Head Designer Natalie Owen (natalie.owen@leftlion.co.uk)
Environment Editor Adam Pickering (environment@leftlion.co.uk)
History Editor CJ DeBarra (history@leftlion.co.uk)
Literature Editor Andrew Tucker (literature@leftlion.co.uk) Would you like to see your company, brand, event or organisation in 10-15,000
Food Co-Editor Julia Head (food@leftlion.co.uk)
Photography Co-Editor Sam Tariq (photography@leftlion.co.uk)
Distribution Dom Martinovs
Chloe Dunscombe
Dietmar Rabich
Irina Holliday
Jason Thompson
Neil Bailey
Harvey Tomlinson
Sky Hall
Billy FreeJazz
Illustrators
Veronica Nilsson
Paul Turner-Groves
Jack Howe
ReVibe Studio
Kelly Brown
Featured Contributor
Reuben Moynihan-Case is a Nottingham native currently in his second year of studies at the University of Exeter. A lifelong sports obsessive, he started contributing to LeftLion’s sports coverage in January and has since helped spotlight Nottingham’s booming boxing scene. From covering Matchroom Boxing’s Dalton Smith show to interviewing grassroots talent like Conor Millward, his time at LeftLion has been driven by a passion for platforming the city’s athletes. It all culminated in securing an interview with Leigh Wood - Nottingham’s two-time world champion - which features in this May edition.
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We
to Notts-born
and
How Bout It?
On The Road Again
writer,
B Kristiansen tells us about how she built Igloo Hybrid: Nottingham’s only hostel accommodation, and why she now wants someone new to take up the mantle of ownership.
We catch up with champion boxer and local legend Leigh Wood ahead of his fight with Anthony Cacace at Motorpoint Arena.
Crowned in Sound
Veteran music journalist and Nottingham native, Dom Gourlay of Drowned in Sound and Under the Radar, talks interview disasters, Glastonbury and Billy Bootleggers.
Collective Creations
Youth programme and local institution The 1525 Collective tell us about their workshops at the Nottingham Contemporary, empowering youth voices and networking.
A Projectionist in Notts
The Savoy Cinema’s assistant manager Dave Cox recalls his decades of experience in the pre-digital art of film projection.
Nott Alone
Educational psychologists Dr Maddi Popoola and Dr Orlaith Green tell us about their mental health outreach via the website NottAlone.
Greetings LeftLion readers and welcome to the merry month of May.
Spring has finally sprung and we’re finally getting some well-deserved sunshine - a time when beer gardens, back yard pottering and leisurely walks can be enjoyed without a slew of scarves and coats. I hope a good dose of vitamin D is bringing a spot of positive energy to any fellow SAD sufferers, even if it does imply some of us humans have the emotional resilience of a daisy.
This month we tackled a some hard-hitting subjects, from the important work of The Health Shop on Broad Street, who work to provide safe services for drug-users (p. 29) to Nadia Whittome’s thoughts on Netflix’s recent conversation-starter Adolescence and its real world implications (p. 11). We've also got some intriguing interviews: on p. 22 Dom Gourlay tells us about life as a music journalist, on p. 25 we hear about life as a cinema projectionist, while local comedian Matt Forde talks about some of
Connecting the Dots
We celebrate twenty years of DHP Family’s indie extravaganza Dot to Dot festival, speaking to the team that have helped make it a cornerstone of UK live music.
Out of Time
From its centrality to the Nottingham lace trade to the independent district that we know today, we take a gander through the storied history of Goose Gate.
So Fresh and So Green
We speak to the founders of Hyson Green Community Action about the thinking behind the enormously successful street-cleaning initiative.
Restaurant Week
The representatives of three city centre dining spots: Pizzamisu, Mem Saab and Fellows, Morton & Clayton tell us what they have planned for June’s Restaurant Week, organised by It’s In Nottingham.
Prime Movers
In advance of a May show at Rough Trade, Reading indie rock trio The Amazons talk about their enduring connection to Nottingham.
The Melbourne Identity
LeftLion literature editor Andrew Tucker and local novelist Alison Moore reminisce on a shared digital, literary residency that put them in contact with the wordsmiths of Melbourne, Australia.
the big political figures he’s interviewed in the past on p. 12.
I very much enjoyed hearing about the hard work of Hyson Green Community Action (p. 30) who are working to tackle fly-tipping and spruce up their local areasomething we could all do with having a go at - and taking a retrospective look at some of the musical stars who have played Dot to Dot Festival in its twenty year history (p. 18). Another favourite from this month was delving into the story of how Rihanna picked up some tooth jewellery when playing in Notts - a mystery I’ve wanted to get to the bottom of for several years. Head to p. 43 to read more about that.
A big thanks to all of our contributors for helping us showcasing some of the music, art and culture rising from our fair city. Go get yourself a tasty beverage, find a sunny spot to sit in and enjoy a nice bit of noise on paper and ink.
Until next time,
Forde Fiesta
speak
comedian,
presenter
ace impressionist Matt Forde ahead of his new show End of an Era at Nottingham Playhouse.
"So my uncle's seeing a Chinese woman. Does that make me Chinese too?"
“Twenty plus twenty is thirty… no. Forty two. I’m not lying, my mum told me.”
"I always thought it was called a Penis colada... no wonder I always got looked at funny!”
“Double burgundy with a burgundy hat”
“I discovered cheese and beans on jacket potatoes and now I’m more open minded”
Pointing at a Yorkshire terrier “What animal does she come from?” “Hmm… a leopard maybe?”
“Oooohh I love an ethical hacker!”
“He said Norbert, and I said sorry? So he repeated it again and said Norbert, and I said Norbert? And he said yeah.”
Pick Six
For this month’s Pick Six we turn to Notts born athlete and Paralympian
Richard Whitehead…
"'Heaving bosom'? Is that like tits being sick?" "What's she doing these days?" "Not you"
Some rich alien has probably purchased our star in the sky
Personal hero: Terry Fox
There are so many people who have inspired me throughout my career, but I would have to say Terry Fox, who was a Canadian athlete and had one of his legs amputated due to cancer. After this, he embarked on an epic cross Canada run to raise money and awareness for cancer research. As a young person with a double amputation, he was one of the first people to inspire me to start running and become an athlete.
Notts Spot: Holme Pierrepont
It has to be Holme Pierrepont in South Nottingham for me. I live fairly close by and often run there; I’ve actually taken part in the Holme Pierrepont Running Club’s evening run recently. It’s also the venue for the Richard Whitehead Foundation’s annual event Run with Rich: a truly accessible and inclusive event, where you can take part in 5km around the lake or 1km sensory route. You can do it your way, walk, run, scoot, or push. I would love for the reader to join me on 27 September this year!
Sports team: Tottenham Hotspur
Most people know that I’m a huge football fan, and in particular a passionate Tottenham Hotspur fan. You might wonder why I support Spurs when I was born and still live in Nottingham. Well, my uncle worked in London when he was younger, he took me to a game and I’ve been a fan ever since, which was over forty years ago!
Notts meal: The Old Vol
There are so many great places to eat around Nottingham, but my favourite would be The Old Vol in Caythorpe, near Lowdham. It’s a great place for fantastic food and has a really nice outdoor area for when the weather is good!
Holiday destination: Bigby-on-Sea
I’m lucky that I get to travel around the world with the role I do, but my favourite holiday destination is Bigbury-on-Sea in Devon. My family and I visit regularly and it’s such a beautiful and unique place, overlooking Burgh Island and with a large sandy beach. It’s the perfect place to relax and spend time with my children… if the sun is shining, even better!
Book: Diary of a Ceo I would choose Steven Bartlett’s Diary of a CEO as my favourite book, as it’s a really insightful book; one you can apply and learn from for all areas of life. I like to listen to audiobooks and am always interested to hear what other people are reading and listening to and be inspired by their suggestions.
words: Dani Bacon
photo: David Baird
Poets Corner
Green Heart
It beats like the real thing, pumps life into the city, a main artery, pure hope full of nature’s treasures. Trees, plants break through, offer rest for people on a tightrope travelling to work in dusty Nottingham. Meander for a while among purple verbena, yellow santolina. Mums, stop, sit on sandstone slabs; children hurtle along grassy banks, weave between acers, orange pink flags waving in autumn light. Last gasp of freedom for climate embracers, little rebels screech to claim their birthright. Standing in this place now, unnamed women helped build this city from lace and linen.
Gail Webb
nottinghampoetryfestival.com
UNDERCOVER ARTIST
This month’s cover artist Becky Appleyard talks comic book art, inspirations, and advice for artists…
Tell us a bit about yourself…
I’m a lifelong doodler, tabletop games enthusiast and comic book lover. Although I’m originally from the South I have called Nottingham my home for eight years and couldn’t imagine living anywhere else! If I’m not hunched over my tablet drawing, I’m usually out and about walking my Corgi, Merry.
What is the story behind the cover?
I wanted to capture this vibrant, joyful time of year, loads of flowers, bird song and a bright blue sky. After such a long, gloomy winter, we’re all excited about springtime events and hanging out in pub gardens again. The goal was to capture some of that energy!
What inspires you as an artist?
Nottingham’s most opinionated grocers on...
Restaurant Week
The man you want to talk to is Nick Turner, who works for St Mary’s Church. He eats more times in restaurants than any other person we know. He’s a friend of ours and he eats like a horse. Years ago there was World Service, Sonny’s and Harts. They’ve all disappeared! Sonny’s was a fantastic restaurant. It had soundproof glass. The only place we’d like to go to and have never been is the Pelican Club. For the jazz. Of course you’re not allowed to smoke, and we don’t smoke anyway, but you could just imagine: drinking whiskey and smoking and listening to jazz. It sounds marvellous.
Cinema
We don’t go anymore. All we used to see is James Bond, but the last couple of times they've not been light hearted comedies like they should be. We saw all the Pink Panthers, and we do like Kind Hearts and Coronets and Withnail and I of course. That is a superb film. But we always fall asleep and the person beside you always smells.
Hyson Green Community Action
Mary Potter, from the Mary Potter Health Centre, she was a nun. When she came there in eighteen-something, Hyson Green was a small little village. Anything to clean up the streets. But of course people should be responsible for their own actions. The amount of people you still see who just throw litter on the street. If you want to clean your street you can do - Mr Simpson does it. He’s in north Notts or wherever it is and he got a plastic bag from the Council and one of those pickers - loads of people do it. The Council can’t do all the streets of Nottingham. We’re all responsible. And some beautiful flowers brighten people’s lives.
