Site search

The (Almost) Complete History of Britain

Historian CJ DeBarra on their book Queer Nottingham 1991-2020

Journalist, author, historian, and LeftLion history editor CJ De Barra takes us back to Nottingham’s resilient queer scene from the 90s all the way through to surviving 2020, in their second archival history book Queer Nottingham. 

LeftLion Interviews Podcast #17: Crazy P’s Jim Baron on international tours and festivals, soundtracking The Sopranos and his new venture White Elephant

This episode we are joined by Jim Baron from Crazy P who talks about his career in music, starting a band in Notts that became internationally renown, soundtracking for film and TV and his new venture White Elephant...

Book Review: The History Boys Part II by David Marples

Gareth Watts takes a leaf through a new book by Dave Marples' new book about more great goals seen at the World Famous City Ground...

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...

Catching up with Nottingham poet and cultural historian Panya Banjoko

Panya Banjoko is a Nottingham-born poet and cultural historian and a tour de force in our local literature scene. She’s also the keeper of the Nottingham Black Archive and has been a Patron of Nottingham UNESCO City of Literature since it first received the accolade in 2015. We talk to Panya about past and current projects, her new StoryArcs fellowship and why mature ladies get more done…

LeftLion Interviews Podcast #15: Blur’s Dave Rowntree on NASA, Nottingham gigs and his new book of old Blur photos

This episode we are joined by Blur drummer Dave Rowntree who talks about Blur's early years, his memories (or lack of) of their Nottingham appearances, NASA and space and his new photo book No-one You Know'..

Blurry photos: Blur drummer Dave Rowntree talks his brand new photography book

As well as being one quarter of seminal English alternative rock band Blur, Dave Rowntree has been a politician, lawyer, animator, composer and alcoholic (not necessarily in that order). He’s heading to Metronome this month to showcase No One You Know, a book of photos from the early days of the band…

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…

Theatre Review: Horrible Histories Live (& Dead): The Concert at the Royal Concert Hall

It may be horrible but still it is a much-beloved children's TV series that educates as much as entertains. And this weekend the horribleness came to Nottingham...

Gnome

From The Kitchen: Jake Dodsley, Head Chef at Jake’s at The Fox & Grapes talks burgers and his Ma’s Chilli

We dropped into the Fox & Grapes in Sneinton to chat to Head Chef Jake Dodsley about burgers and his Ma’s Chilli

DJ Yoda - The History of Hip Hop AV Set

Notts folk rockers Connexion Man talk songwriting and shared history

Connexion Man are a relatively fresh name on the Nottingham circuit, but their roots in the city still run deep. Built on long standing friendships, shared history and a renewed love for their home’s music community, the group are reconnecting with the scene that first shaped them. Ahead of a debut record and gig at The Grove, the band talk about returning to Notts and their evolving sound. 

Interview with Andre Harris: 'Memory Making' fundraiser and his Power of Drums

Leftlion had the pleasure of catching up with community figure Andre Harris - well-known for supporting young people through his love of drums, and commitment as a youth worker and teacher. For years, Andre has worked with members of the Nottingham community for many years, but has sadly been diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer. Now, Andre’s son, Tom, has organised a special fundraiser event for his dad, called Memory Making, hosted at Bestwood Lodge on Saturday 14 March...

The Unravelling of Mary Reddish: author David Whitfield talks about his novel which draws from the history of asylums in Notts

Long before madness had a diagnosis, it had consequences. The Unravelling of Mary Reddish takes readers back to Georgian Nottingham, a world where sanity was judged through gender, reputation, and a strict social order. Katie Barr speaks to the author of the novel – David Whitfield – who drew on real asylum records from Nottingham to show how quickly a life can be unmade once those in power decide your mind is the problem. 

From Chinese art to liquid DnB: Here’s what’s going on in Nottingham this week, 9 - 15 February

It's Valentine's Day this week, and whether you're looking for activities to do with a significant other, or want to get out and experience what Notts has to offer solo, you're guaranteed to find something weird or wonderful you'll enjoy...

Tusk 'til dawn: Jim Baron of Crazy P fame on his new musical project White Elephant

Best known as one of the founders of Notts electronic music titans Crazy P, Jim Baron (aka Ron Basejam) is a man with his fingers in several musical pies. This month sees the release of World Elephant Day, the first album from White Elephant – a collaborative project with Ben Smith (of Smith & Mudd fame) and fellow Crazy P member Chris Todd. In a wide-ranging catchup, Jim takes us from the halcyon days of nineties Notts to his solo work, and how The Sopranos played a role in the story of Crazy P… 

Marsh Forum: The History of Victoria Baths

Undercover Artist: Craig Whitemore shares his journey into professional graphic design and illustration

Our January cover artist Craig Whitemore shares more about his journey into professional graphic design and illustration.

Tragedy, Triumph and The Tree: R.D.K Marjoram discusses his debut novel

R.D.K Marjoram's debut novel, The Tree - A Novel: Tragic and Triumphant Tales of the Human Soul, is a thought-provoking exploration of sacrifice, suffering, and the resilience of the human spirit, drawing on his personal experiences as a psychotherapist. Aurora Amaryllis sat down with him to learn more about the ideas, influences and spiritual themes that shaped The Tree...

Interview: Horrible Histories at the Royal Concert Hall

The unstoppable success of the BAFTA Award-winning CBBC TV series is coming live (and dead!) to the Royal Concert Hall this March, in what the promos say is a very special production. We spoke to cast members Richard David-Caine and Verona Rose...

Out of Time: The bank robbers who escaped history

Back in 1970, two daring heists in the Nottingham area lasted minutes, left clues behind, but never led to arrests – could the two be connected? 

We chat to James Yorkston ahead of his solo Bodega show

James Yorkston is a singer-songwriter, author and prolific collaborator. On the heels of a new album featuring Nina Persson (The Cardigans) and Johanna Soderberg (First Aid Kit) and a TV appearance with Jools Holland, and ahead of a solo show at The Bodega on 14th December, we caught up with James to talk obscure songs, collaborations and gig memories...

Going with the flow: what we can learn from the history of the River Leen

There’s an intriguing new exhibition to see at Lakeside Arts. Drawing on artefacts from the Trent River Authority Archives, it examines the history of the River Leen, making close links between industrialisation, climate change, and changes in north Notts communities. Dr Rachel Dishington, exhibition co-curator, tells us more about what we can learn from this history.