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Putting down roots: the story of the Windrush Generation and St Ann's Allotments explored in a new book

Colin Haynes’ book, Caribbean Pioneer Gardeners, tells the story of men whose love for gardening gave them much more than callaloo and oxheart tomatoes. It shares the true story of a group of Windrush residents who turned the neglected, overgrown Hungerhill Gardens, or St Ann's Allotments, as they would become known, into a Caribbean-inspired culinary and horticultural haven.

LeftLion at Download 2026

LeftLion'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...

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...

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'..

Comedy Review: Vittorio Angelone's 'You Can't Say Nothing Any More' at the Nottingham Arts Theatre

Vittorio Angelone is back in town again with his new show at the Nottingham Art's Theatre. The show is titled You Can't Say Nothing Any More. However, our Leftlion critic had plenty to say about that...  

Breaking The Walls Down: LeftLion meets Chris Jericho

Pro Wrestler, Rock Star, Author, Podcaster, Actor, Multi-faceted entertainer – have we missed anything?! When it comes to show business, there isn’t much that Chris Jericho hasn’t done or achieved at this point. While most will know him for his legendary wrestling career, Jericho has recently hit a big milestone with his metal band, Fozzy, having been together now for a quarter century. With Nottingham playing a key part in the band’s history, we caught up with Chris Jericho ahead of the band’s return to Rock City…

Gig review: BERENICE at The Angel

After her last visit filled with busking in the streets, BERENICE finally makes her bold debut performance in Nottingham, gracing the stage upstairs in The Angel Microbrewery. LeftLion was there to witness the charm...

In photos: Tom Gensler at The Old Bus Depot

Singer-songwriter (and regular LeftLion music writer) Tom Gensler delivered a successful debut headline show at The Old Bus Depot, supported on stage by Leah Wilcox and, Daisy Peacock. We dropped in to see the show and join many others from the supportive Notts music community...

Emma Oldham Wins Oxford Flash Fiction Prize

In recent years there’s been more recognition that a short story’s impact isn’t limited by its brevity. Flash Fiction has blossomed into its own discrete art form - and we’re now pleased to say that we have a champion of the form among us...

Gig review: Allo Darlin' at The Old Cold Store

A reunion of many, with the moon looking down on it all... LeftLion's Michael Prince found himself in awe and happiness as he witnessed the long-overdue return of indie-pop band Allo Darlin'...

Life Behind Bars: With Jake Henson, bar staff at Angel Microbrewery

For this instalment of Life Behind Bars we reached out to Jake - who works at one of Hockley's most loved alternative pubs: The Angel.

Gig Review: Whycliffe The Rebirth at The Old Bus Depot

A quarter of a century since his last ticketed performance, Nottingham music legend Whycliffe took to the stage for a triumphant return at the Old Bus Depot...

In photos: Vee Adu at The Old Bus Depot, with SUNIQ and Rowan Holly

Festival review: LeftLion at Download Festival 2025

Rock and metal fans from around the world descended again on Donington Park – just a short drive from Nottingham – for the ultimate celebration of rock music. LeftLion's Natalie Owen was right there in the thick of it, soaking up the chaos, the riffs, and the raw energy of Download Festival – a true titan of the UK festival scene. Here's how it went down...

Truth or legend: the case of the cursed galleon

In this month's Truth or Legend, our unofficial resident urban myth expert Matthew Blaney delves into some of the mysteries of Ye OIde Trip to Jerusalem...

Green Hustle Festival Returns to Nottingham's Old Market Square at the End of May

Music, food, fashion, art and environmental action will once again all come together at the free entry Green Hustle Festival in Nottingham city centre on Saturday 31 May

Out of Time: A gander down the history of Goose Gate

History writer David Hunter takes a wander through the historic district of Hockley to find out the story behind the curious street name ‘Goose Gate’, and the industries and architecture which defined the area.

Gig review: Seas of Mirth, Bethlehem Casuals and The Barnacles at The Old Cold Store Nottingham

The merry-makers of Nottingham were out on Friday night as promoter I’m Not From London presented local legends Seas of Mirth, with support from The Barnacles and Bethlehem Casuals at The Old Cold Store...

93-year-old Edna Owen recounts meeting her husband at The Palais in 1950

This month's cover, illustrated by our designer Natalie Owen, draws inspiration from the generations of dance at The Palais. Adding a personal touch, Natalie spoke to her grandma, Edna Owen, about how her grandparents first met there.

We meet Re-Engage, the charity helping combat loneliness in older people through tea parties

No one is immune to loneliness, and in fact, around 10-20,000 older people in Nottinghamshire are affected by loneliness according to the Loneliness and Social Isolation in Older People report (2016). Writer Frances Danylec travelled to Hucknall to meet Re-Engage, a national charity supporting isolated people aged 75 and over to make new connections; solving the social problem in a most delightful way.