I can go through phases where particular imagery sparks something in my brain - nature, folklore, 90s fashion, cottagecore, and liminal spaces are all topics I’ve drawn inspiration from in my work. Currently browsing images of armour and medieval artwork is what instantly inspires me to draw!
Tell us about some things you’ve worked on in the past…
I feel lucky to have drawn many live-action roleplay and table top role playing games (TTRPG) character commissions over the years! A highlight of my work for this community was two crowd commissions, 50-70 high fantasy characters, everything from mischievous fairies to drunken dwarves, partying around their respective campfires. I felt like my hand was going to drop off by the end of these projects, but they were both wonderful challenges.
Do you have any tricks for getting started and staying inspired as a creative?
Constantly consume and appreciate artwork, visit exhibitions and makers markets, cover your walls in prints, take out random comics and art books at the library. If you’re always open-minded and curious about art, you will always be within reach of inspiration.
If you could sit down and chat with any artist in your field, who would it be and what would you talk about?
Bryan Lee O'Malley! Scott Pilgrim was the first non-superhero comic I ever read, and it was quite literally life-changing for me as a creative! It led me down a path to so many indie comics and made me see that art didn’t have to be realistic or flawless to be valuable. I’d want to talk about storytelling, comic panelling and refining a unique art style.
Is there anything else you’d like to tell the LeftLion readers?
Thank you to anyone who has shopped at a crafty market or store that stocks small businesses and independent artists - your support for these communities goes a long way and helps keep artists going, which I think makes the world a much more interesting place!
Q]@flytee_studio
Nadia on...
young men and the manosphere
[Content warning: mentions of gendered violence, rape and sexual assault.]
Recently, the Netflix show Adolescence was all anyone could talk about. The fictional series followed thirteen-year-old Jamie from Merseyside, who murdered a girl in his class. As viewers, we watch his family, his therapist, and detectives try to make sense of the tragedy. They search for answers in his home and social life, evaluate his mental state and eventually, dig through his online activity. It transpires that Katie, the girl Jamie killed, had publicly called him an incel shortly before her murder. This is a shocking tale, but sadly, it was inspired by several real-life cases.
Violence against women and girls is on the rise in the UK, so much so that the police are calling it “a national emergency”. A recent report has concluded that an “epidemic of violence against women and girls” in the UK is getting worse, despite years of government promises and strategies. Every year, two million women are estimated to be victims of violence perpetrated by men. Stalking, harassment, sexual assault and domestic violence affect one in twelve women in England and Wales, with the number of recorded offences growing by 37% in the past five years. Chillingly, the perpetrators are getting younger.
Adolescence attempts to illustrate and unpick this phenomenon. It’s heavily suggested that Jamie was radicalised by the “manosphere” - the name given to parts of the internet that circulate far-right, misogynistic content, often propagated by figures like Andrew Tate, Jordan Peterson and Ben Shapiro. These social media influencers prey on the insecurities of young men, offering a distorted sense of empowerment rooted in dominance and anti-feminist rhetoric. What starts as seemingly harmless motivational content can quickly spiral into a toxic ideology.
Sadly, statistics show that a growing number of young men really are subscribing to these beliefs. In 2024, research by Hope Not Hate found that 52% of 16-17-year-old boys held a positive opinion of Andrew Tate, compared to just 1% of girls the same age. When asked why, respondents said things like “he wants men to be real men” and “he gives good advice.” These figures are difficult to reconcile, given that Tate has been charged with rape and human trafficking.
After all, misogyny predates the digital age. History shows that deeply entrenched systems like the patriarchy have long played a role in devaluing and controlling women, resulting in centuries of sexism, misogyny and even femicide. Only in the last century were women in the UK given the power to vote and take full university degrees. Even today, women face discrimination and harassment at almost every level of their lives. From wage gaps and unequal access to healthcare, to the disproportionate burden of unpaid care and domestic work, gender inequality is embedded in our social norms,
institutions, and workplaces. Figures like Andrew Tate didn’t invent such narratives; they’re simply repackaging age-old ideologies for a modern audience, cloaked in the aesthetics of confidence and self-help.
It also helps to understand that gender roles are a construct, meaning that over a long period of time, humans have created and shaped them due to a number of changing social, economic and political factors. We know that gender roles aren’t just fixed to “a biological reality” because many societies all over the world have organised themselves differently, with some groups even living under matriarchies. In simplistic terms, while gender roles for most people have historically been linked to their relationship to reproduction, today, in our post-industrial society, we certainly do not have to be tethered by them and can reorganise our society more equally, giving our lives meaning beyond work, asset ownership and reproduction.
a L argeLy unreguL ated and inCreasingLy toxiC internet, Combined with a L aCK oF a hopeFuL Future, is proVing disastrous For a generation trying to Find its Footing in an unstabLe worLd. but it doesn’t haVe to be this way
It’s good that more of us are beginning to question longstanding, binary ideas about masculinity and femininity - ideas that have long been used to justify and reinforce gender inequality. For young people, adolescence is the time to explore and form identities, which are shaped by their material reality, their worldviews and their experiences within their communities. When I was younger, I wanted to be a fashion buyer and then a lawyer. Though I ended up doing something very different, it was fun to get excited about these prospects.
But today’s young people are coming of age in a very different world, one shaped by uncertainty. The rise of AI and automation has thrown the future of work into question, already hollowing out creative industries and destabilising traditional career paths. On top of that, this generation has grown up amid economic instability, a global pandemic, and the escalating climate crisis. Every year brings recordbreaking temperatures and a growing sense of doom. It’s no wonder that one in five young people aged 8 to 25 experience ill mental health.
Many young people, including young men, are feeling lost and disengaged. When for generations masculinity has been defined by a narrow view of being a powerful breadwinner and the head of a household, what happens when the reality of the modern world, with its lack of stable, well-paid, entry-level unionised trade jobs and an increasingly difficult jobs market, throws all of that into question? In the UK, more young people are not in education, employment and training, marking the highest since 2013. This issue is more severe for young men, many of whom cite poor mental health as a key reason. We know that mental health crises are exacerbated along class lines, too, with children growing up in the lowest 20% income bracket in the UK, 2-3 times more likely to experience mental health problems.
Data also shows that boys in the UK tend to struggle in school more than girls, while the GCSE attainment gap is narrowing between girls and boys, boys still consistently underperform. The Department of Education’s data shows that boys are also nearly twice as likely to be suspended than girls, and slightly more than twice as likely to be permanently excluded. Coupled with crumbling social services and shrinking third spaces, it’s no wonder that some young men get drawn towards harmful ideologies that offer a distorted sense of purpose and belonging.
As long as we fail to tackle growing wealth inequality, protect workers’ rights, equip young people with the tools and skills they need to thrive, and help them find meaning beyond narrowly defined ideas of personal success - often reduced to career status or romantic conquests - we will continue losing boys and young men to the manosphere, where all of the world’s problems are blamed on women and other marginalised groups. When people are deeply unfulfilled, their care erodes: for each other and for our shared future. To begin rebuilding that care, we must go back to the basics: tackle poverty, address the housing crisis, fund our public services, provide excellent education, invest in community spaces and treat climate change with the urgency it requires.
A largely unregulated and increasingly toxic internet, combined with a lack of a hopeful future, is proving disastrous for a generation trying to find its footing in an unstable world. But it doesn’t have to be this way. If we fix inequality, give young people the right support, make them feel heard and provide real opportunities, we can offer them something far more powerful than the false promises of far-right influencers and politicians. We can offer them a future worth believing in and striving for. nadiawhittome.org
words: Nadia Whittome photo: Fabrice Gagos
Forde Fiesta
Nottingham’s own Matt Forde is a comedian, TV and radio presenter, writer, impressionist and more. He’s perhaps best known for his podcast The Political Party, where he interviews politicians. However, he’s also a regular on radio, TV and even voiced Donald Trump in the reboot of Spitting Image.
Firstly, tell us about the new show End of An Era… First and foremost it is a stand up show full of impressions of people like Donald Trump and Keir Starmer. Obviously the fact that we've got a new government means there are a lot of new people for me to take the mickey out of. However, the show also deals with the fact that a year and a half ago I got cancer and subsequently had spinal surgery to remove it. So there have been quite a lot of changes to my body which I am now mining for gags.
I’d heard 2023 was quite a turbulent year for you health-wise. Can you tell us what happened?
I was performing at the Edinburgh Festival and had really bad nerve pain in my left leg. I couldn't move a millimeter without it hurting and was paralysed by the pain. I presumed it would just be a slipped disc or something, but then I had an MRI scan and I was diagnosed with a chordoma, a very rare form of cancer that only one in a million people get. So I had the base of my spine removed and was in hospital for ten weeks, recovering from that. As a result, I've now got a stoma and I have to catheterise myself. It impacts on all sorts of things, but I'm just so glad to be alive and cancer free. To have the base of your spine removed and still be able to walk is miraculous.
You’ve had a love-hate relationship with the Labour party over the last few years. We are now ten months into the Keir Starmer era. How do you think he’s doing? I think he’s done really well. Obviously they got a landslide but only 35% of the vote, so it's not as if everyone was on board. They've inherited a very difficult set of circumstances and I think broadly they've taken the right decisions.
For me they were right to close the VAT loophole that private schools enjoyed and to take the winter fuel payment off wealthier pensioners. I think they were right to give public sector staff a pay rise when they did and to prioritize public services to bring waiting lists down. I also think the way Keir has handled a terrifying global situation, by trying to be a grown up around a chaotic vengeful actor like Donald Trump, has been praiseworthy too.
What do you think of him as a human being? He’s been on your podcast a couple of times. What’s he like? He's a ruthless problem solver and will make decisions in the best long term interests of the country. I like the fact he's different to the Boris-Johnson-types where it's all about them at the expense of the nation.
Keir's also a football-mad lager drinker. There's a lot to like about him. He's a normal bloke and happens to be very bright. I hope overall people find him quite a reassuring figure. I don't think people worry about him being in charge in the same way that we did when it was Boris Johnson or Liz Truss.
Tell us a bit about your upbringing in Nottingham. You went to Beckett school, right?
