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Gig review: Playback launch showcase at The Carousel

Luke Brennan, the creator of Playback, wants to change the music industry for the better to help support the local scene. The first Playback showcase took place at Notts grassroots venue, The Carousel, and was completely sold out with 100% of ticket sales going towards the artists performing - proving that change is possible for the industry...

Notts Pride, immersive theatre shows and great sporting events: here's what's on in Nottingham this week: events 20 July - 26 July

This week in Notts is just as vibrant as the last. If you're still not ready to say goodbye to the summer festivals, Boho Festival might be your solution. Or maybe you're looking for a change of pace? Whether it's an immersive theatre show at People's Hall, sporting events to get your adrenaline pumping, live music and more, here's what Nottingham has to offer this week...

LeftLion Interviews Podcast #19: Selina Mosinski (AKA Charity Shop Sue) and Matt Chesney of Backlit Studios on Selina’s new Edinburgh Fringe show Puss in Boots: a Working Class Fairytale

This episode we are joined by Selina Mosinski (AKA Charity Shop Sue) and Matt Chesney of Backlit Studios to talk about Selina’s new Edinburgh Fringe show Puss in Boots: a Working Class Fairytale.

Everything to know about Sidedoor Social: where Notts creatives showcase their work

Ever wondered what to do with those almost-finished creative projects, or have you just been seeking opportunities to share personal passions? Sidedoor Social, a new Nottingham social enterprise, is probably what you’re looking for. Their founder Si Beales and creative director Bo Brindle tell us all about it...

The Boy with the Leg named Brian: cartoonist Pete McKee's new show coming to Notts

Later this month Sheffield-based cartoonist and painter Pete McKee brings his exhibition The Boy With A Leg Named Brian to Metronome, along with an evening of music from his northern‑tinged comedy ukulele band, The Everly Pregnant Brothers. We had a chat with Pete to find out what to expect...

Take Flight: Ria Ashcroft tells us about her circus theatre show for 0-2 year olds which comes to Lakeside Arts this weekend...

Blending theatre and aerial silks, Take Flight is a multi-sensory, interactive show from local theatre company Rebel Sparks. Coming to Lakeside Arts this weekend, we sat down for a chat with co-artistic director Ria Ashcroft from Circus Hub to hear more about this unique form of children's entertainment...

Golden era: catching up with electronic-rock duo ALT BLK ERA before their Rescue Rooms show

In 2022, sister duo and Notts natives Nyrobi and Chaya Becket-Messam emerged onto the local music scene as electronic-rock act ALT BLK ERA. Since then, they’ve gone from strength to strength, from winning a MOBO award in 2025 to touring late last year with drum and bass band Pendulum. It’s been a while since we’ve caught up with Nyrobi and Chaya, so they set aside time to walk us through their crazy journey to this point.

Breakin’ Convention brings Hip Hop to Notts: founder Jonzi D tells all

Founded by Jonzi D, Hip Hop dance festival Breakin’ Convention returns to the Theatre Royal and Concert Hall this month. Bringing together world-class artists such as Ivan Michael Blackstock – a visionary creative behind choreography for Beyoncé - and local voices from rapper and spoken word performer Jah Digga to Hyson Green’s Take1Dance studio, in a celebration of dance, music and storytelling. Ahead of what’s guaranteed to be a boundary pushing celebration of one of the most exciting art forms to watch, Jonzi D talks to us about challenging preconceptions about where Hip Hop belongs… 

Laid bare: James bassist Jim Glennie talks the story of the band before their Motorpoint show

Plenty of legendary bands have come out of Manchester but James are one of the most enduring. Through four decades the group have continued to evolve – delivering iconic indie anthems like Sit Down, She’s a Star and Laid – alongside their famously unpredictable live performances.

They’re playing Motorpoint Arena this month, as part of a UK tour in support of their new Definitive Best Of collection – in advance bassist and founding member Jim Glennie looks back on the story of the band… 

A new immersive theatre show, The Apple of Discord, comes to The People's Hall Notitngham. We speak to Director Joe Strickland...

Set against the legendary backdrop of the Trojan War, Apple of Discord offers a mythically unique experience through the medium of immersive theatre and takes place in the historic People’s Hall. LeftLion sits down with director Joe Strickland to find out what makes this show worthy of Zeus’ blessing!

Catching up with Willow Bay ahead of their EP launch show at The Carousel

Melodic folk-trio Willow Bay are back with a bang on 28th February as The Carousel hosts the launch of the band's first-ever EP, Evangeline. The live-performance chemistry between the three members is contagious, and they have been known to silence every audience member in sight with their angelic harmonies. We caught up with the band (lead vocalist and guitarist Aaliyah, guitarist and banjo player Matt, and electric guitarist Ben) to dig deep into the story of the EP and their development as a band...

We catch up with Sunna Margrét ahead of her Rough Trade show

Icelandic alt-pop artist Sunna Margrét will be performing live at Rough Trade as part of her UK mini tour. Ahead of the date, she shares her thoughts on the influence of her country, language and culture on her music, as well as her bond with Nottingham electro-funk masters Revenge of Calculon...