on this week in Nottingham 18 -24 May

 This week in Notts! Enjoy local theatre performances and live comedy, or head to Dot to Dot music festival and dance the night away in various venues across Nottingham. Here's our top picks...

Preview: Inside Papillons' Radical Approach to Openness at Lakeside Arts

Papillons, coming soon to Lakeside Arts, is a collaboration between music makers Manchester Collective and the dance-theatre company Thick & Tight. Leftlion interviews the artists for an insight into what is billed as 'a performance like no other'...

LeftLion Magazine Issue #195 May 2026

Featuring Green Hustle, Notts festivals, ALT BLK ERA, Breakin' Convention festival, Red Sea FC, cinema events by Will Bailey, and plenty more... 

LeftLion Interviews Podcast #16: Notts County’s James Belshaw on his career, coming home and how he nearly signed for Notts several times before

This episode we are joined by Notts County FC goalkeeper James Belshaw who talks about his career, coming home to play for Notts County FC and how he nearly signed for Notts several times before...

Andy Warhol: Pop Icon

Notts County goalkeeper James Belshaw on his storied life in football

Born and raised in Clifton in a Notts County-supporting household, James Belshaw took a circular route to finally becoming Notts County’s goalkeeper. After dropping out of the Magpies youth system in 2005, at the age of 35 he finally signed for the club last January. This followed a journey via the USA, the English National Leagues, two play-off final wins for Harrogate (including one against Notts), and player of the season award at the Bristol Rovers…

LeftLion Magazine Issue #194 April 2026

Featuring Notts County's James Belshaw, Dave Rowntree from Blur, Panya Banjoko, Lace Thief, John Dean's A Semester In Notts, Nadia Whittome on student loans, Nottingham record shops, Jim Glennie from James, and loads more... 

Andy Warhol: Pop Icon

Julie Pritchard 1966-2026

It is with deep sadness that we mark the passing of Julie Pritchard, columnist for LeftLion and the founder of the original Nottingham Forest fanzine Brian, who passed away after a short illness on 17 February 2026.

LeftLion Magazine Issue #193 March 2026

Featuring Hopkinson art and antiques, Nate Coltrane's Our Yard: Foundations, featured at the New Art Exchange, a love letter to Beeston, Alfreton's 80s Video Shop, the Nottingham Clean Champions, a brand new monthly cartoon, and plenty more to read about... 

Explore & Imagine Creative Dance

Andy Warhol: Pop Icon

How the Sherwood Forest Trust are conserving Nottinghamshire's ancient woodland

Once spreading throughout most of the county and beyond, Sherwood Forest is the emerald jewel in Nottinghamshire’s crown. As Sherwood Forest Day approaches, Helen Sullivan, Director of the Sherwood Forest Trust, speaks about how they’re protecting, restoring, and celebrating the landscape of Sherwood Forest, and how we can too. 

LeftLion Magazine Issue #192 February 2026

Featuring Andy Warhol, Child Friendly City, Jim Baron of Crazy P and White Elephant, Victoria Centre Market, Light Night, Architecture Social Club, Sherwood Forest Trust, Hidden Brew and more...

The Leen: Nottingham’s River

From grassroots gigs to arena shows: Here's what's on in Nottingham, 12 - 18 January

January: a quiet month? Not in Nottingham. This week the city stays busy as ever, with nationally loved bands playing shows and smaller gigs taking place at local venues. If you're suffering from January blues there's bound to be something here that will banish them... 

Winter Tree Identification Walk

LeftLion Magazine Issue #191 January 2026

Featuring Circus Hub, wellness activities in Notts, Fat Digester, Burns Night themed football columns, the story of Tom Simpson, Embankment Run Club, We Are Repairs, and more... 

Myths and Legends With the Master at Arms

Helen Oxenbury: We're Going On a Bear Hunt and Other Adventures