Yes, although I actually lived in Lenton and used to get a bus across town to school each day. Childhood's incredible, isn't it? You're discovering the world and there’s some really exciting things like Goose Fair. I always thought I was so lucky to live in Nottingham, because Goose Fair was almost like the start of the party season.
interview: Jared Wilson
photo: Matt Stronge
After that it'd be Halloween and then Bonfire night. Then Christmas! Other memories from my childhood in Notts are playing on Colwick Woods, buying loads of out of date sweets from the discount store in St Anns. And Forest!
I read on Wikipedia that your mum was once a nun. Is that true? That's correct. She was a nun for about fifteen years before she had me, having gone into the convent quite young. Two of her sisters did too and one of her brothers was in a seminary in Belgium.
Was religion quite a big part of your childhood?
Yeah, it was. We'd go to church and I was an altar boy. I once spewed on the altar because I hadn’t had my breakfast and felt sick. I don't know why I didn't eat, but I knew I was in trouble. From that day forth I’ve always valued breakfast as the most important meal of the day.
Your podcast The Political Party is now twelve years old and you’re over 400 episodes in. You must be proud of that?
Yeah, I started it back in 2013. Obviously, politics was completely different back then. It was pre-Brexit, before the Scottish independence referendum and before Donald Trump. So many of the people I've had on are no longer with us, so it's such an amazing vault of these profiles of people who've really helped shape our lives. I love doing it as a hobby, so the fact that it makes me a living is a real bonus. I'm just fascinated by these people and genuinely interested in them. I’m probably more interested in the ones that I disagree with actually.
Can you tell us some of the famous politicians you’ve had on?
Oh God! So Tony Blair, Tessa Jowell, William Hague, Neil Kinnock, Keir Starmer, Nigel Farage, Tessa Jowell, Charles Kennedy, Michael Heseltine, Nicola Sturgeon, Sadiq Khan, Alistair Campbell, Angela Rayner. Basically hundreds of interesting people involved in politics in the UK and beyond.
Can you pick out a few favourites for us?
Tessa Jowell. I was aware of her work and what she'd achieved in her career. But I had no idea about the nature of her personality. I don't believe in God anymore, but that is the closest thing to a spiritual experience I've had.
Tony Blair was incredible. It was a live event but we couldn't announce it for security reasons. So people turned up to the live show, having no idea who the guest was going to be. He's really funny. You can disagree with decisions that he took, but his ability and level of skill is unreal.
Angela Rayner is always funny, charismatic and unpredictable. Every time she's on, it goes viral multiple times because of something she said. Also William Hague and Neil Kinnock were both favourites. There’s hundreds of episodes, so it's so hard to pick out just a few. But there I just did.
You had a political TV show on Dave called Unspun, which ran for four seasons from 2016-2018. Any plans to resurrect it?
I think that particular show is probably over, but I'm always pitching TV shows of that ilk. I think there's absolutely a market in this country for the sort of late night shows they have in America. I don't think there's any reason why you couldn't have two or three high quality late night satirical shows with guests. I will probably make a show like that again. But it would be slightly different in its format.
You were also part of the team who worked on the Britbox Spitting Image reboot in 2020 and voiced Donald Trump, Boris Johnson, and Keir Starmer. How was that experience? Were you a fan of the original?
It was a legendary show in the 80s and 90s, but it was late night, illicit TV and I was at primary school then, so I never really watched it. However, I was very aware of its influence so to be asked to be part of the team who bought it back was incredible.
We also did it as a theatre show back in 2023, where I was working alongside Sean Foley and Al Murray. People’s reactions when they came to see the puppets live were incredible. They're these grotesque recreations of people and quite insulting a lot of the time. People were deferential to the puppet of the Queen, but they really hated Boris. It was like a Punch and Judy show live on stage.
You’re also a massive footy fan and have been a host of Absolute Radio’s Rock 'N' Roll Football show since 2018. Your co-host is fellow Notts lad (and my old schoolmate) Matt Dyson. How is he? He is a dream! Radio is an industry where people need a level of selfconfidence and self-belief and some people can become very pushy or unpleasant. But there is never any risk of that with Matt, he is so easy to work with. At the same time as being one of the most
talented people I've ever worked with his instincts, he's a phenomenal person to bounce off. He's so funny! Happy to be the fool and deliberately misunderstand things. He also really understands how radio works, and there are so few people like that.
You also co-host the Wondery podcast British Scandal with Beeston-born Alice Levine. What’s she like to work with? And why is it that you gravitate to so many other Notts alumni in your career?
She is exceptionally talented and has so many different skills. She can ad lib at speed, but with such a calm delivery. She's got such a great brain for comedy and for just knowing how to make something funny and make it. She's also got such a good comic brain and voice. And again, you know, she’s just such a nice person. It’s great working with talented people like her, but it’s also just nice working with people who are pleasant to be around, so you don’t have to dread going to work. The fact that we're both from Nottingham is just a mad coincidence though.
most oF aLL, being abLe to do this For a LiVing is LiKe a dream Come true. i First started going to watCh Comedy at Just the toniC Comedy CLub in nottingham and i remember thinKing i'd LoVe to haVe my name on their FLyer one day. that was reaLLy the extent oF my ambition. so to Come baCK and do the pL ayhouse is a reaL treat
Let's talk about Forest. I presume you're very happy with how they're doing this season?
It's the best it's been for thirty years. It's not even just about this season. It’s genuinely exciting when you think about what we could potentially achieve in the next five or ten years. We have been forced to live in the past for so long, because of how bad things have been. I was always buying retro shirts and watching old clips on Youtube because the present was fairly terrible. Then, all of a sudden there's this explosion of stars, not just one or two but there’s a whole team of players that you absolutely adore. I think in thirty years time we'll be reminiscing about Gibbs-White, Elanga, Yates and Murillo in the same way we now reminisce about Stuart Pearce, Des Walker, Steve Stone and Stan Collymore.
At the start of the year you went on Celebrity Mastermind with the specialist subject of ‘Nottingham Forest 1975-1993’ and won it! Tell us about that experience…
It was such mega pressure. They told me that the show’s concept was invented by a former prisoner of war to recreate an interrogation setting and I can totally see that. The pressure of that spotlight and that stage, and that theme tune. I didn’t feel pressured to win it, just not to get a Forest question wrong. If I had I could see my Twitter feed being dominated by it forever.
I chose Nottingham’s Emmanuel House as my charity, as my mum used to run the charity shop there and I know they help a lot of people in need. I also donated my trophy to the Nottingham Forest museum at the City Ground. I think that now counts as me winning a trophy for the club.
Comedian, presenter, writer, impressionist; you’re quite the polymath. What is it you enjoy best?
I enjoy them all in different ways. Stand-up is such a pure hit of adrenaline and satisfaction because you get the immediate reaction. Whereas with radio, podcasts or with telly - although you know people out there will enjoy them - you can't hear the laughter back.
Most of all, being able to do this for a living is like a dream come true. I first started going to watch comedy at Just the Tonic Comedy Club in Nottingham and I remember thinking I'd love to have my name on their flyer one day. That was really the extent of my ambition. So to come back and do the Playhouse is a real treat.
For most people I think work is just a slog. So if you can make the work part of your life something that you really enjoy then you're in a very small number of people and should count yourself as very lucky indeed.
Matt Forde is performing The End of An Era at Nottingham Playhouse on Thursday 5 June 2025. You can also listen to a more detailed version of this interview on our LeftLion Interviews podcast. mattforde.com
How Bout It?
There’s something different in the air when it comes to Leigh Wood fight nights in Nottingham. The noise. The pride. The pressure. The unmistakable sound of Mull of Kintyre echoing through the Motorpoint Arena. This month, after nearly eighteen months out, Nottingham’s two-time world champion is back, this time against IBO Super Featherweight Champion Anthony Cacace. Reuben Moynihan-Case sat down with Leigh to discuss his highly anticipated return to the ring as he bids to become a two-weight, three-time world champion!
Leigh, you’re back on the big stage - how fired up are you to bring back big fight nights to Nottingham?
So excited mate, you know as always, I’m up for this: a new challenge, a new weight, a new opponent. With all the usual noise that surrounds these fights, I’ve heard that I’m the underdog again which is exactly how I like it! With the time out of the ring and all the other things I’m hearing, I just can’t wait to silence the doubters.
Anyone who’s seen yourself and Anthony Cacace fight will know that putting the two of you in a ring… Nottingham versus Belfast, it's a guaranteed fight of the year, right? Exactly that, given what I bring to the table and what he brings to the table, nothing but excitement!
This is your first fight at Super Featherweight - how’s your body feeling at 130lbs, after what will be a year and a half out of the ring come fight night?
Yeah, a lot of people are saying that I’m going up to Super Featherweight, but in reality I’m actually not, I’m just not coming down in weight as much as I did for Featherweight. So yeah, I’ll let you know after the fight how I feel because that’s when I’ll know the difference. But it should be less of a drastic cut.
You’ve built a reputation for walking into some of the loudest atmospheres in British boxing - what are you expecting on fight night, and how much of a lift does that crowd give you?
There’s nothing like it, when I walk out to Mull of Kintyre! It really does pick me up. In the Michael Conlan fight, it literally did pick me up off the canvas to go on and get the win. The fans are important, extremely important, so loud as you can on the night people, please!
You’ve carried the Nottingham flag on your back for years now - how much pride do you take in being seen as the face of the city in boxing?
Yeah, it’s a lot of pride and it's a big responsibility because with that responsibility comes a lot of pressure. I feel
like every time I fight I’m not just winning for myself; I’m carrying that responsibility of the whole city on my back. So not only do I want to get the win for me, but I also want to get the win for them. At the same time, I mentioned the pressure, it's a privilege to have that.
(At this point I pull out a Phoenix Amateur Boxing t-shirt, Leigh’s first boxing gym) Can you tell me what this shirt and club means to you?
(Laughs) Phoenix Amateur Boxing Club, that’s where it all started for me as a ten-year-old boy. First walking into the gym, training on Sunday mornings, watching Carl Froch in there, Liam Morris absolutely destroying circuits and working extremely hard. That’s where I first realised that boxing, for me, was enjoyable and I had fun there and that was the most important part of my journey, that I had fun doing something before it became serious, just enjoying it. I’ll be forever grateful for walking into the Phoenix Amateur Boxing Club.
