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Nottingham Puppet Festival Events, film quiz, and history made fun : Here's what's on in Nottingham this week, 29 June - 5 July
Sun 28 Jun 2026This week is centred around the Nottingham Puppet Festival, which takes place from 27 June to 5 July and includes a variety of events tailored to all demographics. On our list of things to look out for we've highlighted the return of a classic, Little Shop of Horrors, to the cinema, an enchanting children's musical, and a more comedic (and decidedly adult) sex-related show. Beyond the puppet festival, there's a walk down memory lane with events for music, film, and the sewing history in prisons.
LeftLion at Download 2026
Sun 21 Jun 2026LeftLion's Kieran Lister spills the tea on his first time experience at the legendary Download Festival, which last weekend - despite the crowds - once again turned Donington Park into a place of mass catharsis, self-expression and freedom...
Locating Lawrence: June 1926
Sun 14 Jun 2026"I am always glad when one can go about with light clothes on, and feet in sandals, and not bother about anything."
Competition: Win A Pair of Tickets to Splendour Festival 2026
Fri 12 Jun 2026It's almost time for the biggest outdoor live music weekend in Notts taking place in Wollaton Park! This year's Splendour Festival line-up includes The Wombats, Snow Patrol, Primal Scream, Flaming Lips, Craig David, Editors and more. We have two pairs of tickets to give away...
What to expect from the Nottingham Puppet Festival 2026
Thu 11 Jun 2026This summer will mark the fourth year of Nottingham Puppet Festival, and if you're yet to experience it, then you’re guaranteed a very memorable time.
Nottingham Craft Beer Festival returns for 2026
Wed 10 Jun 2026Nottingham Craft Beer Festival returns to Sneinton Market Avenues for its eighth year. Over 5,000 attendees are expected across three sessions on Fri 19 and Sat 20 June 2026.
Nottingham Poetry Festival 2026: top picks from the program
Thu 04 Jun 2026Nottingham Poetry Festival kicks off tomorrow with a 10 day city takeover. Catch shows from Brian Bilston, John Hegley, Yomi Sode, Henry Normal, Vanessa Kisuule and Nottingham’s own Nature Poet Laureate Cara Thompson. It’s a packed programme, so here's some top picks from their co-founder Henry Normal, director Tommy Rosley, and creative director Alma Solarte-Tobon...
Festival Review: Bearded Theory 2026
Sun 31 May 2026Now a firm staple of the local festival calendar, Bearded Theory takes place in the beautiful Derbyshire countryside and is a haven for music lovers looking to kick start their festival season with plenty of wonder and family fun. Taking place over an extremely hot and sunny May bank holiday weekend, the 2026 edition boasted one of the most stacked line-ups of local, national and international talent that we can remember. To give us an insight, LeftLion contributor Marta Tavares went along to report from Catton Park…
Festival Review: Dot To Dot 2026
Sun 31 May 2026One of the hottest weekends of the year – what could possibly make it better? I know – Dot to Dot Festival! Always one of the best days in the musical calendar, the sun was shining bright this May Bank Holiday for the annual, jam-packed day of venue-hopping, new music discovery and general good times with good friends. Immersing ourselves in the festival’s unrivalled party atmosphere, this is what we encountered at another incredible Dot to Dot in 2026…
East Midlands Pamphlet Prize launched by Bad Betty, in partnership with Writing East Midlands and Nottingham Poetry Festival
Sun 31 May 2026Notts based independent publisher Bad Betty Press has announced the launch of the East Midlands Pamphlet Prize, a new initiative designed to support and platform poets living, working and studying across our region.
Locating Lawrence: May 1924
Fri 29 May 2026The Great Strike and rise of fascism threaten to unsettle Lawrence’s Tuscan calm...
The Thompsons on festivals and killer cows
Tue 26 May 2026Our latest catch up with Nottingham's most opinionated grocers...
Undercover artist: Heather Hodkinson champions Green Hustle festival
Mon 25 May 2026Our Green Hustle festival-inspired May cover is the work of artist Heather Hodkinson who, as well as helping to shape the visual identity of Green Hustle, has lent her talents to promote lots of other green initiatives around Notts. She talks to us about her love of collage and why it’s important to get out and about.
Here's why you cannot miss Dot To Dot Festival in 2026
Wed 20 May 2026Dot to Dot is a very special sort of music festival. Held in Bristol and Nottingham over a single weekend, it brings together local scenes and underground darlings, the concrete and the extreme. This year’s lineup is especially strong, with its mix of sleazy electroclash, Irish alt-grunge, rough and tough punk, and Americana emo, all culminating in a once in a lifetime experience...