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Common Ground: Alan Lodge's upcoming exhibition documents protests, parties and festivals over the last fifty years

Sat 19 Sept 2026

Opening this month at Bonington Gallery is Common Grounds: Counterculture & Confrontation since 1976, a retrospective of the work of Alan ‘Tash’ Lodge. One of the UK’s most prolific photographers of alternative lifestyles, Alan’s work gives a vivid first person insight into the new age traveller movement and the 90s free-party scene, raising questions about the right to gather, policing, surveillance and community.

LeftLion's Latest Listens #52: Notts music we're currently spinning

Fri 18 Sept 2026

For the 52nd edition of LeftLion's Latest Listens, our music team reviews new releases from Mondo, Hunch Power, Eyre Llew and Blu Syrup...

Gig review: Primal Scream at Rock City

Thu 17 Sept 2026

Primal Scream returned - again - to Nottingham and proved their relevance and willingness to harness their art to speak out. Rock City proved the perfect canvas...

Art Fest 2026: what's happening this year?

Wed 16 Sept 2026

After bringing over thirty murals to Nottingham in the past five years, Art Fest is doing things differently in 2026. Through exhibitions, street art tours, talks and workshops, this year’s programme celebrates Nottingham’s visual artists while opening conversations about what comes next…

Theatre Review: Grindr the Opera at the Nottingham Arts Theatre

Sat 12 Sept 2026

If you’ve ever opened Grindr “just for a look” and somehow found yourself three hours later discussing your entire life with a stranger, then Grindr: The Opera might feel less like theatre and more like an intervention...

Nottingham’s Biggest Ever Wine Festival Launches alongside Legendary Annual CAMRA Beer Festival at Trent Bridge

Sat 12 Sept 2026

The Trent Bridge Wine, Champagne and Prosecco Festival will run alongside the popular beer and cider festival between Wednesday 7 and Saturday 10 October...

Gig review: Model/Actriz at Rescue Rooms

Sat 12 Sept 2026

Electric Boston four-piece Model/Actriz tore up the East Midlands - or, at least, Rescue Rooms - with a mighty performance for the ages...

Gig review: Sancho Panza vs Wizards Can't Be Lawyers at The Boat Club

Sat 12 Sept 2026

Nottingham's Boat Club in West Bridgford hosted a varied array of creative, captivating local talent for an eager audience, as Sancho Panza and Wizards Can't Be Lawyers (WCBL) shared the stage with support from Filter Sequence, ok lady, and Kez...

Gig review: Westside Cowboy at Rough Trade

Fri 11 Sept 2026

Westside Cowboy proved once again why they are a band worth watching as they brought their infectious energy to a packed Rough Trade Nottingham. Our writer Marta tells the story of the night...

Gig review: Cody Pennington at Rock City

Fri 11 Sept 2026

Cody Pennington brought the Nashville spirit to Nottingham turning Rock City into Cowboy City, for one night at least. Rich Morris braved the sea of cowboy hats and boots to experience the independent artist's music and spirit for himself...

Theatre Review: Till the Stars Come Down at the Nottingham Playhouse

Fri 11 Sept 2026

A wedding might bring everybody together. Beth Steel is much more interested in what happens once they are all in the same room...

Mansfield Town Film Festival 2026: in conversation with director Jay Martin

Mon 07 Sept 2026

Coming up later this month, Mansfield Town Film Festival provides a packed three day schedule of working-class voices, locally made films, live screenings, masterclasses, and Q&As. We spoke to festival director Jay Martin about representation, community and why Mansfield is putting the East Midlands firmly on the cinema map…

Stage Review: Robin Hood International Improv Festival at the Squire Performing Arts.

Sun 06 Sept 2026

If you think improv is just a group of comedians shouting random words at each other until someone says something funny, then Nottingham’s Robin Hood International Improv Festival might just change your mind...

In photos: Foolhardy Folk Festival 2026 at The Arboretum

Sat 05 Sept 2026

Skilfully curated by honorary Notts-man Beans on Toast, Foolhardy Folk Festival has become a hugely popular bank holiday event. With the bandstand as its focal point, this year's festival once again combined the best elements of nature and music. This year's lineup included Badly Drawn Boy, Skinny Lister, 3 Daft Monkeys, K.O.G and Beans on Toast himself...

Gig review: Little Grandad at The Bodega

Sat 05 Sept 2026

If you have been anywhere near a certain niche sector of internet music discussion, Little Grandad is a name that certainly rings a bell - but if not, then let us introduce them: Little Grandad are a "Britaincana" band formed by the Lower brothers in 2025 who have been taking over the Windmill Scene like the second coming of Edward I. They have toured with bands including Cardinals, The Orchestra (for now) and Man/Woman/Chainsaw, and have now decided to take over the country, one city at a time. This time, it was Nottingham's turn...

Festival review: the LeftLion guide to Shambala

Sat 05 Sept 2026

Just over a hour away from Notts, Shambala Festival brought creativity, silliness and a great line up over bank holiday weekend. Despite a bit of wet weather threatening to dampen the fun, LeftLion editor Sophie Gargett donned some wellies and went along to check out the silliness...

LeftLion's Latest Listens #51: Notts music we're currently spinning

Fri 04 Sept 2026

As autumn begins to take hold, with rain replacing the sun, the LeftLion music team are taking refuge in the best new local music. This week, the team reviews recent releases from Stone Black Witches, Amantes, People Laughing and Revenge of Calculon...

A Review of This Isn’t Italian Romance by Teo Eve

Fri 04 Sept 2026

Sophie, an optimistic and carefree recent graduate, decides to sample the dolce vita by moving to Italy to teach English. In Teo Eve's debut novel This Isn't Italian Romance.

Gig review: The Grove turns two!

Thu 03 Sept 2026

When it opened in 2024, The Grove immediately became a vital part of Nottingham's grassroots music scene. With legendary sound, friendly staff and a truly inclusive attitude, it has since grown as a favourite among bands and gig-goers alike. The venue recently celebrated its 2nd birthday with a series of performances by local acts Rainbow Frog Biscuits, Jacquline, Veduna, OK, Lady, Amantes, Riley Marsh, George Gadd + The Aftermath, Cheap Dirty Horse and Hystamine. We sent Ryan and Nigel along for a slice of cake and some top tunes...

Theatre Review: Annie at Theatre Royal Concert Hall

Thu 03 Sept 2026

Pieces of Orphan Annie’s dream are jigsawed together to find the truth behind her origins. Following paths through the dark streets of 1930’s New York to political offices of power, Annie finds her heart in a place she can call home...

Review: The Last Laugh at the Theatre Royal

Wed 02 Sept 2026

Fans of classic British comedy will enjoy this new show at the Theatre Royal...

Festival review: LeftLion at 110 Above

Thu 27 Aug 2026

Almost hidden on a Leicestershire plateau set at the lofty altitude of 110m above sea level, the lucky few (hundred) can discover a music festival like no other. Without any sign of corporate sponsorship or gimmick, 110 Above exists to create a shared experience, for all ages, based on good music. LeftLion spent two special days there...