How important are those local grassroots clubs to the community?
Extremely important, when I first walked into Phoenix and saw Carl training and all the other young adults training, I aspired to be like them. I wanted to do what they've done, achieve what they've achieved, not just at the gym but going to the arena. And watching Carl fill out the arena, being in the stands screaming for him, looking around thinking about how much I’d love to do this one day. And you know, bit by bit, it was a long journey to get there myself but seeing someone before me do that helped massively and hopefully I can do that for the next person coming through, the next fighter coming through the city.
With fighters like yourself, Ekow Essuman and Ezra Taylor, (of course all with Queensberry) has Nottingham now got three kings to firmly put the city on the boxing map?
Yeah, for sure! Ezra’s a great talent coming through, he’s on the bill too for 10 May. And Ekow’s in a great fight two
weeks later up in Scotland. I’m gonna fly up to watch that fight! But yeah, I feel like the three of us are really holding the baton and inspiring the next generation of fighters coming through, which is extremely important as I said, because when I was younger I had Carl Froch, I had British champions... Nicky Booth, Jason Booth, Jawaid Khaliq and Kirkland Laing – I had all these heroes to look up to and aspire to be like and put my name amongst them. It took me a long time to get there but my job now is to do that again and bring the next crop through and keep this cycle going, because without these figures in the sport and in our city, the younger generation wouldn’t have anyone to look up to.
With Forest flying in the Prem and the return of Leigh Wood boxing nights, does it feel like there’s real sporting momentum in Nottingham right now?
Yeah, we’re flying and hopefully we’ll get some European dates next year, be that Champions League or Europa League - hopefully Champions League! Forest has been doing exceptionally well; no one expected this, not even our own fans, so long may that continue. Our teams are winning and doing well in Nottingham: we've got cricket doing well, football, Nottingham Panthers in the playoffs. Each success reflects onto the next success and it's great to see that there’s such a positive sporting vibe!
What does the word 'legacy' mean to you at this stage of your career?
To me, legacy means achieving my maximum and I don’t feel as though I’ve done that yet. I am a two-time world champion looking to become a two-weight, threetime world champion on 10 May. I just want to achieve everything that I can achieve, and I won't really know what that will be until I fail trying.
Grab your tickets for Leigh Wood vs. Anthony Cacace on Saturday 10 May by heading to the Motorpoint Arena website.
Q @itsleighwood
i’ Ve heard that i’m the underdog again whiCh is exaCtLy how i LiKe it! with the time out oF the ring and aLL the other things i’m hearing, i Just Can’t wait to siLenCe the doubters
Tucked away in a quaint courtyard just off Wheeler Gate, Igloo Hybrid is Nottingham’s only hostel accommodation for visitors to the city. After thirty years of welcoming guests from around the world, owner B Kristiansen is getting ready to sell up and return to her native Denmark, but not before finding a buyer that will keep the heart of Igloo beating. We spoke to B to find out what kept her in Nottingham for so long and what goes into running this local establishment.
If you’ve ever been backpacking or stayed in a hostel on a weekend away, walking into Nottingham’s Igloo Hybrid Hostel is likely to rustle up some nostalgia. Finding your bearings, making friends from far flung places, communal cooking and getting happily lost in new places - travel can be a breath of fresh air, providing you have a good base to go back to each night.
A cheery warren of a place, Igloo is adorned with art and kitsch vintage furniture, with a strong sense of Nottingham in the quirky details throughout. After a friendly welcome at reception from B and manager Molly, I was immediately kicking myself for opting for other choices such as Airbnb or hotels in recent years and missing out on that personal touch.
Over a cup of tea in the bright lounge area, B explains the story of how she came to be in Nottingham, which began in 1996 when she left Denmark at eighteen to visit a penpal who was studying at the University of Nottingham. “The city was booming and full to the brim with life. The creative scene was extremely exciting, especially the music. Live music was spilling out of most pubs and the dance scene here was so alive and epic, there was barely any time for sleep,” she says. “Igloo at the time was a small hostel with dormitory rooms only, within a Victorian building on Mansfield Road. We piled our pennies together, cooked and washed for each other and always ate together. It became a seriously well oiled example of collective community living - by far the best and most useful education I have ever received in my life.”
i thinK peopLe Find this pL aCe a reaLLy saFe spaCe, and that is so important to us. there's nothing niCer than being abroad in a strange pL aCe and someone greets you good morning
Enamoured with Nottingham’s creativity and community charm, B decided to stay and began making music. Having found success when the rights to one of her songs were bought by a big company for an advertisement campaign, she put a deposit down on a house with her payment, and then set her sights on buying and developing Igloo.
Over the next ten years the business grew, and with the recession more opportunities came. “Extraordinarily enough, it was the best thing that ever happened to us as a business because people suddenly had to look for different cheaper alternatives to hotels, as people always have to move around,” says B. In 2015, with the help of her team, she started merging the several Igloo buildings which were dotted around the city, to Eldon Chambers in the heart of the city centre, which was finally completed in 2019. Today, with more and more people looking for budget accommodation, the hostel is going strong, having their most successful November and March ever this year.
As well as having personality, Igloo is welcoming, clean, safe and affordable - qualities that will top a list of requirements for most travellers. “I think people find this place a really safe space, and that is so important to us. There's nothing nicer than being abroad in a strange place and someone greets you good morning. Or you come home from a night out and someone asks how was your evening? It’s just a few words but having those
conversations I think can be really important.”
One of the best parts of the job is introducing Nottingham’s hidden gems to new people, creating a more tailored and unique experience for guests. “We are fiercely independent, and it's really important to us that we try to match the vibe of the city, because the generic hotels are not doing that,” B explains. “Nottingham has many really good things going for it - it's affordable to live here, but it is also compact enough to pull a scene together and get the progressive and creative things out there.”
Compared to other accommodation options, it is this human aspect of Igloo - the team that runs it and hostel life in general, that is part of its appeal, and Igloo has garnered a loyal clientele base over the years including international students, professionals and families. “We also accommodate school groups or university competition teams, and a lot of up-and-coming bands and stage actors,” explains B. “Our guests are very diverse, these are the humans that make this place so interesting and exactly what we do it for - to provide for all demographics.”
The option to be sociable, or not, is popular with the Igloo clientele, whether they are people off on adventures or those working in the city for a few days. Following Covid, B saw the habits of travellers change, with more demand for private rooms. However, with 23 rooms in total, consisting of dorms, family rooms, Japanese inspired sleep pods, and en-suites, there’s an option to suit most visitors.
Throughout her time at Igloo, B has also managed to travel the world, picking up fun and imaginative ideas along the way. Each room name and design is inspired by individual journeys and places, from island log cabins in Denmark to jungle hammocks in Ko Pha Ngan. Blending art with practicality, much of the eye-catching wall art was completed by well-known local graffiti artist Smallkid, who transformed the ‘sleep pods’ into cheerful Brighton beach huts and a New York subway carriage, while murals in the boutique Shed wing are by another local artist, FryFace.
With plans to head home to Denmark to study, go back to her artistic roots and be nearer her elderly mother, B hopes the new buyer, whoever they may be, will honour the character of the premises while also adding their own personality and ideas. “I’ve run this business in a certain way, and fundamentally it will become someone else's vision. My heart and their heart might look at things completely differently,” she explains, adding that she would probably be ‘turning in her grave’ if the place was turned into a dull apartment hotel - something this city does not need.
With previous planning permission granted for a number of additions, including a two bedroom extension or an Airstream caravan on the rooftop, B notes that there’s much that can be incorporated to the place. “We need people who think outside the box,” she says.
As her time as a hostel owner is coming to a natural end, B shares some advice for her eventual successor. “You need stamina and enthusiasm, but it's exciting,” she says. “You can only do one thing for so long. I think sometimes you have to just get out of the way and let younger people come with new ideas and grow something better.”
If you can see yourself becoming Igloo’s new hostel owner, the hostel listing link can be found on Rightmove Commercial.
words: Sophie Gargett photos: Natalie Owen
Connecting The Dots:
Celebrating 20 Years of Dot to Dot Festival
From intimate beginnings to sprawling across iconic venues in Nottingham and Bristol, Dot to Dot has become a cornerstone of the UK’s festival calendar. Celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2025, the festival has been championing emerging artists since the mid-00s indie boom, many of which have risen to international acclaim.
With this in mind, we decided to take a look back at the festival’s history, speaking to the team behind the UK’s best metropolitan festival and explore the global superstars that have emerged from Dot To Dot over the last two decades…
2005 – The first festival
Before spreading out to multiple venues and cities, on May 29 2005 the first official Dot to Dot festival was held, right here in Nottingham. At that time, it took place across three venues: Rescue Rooms, The Social (now known as The Bodega of course!) and Stealth.
From the get-go, the festival adopted a clear ethos of giving emerging and alternative music a platform to shine, which was reflected in the line-up that year, which included 00s favourites and inaugural headliners The Rakes and Ladytron. That first festival set the blueprint for future editions in the years to come, with the simple aim of putting together a stellar bill featuring the best new music and emerging artists from the UK and beyond.
that First FestiVaL set the bLueprint For Future editions in the years to Come, with the simpLe aim oF putting together a steLL ar biLL Featuring the best new musiC and emerging artists From the uK and beyond.
A legacy of emerging talent
The festival has consistently showcased groundbreaking talent, with the list of alumni a real who’s-who of modern pop and alternative music. In 2011, Ed Sheeran performed an acoustic set before soaring to global fame with chart-topping albums and award-winning singles. Dua Lipa then graced the festival’s stage in 2016, captivating audiences with her early hits. Today, she is a worldwide pop icon, winning numerous Grammys and BRIT Awards.
The 1975 made waves with their 2013 performance, bringing their signature indie-pop sound to festival-goers. They have since headlined major arenas and festivals across the globe – including a Glastonbury headline slot this June. Similarly, Florence and The Machine played Dot to Dot in 2008, delivering a performance that foreshadowed their meteoric rise to fame.
Years & Years and Wolf Alice also took to the stage in both 2013 and 2014, both becoming mainstays of the UK music scene. Lewis Capaldi, who performed in 2017, is now a household name with record-breaking hits. Fontaines D.C. further exemplifies Dot to Dot’s reputation as a launchpad for critically acclaimed acts, incredibly playing the intimate 100-capacity Red Room at Rescue Rooms back in 2018.
Other notable acts include Catfish and the Bottlemen (2013), who went on to achieve mainstream success with their anthemic rock sound, and London Grammar (2013), who met at Nottingham University and are now known worldwide for their soulful and cinematic music. Metronomy (2008) and Alvvays (2015) delivered unforgettable performances that showcased their experimental and indie-pop brilliance, while Jockstrap (2022) and G Flip (2019) brought their fresh sounds to captivated festivalgoers. In more recent years, rising stars like Charlotte Plank (2023) and The Dare (2023) have continued the festival’s legacy of platforming new talent.
Memories from those that make it happen
Alex Black, General Manager Thekla: My favourite memory of Dot to Dot is Single Mothers closing the Thekla stage at 2am in 2015. Dot to Dot is a long day for all involved behind the scenes and I think I was on about hour eighteen of my shift. Things were winding down, so I went to watch the show from the balcony. The energy that these guys brought to the stage woke up the whole room and the crowd kept it going until the final note. It was a fun, rambunctious set and a fantastic way to end a great event.
Maddy Chamberlain, City Co-ordinator: My favourite memory from Dot to Dot has to be the madness of event managing the festival and playing The Fleece in Bristol for Dot To Dot 2023 (as part of Midnight Rodeo) – what a whirlwind hour that was! Running over there, taking my radio off and jumping on stage to a packed-out Fleece which was unbelievably lovely. We had so much fun on stage, then stuck around for Opus Kink afterwards which blew my mind. All before getting back to work!
Anton Lockwood, Director: I guess cooking up the original idea of a “SXSW” or Camden Crawl in Nottingham, but aimed at fans not the industry. So many different artist memories: Gallows (Frank Carter era) literally taking the roof off the place in 2007, Dua Lipa just being the queen she is in 2016, Lewis Capaldi playing to thirty folks in 2017, the whole Pizza Underground thing 2014, Kano vs the Cribs 2007 - I could find one for every year I think!
Ben Ryles, Booker: Dot to Dot is such a big part of what we do, and it's been loads of fun being involved in almost every one since the beginning. There's been so many amazing memories over the years, but one that stands out is Gallows at Rock City Basement (now BETA). Frank literally tore the fabric ceiling down during an incendiary set!
Patrick Somers, Head of Promo: Back in 2011, I booked IDLES to play the opening slot at the Anson Rooms in Bristol, which went down great. Later that day, a band dropped out of a late slot at Thekla and I called Joe to see if they wanted to play again. They ended up leaving the pub, getting their gear back out of the studio and loaded onto the boat, proceeding to play a rowdy and possibly intoxicated and intoxicating set to a packed venue, with their guitarist turning up halfway through as he wanted to watch the Champions League final!
Anwyn Williams, Head of Marketing: Dot to Dot 2015 and celebrating the tenth birthday always stands out to me, partly because it was my first time working at the event, having joined DHP in summer 2014. But it was seeing The Hotelier in all three cities that I’ll never forget. The first leg in Manchester was the first time I’d heard them, I was drawn back to it in Thekla on day two and finally, back in Nottingham with all my friends, I rounded out the weekend watching them in Bodega – now a fully-fledged fan. I’d gone down a rabbit hole of being into folkier sounds at the time, so I’d partly credit those three sets with reawakening my love of heavier stuff.
2025 headliners and festival growth
This year’s festival also brings back previous performers, including Fat Dog, known for their electrifying live shows. After captivating audiences in 2023, the band returns as headliners for the festival’s milestone edition.
As well as being headlined by the high-energy performances of Fat Dog, Dot to Dot’s celebration of its two-decade legacy will feature an eclectic lineup that includes The Horrors, Sprints, Honeyglaze, Lapsley and Master Peace, as well as local favourites Girlband!, Bloodworm, Davoli, Marvin’s Revenge and Grain Mother
From hosting local talent to welcoming back established icons, the festival’s growth is reflected not only in its increasing attendance but also in its unwavering dedication to artistic discovery. Dot to Dot Festival 2025 is not just a celebration of its past but a glimpse into the future of music.
Dot to Dot Festival’s 20th Anniversary edition takes place across multiple Nottingham venues on Sunday 25 May 2025.
dottodotfestival.co.uk
words: Karl Blakesley & Liz Bee
photos: Lewis Evans, Daisy Kent, Emma Last Crescendo, Faye Stacey, Jake Haseldine, Pete Taylor, Chloe Dunscomb
NOTTS SHOTS
Want to have your work featured in Notts Shots? Send your high-res photos from around the city (including your full name and best web link) to photography@leftlion.co.uk or tag #nottsshots on Instagram.
Golden hour glow Irina Holliday City in motion Jason Thompson @jasont378
An urban classic Sam T
Jux-ta-Position
Billy FreeJazz
Berry break Sky Hall @soskylish
The King Harvey Tomlinson
Historical reflections Neil Bailey
Crowned in Sound
Growing up in Mansfield, Dom Gourlay didn’t realise he’d later become one of the country’s top music journalists. We grabbed a long overdue coffee with Dom, currently the Festivals and Live Reviews Editor for Under the Radar.
Dom, was music journalism something you fell into, or was there a grand plan? I was in sixth form at the end of the 80s, and music was very factional, you had to be a mod or a punk, or whatever, but I just liked everything. There's an old friend of mine called William Guy who used to run a fanzine called Corrupt Postman. I took a job as a postman when I finished sixth form, so it was a running joke for a while! The fanzine was basically him just turning up early for sound checks when bands like Spaceman 3 and Jesus and Mary Chain played gigs in Nottingham, and that inspired me to start writing myself.
Then Drowned in Sound started just as I was finishing uni. The internet was getting big. I was doing stuff for the Rock City Review as well, and that was going online. It wasn’t a day job - you might get a free ticket for a gig or an album you liked to review - but then it just really took off in the early to mid 2000s. We didn't expect it. No one expected it. I was writing in my spare time as I’ve always had a day job, then one day I was told “We're going to put you on a retainer,” then it was “We're now going to send you to the Jack Daniels birthday party in Nashville.” I got an opportunity to go and DJ at a shoegaze event in Japan for five days - it was me and Matt Wilkinson from NME, two UK writers/DJs that were flown over and just literally treated like royalty for five days… so I’ll always be indebted to Drowned in Sound.
Have you had any interview disasters? Oh, God. 99% have been great, but the one that always stands out for me was 2008: Brian Jonestown Massacre. The first time that I met [lead singer] Anton (Newcombe) he wasn't in a good place mentally. They’d just brought out an album called My Bloody Underground - it’s a brilliant record. But it was a weird interview. He’d go off on tangents about conspiracy theories, and the question that threw him was, “What would you say is the definitive Brian Jonestown Massacre record?” He turned the question back on me and said, “What's your favorite?’ I said, “It’s got to be Methadrone, because that was the first record I heard by your band.” And he replied, “So you're basically saying we should never have made another record after 1992?” I said, “I didn't say that.” And he said, “You did. You ****ing did”. We put it up on Drowned in Sound as ‘Unintentionally Enraging Anton’. That went kind of viral.
But there are musicians who are really lovely, too… Charlotte Church is one. Our interview was meant to be set up at Green Man Festival in Wales. Everyone had a heavy night before so we were all a bit worse for wear, and we were sat having a drink with her. She said, “Do you mind if I don't do the interview now…can we do it after the festival next week instead?” I said, “That's
fine, Charlotte, whenever works best for you.” So she gave me her mobile number and said, “Give me a call, we’ll sort a day out.”
Then a few days later we had a three hour call about the state of the world, the EU referendum, and a lot of personal stuff about her childhood as well as talking about music and how she’d now reinvented herself on the indie circuit, and the stuff that she was just trying to do for women's rights. The piece went up on DiS and got a lot of hits, so she messaged me, going, “Oh, thank you so much for this. This means a lot to me - if you’re ever in Wales, give me a shout.” So I did a couple of times, and she’s now being managed by Sean Adams who founded Drowned in Sound
i was writing in my spare time as i’ Ve aLways had a day Job, then one day i was toLd “ we're going to put you on a retainer,” then it
was “ we're now going to send you to the JaCK danieLs birthday party in nashViLLe
I understand you’ve got some judging to get on with at the minute?
I'm on the panel for Glastonbury Emerging Talent - I’ve been part of ETC since 2011. I have to submit my top three entries by the first weekend in March. There's thirty judges, and then there's normally between seven and eight thousand artists that enter, which then gets split down between all thirty judges, so I've got 235 acts to go through. I'm struggling because this year the standard is so high, and there's probably forty acts that are really, really good. A couple of those are from Nottingham as well, but I’m not going to mention names, because I don't want to get people's hopes up!
Is there anything else you’d like to shout about?
I'm going to big up Billy Bootleggers. I’ve been one of the resident DJs there for two and a half years, and it’s a fantastic venue. The staff, the other DJs, and the clientele. We all try to create a safe space, a safe environment where everyone's welcome. It's really inclusive. It's free entry. And you know, a couple of people have said to me that it’s the least pretentious venue in Nottingham. I'd go along with that. There is no pretence. Anything goes, within reason, which is a bit like my DJ sets!
Head to the LeftLion website to read an extended version of this interview…
undertheradarmag.com
interview: Andrew Tucker Leavis photo: Rae Dowling
Collective Creations
Nottingham Contemporary is home to the 1525 Collective, a youth programme for Nottingham’s young creatives and has welcomed members such as local MP Nadia Whittome. From networking, to skill-building, workshops and projects, the collective extends a helping hand to the city’s creative youths.
Nottingham Contemporary, located in the Lace Market, is a cultural hotspot for Nottingham’s local young creatives. The free art gallery has exhibited many interesting and insightful pieces of work from touring international artists, making it a popular spot for the city’s artistic youths. So, it may come as a surprise to many young people that there is a stress-free way to join the gallery’s community. That’s where the gallery’s 1525 collective comes in.
“Young people know their own experiences best and I think that they’re an oppressed class in society, and their voices are very rarely centered. They’re very actively decentered,” says Chan Fagan, Programmer for the free youth programme aimed at people aged 15-25. “The gallery wants to create opportunities and open up space for young people within the arts to offer something that they might not get, especially in education. I think there are a lot of things that are lacking and I find a lot of members come here in search of that thing that they’re not getting from art education.”
The purpose of the collective is to allow members to pick their own projects in order to build up both their skills and their confidence. From open mics held at the gallery’s cafe, Blend, to radio broadcasting, book binding workshops and more, members of the collective have full control and access to the resources provided by the gallery.
“Originally it was a national program developed by the Tate, which was about creating more opportunities for young people to get into the arts and develop skills. It was first called Circuit, and then that became Collabor8, and once the gallery had developed that themselves and kept it on, it became 1525,” he says.
The process of joining the collective is quite an easy one. A short email to Chan and filling out a form linked on the collective’s Instagram page, will be received warmly and you’ll soon be asked to meet for an easy-going, quick chat, either online or in person. Unlike an interview, this process is more for them to get to know how to prepare for your arrival into the collective. Questions like - what can we do for you? What do you want to gain from us? How do you enjoy art? - are their main priority.
“That was a practice that the previous program runner used, which I also adopted,” Chan explains. “We just felt
like having that opportunity for the young person to get a sense of what we actually do, and also to actually meet the person who will be leading the groups so I can get a sense of what their interest is, just helps everything go a bit more smoothly.”
they aim to buiLd up their member’s sKiLLs, whether that’s artistiCaLLy, by CoLL aborating in big group proJeCts or hoLding their own worKshops in the CoLLeCtiVe, or soCiaLLy, buiLding Leadership sKiLLs and networKing with other artists or peopLe with simiL ar interests
They aim to build up their member’s skills, whether that’s artistically, by collaborating in big group projects or holding their own workshops in the collective, or socially, building leadership skills and networking with other artists or people with similar interests. One collective member, Sophie Lynn-Carney, says she joined the collective after graduating from her fine arts BA at Nottingham Trent University in order to meet other artists outside of the uni.
“I’ve made friends from the collective, which is always nice,” she says. “I’ve definitely been given opportunities I wouldn’t have done otherwise, like doing a radio show, which isn’t something I would have done before, or hosting a Nottingham Contemporary craft fair. That was a really good opportunity because it was the first time I’d been to a craft fair from such a big organisation, it really gave me a sense of how things were actually run.”
For Chan, creating opportunities for young people is their main purpose. “Having a space fit where young people can feel at home within the city and build those kinds of connections and develop the skills that they need and that will help build their futures,” they say. “Also, really importantly, lending power and using the resources of the gallery and offering those over to young people to have agency over, with the support from me, but primarily being led by them. That’s what I aim to do.”
Members of the collective are in charge of what projects they do and Chan’s job, they say, is to make those requests happen. Sophie’s request of doing a book binding workshop held by a member of the Contemporary staff was granted, and she particularly enjoyed participating in the collective’s 1230 talks, where they deliver a short tour and talks around the gallery exploring the themes of the current exhibition, as well as a whole collective project named, Lyceum
Lyceum was a two part live talk series to a small audience designed to be a free, informal arts education space held in gallery zero of the contemporary, this was live broadcast and is set to be released on Spotify, and included a collective-made zine. The project included guest speakers and interviewees and discovered themes of non-mainstream arts education, creative failure and activism politics.
“The Lyceum was my first time interviewing someone and I had a lot of positive feedback from it. I learned a lot about alternative arts education too. Some people who had never come to any 1525 stuff before joined and watched too, which was interesting.”
In terms of the impact the collective makes on young creatives in the city, Sophie responded, “One of my friends joined 1525 before I ever knew them. They told me that the collective was part of the reason they did their art course, they wanted to do fine art because they felt inspired by their environment.” Sophie admitted herself that taking part in the collective has made her consider going on to do a masters degree.
For the future of the collective, Chan has said, “I think it would be amazing to offer more and take on bigger projects. I just want to be bigger and better. I think it would be great for their voices to just be a lot louder in Nottingham. It would be nicer to do some things that are outside the city as well. International, we’re going to be an international collective.”
To find out more about 1525 Collective head to the Nottingham Contemporary website or follow them on Instagram at the link below. linktr.ee/1525collective
words: Lauryn Wilson
photos: Chan Fagan and WellAware
A Projectionist in Notts
Since 2006, local Dave Cole has worked as the assistant manager of Lenton’s beloved local cinema The Savoy, but he also has decades of experience in the art of film projection, having started as a projectionist long before cinemas went digital. Delightfully, since the start of 2025, Dave’s used that skillset to facilitate The Savoy’s 35mm Films on Film showings. On learning this we were set-a-wondering: what was it like to work as a projectionist over decades, and how was it to return to that field after so many years? Dave was all too happy to tell us...
In 1977 at the age of fourteen I went into my local cinema in Newark and asked the manager if he had any part time vacancies. I explained to him my passion for film and my interest in what went on in the projection room. He told me to come back the following weekend, and he would see what he could do.
At the time, I thought I would just get an usher job and might get a peek at projection. The following Saturday I turned up at about 2pm and asked at the box office for the manager. When he appeared he took me straight to the projection room and introduced me to the chief operator. I was fascinated to see these huge projectors with large towers that contained reels of film.
I was to start the next weekend. The manager told me I could also work weekends and school holidays, if I wanted. I asked if I could stay for a little while just to watch the operator in action. I stayed for about two hours, not wanting to leave. And that’s where it all started.
For the first few weekends I wasn’t allowed to do anything other than watch what the projectionists did. After I started to learn the basics: how to thread a projector (lace up) with film, start the projector, auditorium lighting, opening the dowser to let the light from the xenon lamp project an image, lens changes and aperture plate changes for different film formats (widescreen and scope) and how to close a film down at the end.
After mastering this I moved on to building a film into a long play format. Films came in reels, numbered 1-5 or more depending on the length of the feature. Using a splicer, you would join the reels together onto a large long play spool, turning your five reels into a one long play reel. After a feature had finished its run it would then be broken down (spooled off).
Projectionists were responsible for all the light maintenance throughout the building, changing the quad posters, maintaining emergency lighting batteries and changing film titles on the front of house canopy.
I got to show all the new films like Star Wars, Superman The Movie, Close Encounters Of The Third Kind and Grease to name but a few, and also older films on a rerun like The Godfather and Jaws. It was a great job that I loved doing. To present a new film to an expectant audience would give you a great buzz.
When I first started I worked with a team of four other operators. We had great camaraderie with each other; they were great fun to be around. In 1980 I decided to ask for a transfer to a different site. I wanted to work in London, but there were no openings at any of the cinemas there. There was however a position in Guildford just outside London.
I started there in January 1981. This was a very different experience, as it was single manning. It put a very different aspect on the job, as you worked alone 90% of the time. You still had all the other cinema staff of course.
The operation of cinemas has changed in quite a few ways: you would see large queues before people could book online. The biggest operational change is of course going from manual to digital projection. In a lot of places projectionists were made redundant, because of course projectors once programmed will run by themselves.
the 35mm nights haVe a reaL buzz about them. i thinK there’s a magiC in the audienCe Knowing there’s a reaL person up behind the porthoLes manuaLLy presenting the FiLm, not an automated maChine
Most cinemas now have popcorn warmers and carbonated drinks towers, instead of bottles of coke or bags of popcorn. Years ago you didn’t have allocated seating or reclining seats. Managers also now build the showings, adding ads and trailers where necessary.
To explain, all content for digital cinema is now sent by the internet to our TMS (Theatre Management System). We then build the content into our templates, which already have light, sound and film format cues built in, so it's just a matter of dragging and dropping the required content into place. This creates a playlist, the playlists are named, i.e. Snow White and then transferred to the weekly scheduler screen by screen for the whole week.
When this is done all the playlists will transfer to the relevant screens. All new films are encrypted with a digital key (KDM) so they can’t be played until the key unlocks the feature. Often this is at midnight the day before release. We are then able to test all new features before show time.
I joined the Savoy in 2006, as a 35mm Projectionist as they had not at that time gone digital. We made that transition in 2013. As obviously there was no longer a need for projectionists I was lucky enough to be asked to stay on as an Assistant Manager/Projection Technician. I had already done some management at Savoy, so it was a no-brainer; I would just have to learn the digital side of projection and, of course, I got to stay in an industry that I loved.
As we still had a 35mm Projector in Screen 1, our General Manager Paul came up with the idea of doing screenings of 35mm film. Just like vinyl records are having a resurgence in popularity, people are still interested in seeing films as they were originally played. Digital and 35mm are also so very different in how they look onscreen. I think Paul knew how much I missed that world, and this got me to revisit it.
We decided on a list of films we thought that people would want to see in 35mm format, and we’re now in our second season of Film On Film. On receiving our first print, I naturally was eager to get my hands on it. There’s something about the feel of film and it also has a distinct smell. I had to make it up reel by reel, as explained above, and after this was done I ran it through to look at picture quality, and get the sound levels right for the night of the show. I also needed to make sure that I still had the timing right for the lights to fade and curtains to open seamlessly, like the old days. Pleased to say I hadn’t lost my touch.
The 35mm nights have a real buzz about them. I think there’s a magic in the audience knowing there’s a real person up behind the portholes manually presenting the film, not an automated machine.
I am of the opinion that lesser-used arts like projection should be preserved for the younger generation to experience. It’s all too easy for the youngsters of today to take a perfect picture, or make a short film on their phone with little to no effort. Technology is a great thing, but we must not forget that cinema projection was new and wonderful for the generations of the past. For my part, I am training our other Assistant Manager Kate in the art of film projection.
The next Films on Film 35mm presentation at the Savoy Cinema is for Django Unchained, on 12 May. For more information about future events visit their website.
savoyonline.co.uk
words: Dave Cox illustration: Jack Howe
Nott Alone
words: Caradoc Gayer photos: Natalie Owen
Back in 2021 educational psychologists Dr Maddi Popoola and Dr Orlaith Green launched NottAlone: a website aggregating mental health resources across the city and county in the most compassionate, clear and accessible way possible. Initially just a resource for young people, the website has since expanded to encompass adults’ mental health needs and linked live events with schools across Nottinghamshire, seeing huge traffic the whole time. With even more on the horizon for NottAlone, we spoke to Maddi and Orlaith about its inception and their outlook on tackling mental health issues.
It was the COVID-19 lockdown when Dr Maddi Popoola and Dr Orlaith Green: two friends who met at the Uni of Nottingham and Educational Psychologists at the City Council and the County Council respectively, realised that new measures were needed to handle the changing landscape of young people’s mental health.
“The government had released a pot of funding and given it to local authorities for focusing on children’s mental health,” says Maddi. “We’d also done some research on how children were feeling during that period, and what they wanted to come back to and what their worries were about coming back. We decided to build something long lasting and meaningful, based on evidence we’d seen from MH:2K.”
“They’re a youth research organization,” adds Orlaith. “They’d looked at mental health services in Nottingham. Their big recommendation was that, if you’re a person who needs mental health help in Nottingham it’s really hard to find the information - loads of it’s not online, and it’s quite complicated and technical when you find it.”
With view to other research on mental health in COVID, which had revealed to them that the lack of peer and adult support in hard times was the greatest source of adversity for young people, their route was clear. In 2021 they created NottAlone: a website that aggregates pretty much all necessary information about mental health conditions, with resources, clear and compassionate advice plus links to free local support services.
Via their roles at City and County Council, the pair also enlisted groups of young people to have a say in the website’s creationfacilitating everything from the language used, to the branding and video content.
we want to raise the proFiLe oF some oF these more unusuaL situations, sharing that message that you’re not aLone, e Ven iF it FeeLs LiKe you’re experienCing something that’s quite unusuaL and unique
“One of the things we were really keen not to do, was use diagnostic language,” says Maddi. “We didn’t want people going through our process and self-diagnosing, so we made sure we kept the language about feelings - ‘I feel like this’.”
“I think that made it more accessible too,” adds Orlaith. “Take schizophrenia - some people hear voices, but don’t necessarily have that diagnosis. But there are things you can do to get help if you hear voices. You don’t have to get a diagnosis, you can go on the website and access the support services.” As a partnership between the County Council, the City Council, NHS Nottingham and the Nottinghamshire Integrated Care Board, NottAlone saw fast growing traffic and popularity since its founding, leading to a grand relaunch in 2024 as a website not just for young people but for folks of all ages.
“When it started, I think it was more professionals who were using it - people from the NHS, Council or schools,” says Orlaith. “Then, as it developed, we heard more about parents using it, about kids using it for themselves or about adults accessing mental health services.
Rather than it being ‘more’, we saw a broader range of user profiles becoming embedded.” Leading up to that relaunch, another element of NottAlone was starting to emerge: live events. For Maddi and Orlaith, ‘NottAlone live’ has added a whole other
dimension to the project, well-and-truly bringing it to life.
“It was so exciting for us, because we developed it in COVID, to do in-person events,” says Orlaith. “We get all of the services who have a link on the website to come and set up a market stall at the event and tell young people about their services. There’s also workshops and performances from young people throughout the day.”
“The idea is that young people will come from different schools, talk to people from different services and then, as mental health ambassadors, go back to their schools and share that information with peers,” adds Maddi.
“And we’ve had local artists come too!” adds Orlaith. “This year we had Romy, a sixteen year old singer songwriter from Nottingham. She writes songs about mental health, and has worked with a local charity called Harmless. She’s doing as much work as qualified councillors to get messages out there. Because for some people, I suppose, talking therapy isn’t enough; you need to hear about others’ experiences.”
The community-led element of the website is one of the most fulfilling parts of running it for Orlaith and Maddi. Despite the fact that it’s a project facilitated by large organisations like the Councils and NHS Nottingham, it still has the duo at the heart of it, and they continue to involve local people in what they do, especially during the live events.
“Local people in Nottingham are really keen to help, and that’s what I love about it,” says Maddi. “They want to be involved because it's the children's mental health. Year on year people have wanted to come back because they feel like it’s a great cause to support.”
And what’s next for NottAlone? Well the main event this month, it turns out, is a podcast, set to be launched in time for Mental Health Week: 12 - 18 May. They hope that the new format will provide a space where they engage in the hard conversations about mental health: those that are sometimes skirted around because of what can be uncomfortable about them.
“There’s a lot of content out there about anxiety,” says Orlaith. “There’s not a lot about things like self-harm, schizophrenia or the young carer experience. We want to raise the profile of some of these more unusual situations, sharing that message that you’re not alone, even if it feels like you’re experiencing something that’s quite unusual and unique.”
There is certainly lots of discussion about mental health today, with resources in schools and workplaces much more available than they used to be. However, what stands out about Maddi and Orlaith’s mission is their foregrounding of community; their belief that shared emotions, words and experiences, and not just ‘professional help’, will heal people facing so many different kinds of problems.
“There was language about children’s mental health being on the decline before COVID but when you think about the narrative around mental health, it’s always about what’s around you, and COVID took away relationships,” says Maddi, adding, “when you’re going through anything the key thing is having other people in life.” Long may that outlook inform how we try to make each other feel better.
To keep up with news about NottAlone, or hear about their upcoming podcast and events, head to their website below. nottalone.org.uk
This photoshoot took place at Miss Lou’s Café and Shop, Cobden Chambers, NG1 2ED.
Out of Time A gander down 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.
There are many street names in Nottingham which give hints as to their historical roots, Goose Gate in Hockley is one such curious title. Local legend suggests that its name comes from the geese which trudged along this route on the way to the Goose Fair market, supposedly shod with specially supplied shoes to protect their webbed feet on the long walk.
This familiar street, now lined with many independent shops, bars and cafes, is a place which has seen dramatic changes over the years. It changed from what was once probably a semirural district with an earthwork fortification made from rocks and soil artificially placed or sculpted into walls. Through the dramatic expansion of the town following the Norman conquest, various medieval industries of cloth-fulling and ceramics blossomed in the area.
The hosiery and lace industries of the 19th century soon followed, providing the surrounding areas with the unique architectural character we know today.
the name ‘hoCKLey’ Comes From ‘hoCKLey in the hoLe’, a LoCaL dip aLong the historiC engLish ‘ watLing street’, a north/south route whiCh ConneCted doVer and London to the north west - not a good pL aCe to hang around as it was notorious as a pL aCe For highway robbery
But back to the geese. Before 1066, there was an Anglo-Danish settlement close by, protected by a rampart and a ditch, so there may well have been geese there. Goose Gate followed a route just outside this fortification. Close by, the River Leen and River Trent were handy for any geese that wanted to swim - easier on the feet than the high road. The previously mentioned earth fortifications close to Goose Gate were abandoned after the conquest, and the settlement area expanded with the Norman borough's establishment.
Formerly called Walker Gate, the wider area around Goose Gate is locally referred to as Hockley, although strictly speaking Hockley is only a short length of road joining Goose Gate and Lower Parliament Street. The name ‘Hockley’ comes from ‘Hockley in the Hole’, a local dip along the historic English ‘Watling Street’, a north/south route which connected Dover and London to the north west - not a good place to hang around as it was notorious as a place for highway robbery.
A historical and archaeological group in Nottingham, The Thoroton Society, identified another possible reason behind the Goose Gate name - a goldsmith, Richard de Gos, who lived in this area in the 1300s. Appointed as a Bailiff for the Eastern borough seven times,
Gos would have had considerable power, and being a goldsmith meant having secure storage for valuables and possibly also being a banker, which would give him enough influence to possibly have the street named after him.
Much of the Medieval street layout of Nottingham follows stone town wall defences created to protect the Castle where the River Trent and surrounding marshes, with gates existing at Chapel Bar, Cow Gate, St John's and Swine Bar. To the east of the Swine Bar, now Heathcoate Street in Hockley, earth ramparts and the ditch remained. Much of the walls had been demolished by stone robbing by 1540, and by the 1700s. All that remains today is a short section, which is still preserved today inside a hotel building in Chapel Bar, with the gates of Heathcoate street long gone.
Excavations around Goose Gate between 1969 and 1980 revealed a few more clues as to the Medieval goings-on, with remains of a pottery kiln, corn drying pits, a malt kiln, ovens and buildings with cellars, possibly warehouses or workshops. Fragments of Nottingham Splashed stoneware were also found on this site. A Badder and Peat map from 1744 also reveals an orchard existed in this area, too, but the industrial buildings of the 19th century eventually covered these sites.
These iconic factories of Nottingham’s rich lace and fabric trade remain, now re-purposed as college premises, residential apartments, artists studios or offices. Other notable modern buildings in the Goose Gate area include the site of the original Boots the Chemist, opened by Nottingham born Jesse Boot the entrepreneur chemist and philanthropist. While Boots is now recognised around the country, Goose Gate has retained a character of being home to small businesses rather than larger commercial concerns. Creative hubs such as City Arts, The Carousel and other artists’ studios and independent retail outlets can be found in-andaround the Sneinton Market area.
It's unfortunate that there is no more publicity given to the heritage uncovered by excavations over the years, but interesting to speculate about what sort of legacy the Creative Quarter will leave behind and what future generations will make of it. It seems unlikely that there will be any perambulations by geese to entertain visitors, unless an enterprising artist decides to introduce live or human imitations as an art event - or has it all been done before?
I would like to thank the staff of Bromley House Library for their invaluable support in doing the research for this article and enabling me to access the archives of the Thoroton Society, whose archives I have used as sources in writing this article. You can read more about Bromley House in the April 2025 edition of LeftLion.
words: David Hunter illustration: ReVibe Studio
glass onion
words: Addie Kenogbon-Harley photos: Glass Onion
Following the launch of vintage clothing giant Glass Onion’s new Notts store on Bridlesmith Gate, Fashion Editor Addie Kenogbon-Harley caught up with head of marketing Alice Leadbetter to find out more and explore how vintage clothing and retro styles have had the city in a chokehold for decades.
When it comes to Nottingham, there are some things that have always gone hand in hand. And, just as mushy peas and mint sauce have become synonymous with Notts, so too are vintage clothing shops and retro garms with style lovers of the city.
It’s a love affair which dates back to 1984 when Hockley vintage clothes store WILD first burst onto the scene, giving fashion forward city swellers the chance to get their hands on unique pieces they couldn’t find elsewhere.
It’s therefore easy to see why Yorkshire vintage clothing brand Glass Onion hand picked Nottingham as its latest location, following the success of its iconic shops in Leeds and Sheffield, as well as its rise to cult-like status through its online offering and warehouse picks.
“Nottingham is a big student city and young people are such a big part of our core customer group, so that just instantly felt like a really good fit for us,” Alice said.
“It’s also a really fashionable and creative city, one that really values its independent retailers and independent businesses. It felt like there was a really good community of independents. We've got that in Sheffield already, so we thought we'd feel really at home here.”
The new shop which features the eye-catching Glass Onion signature smiley face neon sign, is located on Bridlesmith Gate, a street which has a rich history dating back to 1304, having once been the main shopping street in Nottingham until the 19th century. It also used to form part of a London to Leeds coach route, marking a poetic synergy with Glass Onion’s own Yorkshire roots.
The brand began life in 2005, when founder John Hickling began selling vintage out of his Grandma’s coal shed in Barnsley, South Yorkshire. Over the course of the following fifteen years, the brand mainly sold at markets and festivals. But, today Glass Onion has grown to become the UK’s leading vintage clothing company, processing up to 20,000 kilos of second hand clothing every week at its Yorkshire HQ.
But what is it about Glass Onion that sets it apart? “For us, every single piece that we have in stores is hand selected. We've got a product team in South Yorkshire and they're experts in vintage. A lot of them have worked in vintage for nearly twenty years. So it's not just a case of shoving loads of stuff in the shop. Every
piece is laundered before it goes to store,” Alice adds. “ We've got huge industrial sized washing machines at our HQ, which means that everything's fresh and ready to wear.”
The store is a sprawling array of colours, patterns and textures, with styles ranging from the 90s to the 2000s. “We try to appeal to as much of the full spectrum of people's personal styles as possible,” says Alice. “We stock everything from workwear to tech wear, boho to sportswear as well as your vintage staples like Levi's jeans that are just never going to go out of fashion, they're just something that's going to stand the test of time.
We stock everything from workwear to tech wear, boho to sportswear as well as your vintage staples like your Levi's jeans that are just never going to go out of fashion, they're just something that's going to stand the test of time
“We've got a really good mix of trend-led pieces, but then we also have your vintage staples as well. We've also got unique collections in store as well. We've got a rare archive section in the shop which is a collection of products that we might have built over the course of years and years, and is a real showcase of the amazing true, one-off rare pieces that are once in a lifetime finds.”
“Our jeans area is definitely one of the most popular zones in all our stores I think, because Levi's jeans can be expensive to buy new, but we can offer a really affordable option.”
In addition to its vintage pieces, Glass Onion also has a range of pieces which have been reworked to breathe new life into them, pieces which might otherwise have ended up on landfill sites.
Explaining more about the Re:Made! range, Alice says, “At our South Yorkshire HQ, we've got an in-house factory with machinists. This is where we transform unwanted, unwearable or damaged pieces into something completely new that can be worn and loved again. An example of something that we've got in the
Nottingham store is drawstring Dickies pants or jeans. So it might be ones that are damaged or maybe they're 42 plus size waist that we add a drawstring in.
The past decade has seen the vintage clothing industry grow at a rapid pace. Recent studies reveal that 77% of Brits have purchased pre-owned clothing in the past year, with 20% of UK consumers allocating up to £100 annually on second-hand clothing. And, it’s a trend which isn’t going anywhere fast, with shoppers keen to harness the power of preloved due to its sustainable and cost-saving benefits.
“People are becoming more aware of the damaging effects of fast fashion and why shopping vintage and shopping second hand is such an amazing thing. I think a lot of vintage clothes are much better quality than modern ones that are made now too, as well as being cheaper. So the value of money that vintage can give you is amazing as well.”
Glass Onion has new stock drops every single day, meaning each time a shopper visits they’ll find fresh looks and a whole new experience.
Alice says, “I think people like our customers and even me personally as a vintage shopper, just love the buzz and feeling you get from shopping vintage and second hand, and that discovery, not really knowing what you're going to find, or what gems you might discover amongst the rails.
“I think something that's really unique to second hand shopping is it really gives you the opportunity to find something that can really express your personal style that isn't a cookie cutter fast fashion style.”
In addition to its wide variety of stock, Glass Onion also offers an exciting range of events and surprises for customers. These include clothes drops where shoppers can bring in their old clothes in exchange for vouchers to spend in store, a recent in-store Easter egg hunt, and a charity raffle to win a signed vintage Nottingham Forest shirt, with money raised for Barnsley Hospice.
Find Glass Onion at 40-42 Bridlesmith Gate, Nottingham NG1 2GQ
glass-onion.com
[Trigger warning: This article contains reference to needles, drug use and abuse]
Reducing Harm
words: Rose Mason
illustration: Paul Turner-Groves
Tucked away on the bustling Broad Street, is a place you might not have noticed unless you’ve needed toThe Health Shop. With their inclusive drug and sexual health services, they have established a legacy in harm reduction going back to the HIV epidemic. A vital part of this is their needle exchange - which has kept people in Nottingham safe for more than thirty years.
“It’s more than just a needle exchange,” Lou tells me. “It's more than giving a transaction. It's care, it's kindness, it's compassion, it's understanding, it's respect. I respect my service users so much. They've taught me so much, and I'm really grateful to them for that”.
Lou is Team Leader at The Health Shop on Broad Street, which hosts a number of services including STI testing, sexual health advice, and a needle exchange - providing local people with harm reduction interventions, like safe injecting equipment.
“Our service users who come for needle exchange are really diverse”. These include people who use drugs like heroin, crack, and to a lesser extent amphetamine and ketamine. But Lou also sees people using performance enhancing drugs like anabolic steroids and increasingly, people self-sourcing hormones as part of gender affirming care.
Another key method of support is naloxone - a life saving medication that reverses opioid overdose. “We give out naloxone to service users to take away, so if someone overdoses at home or outside, then they can save each other's lives until the ambulance comes,” explains Lou.
“By not providing somebody something doesn't mean they're not going to do it. We're here to reduce risk. Everything we give out has a purpose. It’s all harm reduction.” Lou shows me some of the equipment. Needles of different sizes for different parts of the body, so that people don’t damage their veins unnecessarily by using needles that are too big, blunt or used. “Infections get passed blood to blood, things like HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C. If we don't give people new equipment, they'll reuse and reshare.”
She shows me sachets of citric acid, which is necessary to dissolve heroin into a liquid that makes it injectable. She knows people who, if they don’t have this, use kettle descalers or vinegar instead. She shows me a little filter, which people might swap out for tampons, or bits of sock, which pass dangerous fibres into the blood. “We're not just a needle exchange,” she says again. “We really care.”
Lou tells me that needle exchange is seen as one of the blueprints of good harm reduction. Set up in the height of the HIV epidemic, alongside other initiatives that were fundamental during this crisis, the needle exchange has been on Broad Street for more than thirty years. In that time, Lou has seen rates of blood
borne viruses “go down massively”, because of the impact of testing, access to treatment and needle exchange.
“If someone continues to use drugs, they're okay too. It's not like people who stop using are good and people who don't are bad. I think a lot of people, when they come to the service, they think somebody's going to tell them to stop doing something or to make better decisions. We don't really do that. We believe in autonomy. We just need to keep them safe, really. Because someone dying in a cold car park by themselves is horrific. Anything that reduces that is so important.”
Access to drug treatment, going on something like a methadone script, stabilising, securing accommodation, contraception, STI testing. You see people's journey. We’re part of someone's life, sometimes a little bit, and sometimes a lot
Lou explains that people who use drugs are surrounded by negative and derogatory stigma and shame. Her team have even witnessed an internalised stigma in service users who inject heroin, “that transition from smoking to injecting is massive for some people, and how they feel about themselves.”
“It's very interesting, isn't it, that perception of good and bad. We don't look at somebody else who drinks a glass of wine on Friday night who's had a crap week at work in the same way.” Lou says. She gives me a brief picture of life for some of the service users who inject heroin, and it becomes clear why the ‘support don’t punish’ movement exists. “Heroin is a really good blocker of emotional and physical pain. Not everybody, but a lot of our service users who use heroin have gone through awful times. Quite often, it's the system's fault. The care system, safeguarding domestic and sexual violence, a lot of them have witnessed horrific stuff. But then they are punished for using a drug that blocks all that stuff out.”
“I think penalising people for just trying to survive is really wrong,” Lou says, referring to the way people who use drugs are pushed out of sight, while everyone else goes about their lives.
“If I go to the pub, I can drink out of a clean glass, it's been washed. I can wash my hands. I can go to the toilet. My service users, if they're going to use heroin, it's cold in a car park where there might be someone having a poo round the corner. They've not washed their hands for five days. There's nowhere to wash them, the toilets have been locked since COVID. They've got no choice, and they're punished for all of that, really.”
Lou explains that a few years ago, Afghanistan reduced their heroin growing by around 90%, causing a shortage, bulked up by nitazenes. “For the first time, synthetic opioids called nitazenes were introduced in the heroin supply. If heroin has a relative potency of one, fentanyl is fifty, and nitazines are between fifty to 500 times stronger than heroin. So we had some significant overdoses nationally, and sadly our area is no different. Our service users have got no way of knowing how strong something is until they've taken it.”
For The Health Shop team, challenges like these demonstrate the necessity for the needle exchange, but importantly also, the encompassing service it brings people into.
“We've managed to do loads of work because we can see people. If we see them, we can help. When someone comes into the service, they get offered everything. Access to drug treatment, going on something like a methadone script, stabilising, securing accommodation, contraception, STI testing. You see people's journey. We’re part of someone's life, sometimes a little bit, and sometimes a lot. Like Mary Poppins, I always think. There for a short period or long period, whatever someone needs.
“People come here when they don't know where else to go. We're a constant. Some people haven't got contact with family. Recently, because I said ‘who's in your life?’, someone said, ‘you're in our lives’. We are their protective factors, because we are there every day for people.”
Lou says needle exchange is a lifeline. She shares a quote from a friend that resonated: “‘Dead people don't recover’. So if we can't keep people alive, then how do they stand a chance?”
The Health Shop is located at 12 Broad St, Nottingham NG1 3AL.
en V ironment
so Fresh and so green
Combating fly-tipping pile ups that pose health hazards to loved ones, Hyson Green Community Action was a naturally formed group sparked from the thirty year build of frustration from sisters Zaynab and Farzana Akhtar. Starting with a popular petition, Hyson Green locals have come together to not only change their environment, but the mindset of the younger generation who call the area home. We decided to talk to the sisters behind the clean scheme to discover their future goals and current achievement.
Zaynab and Farzana Akhtar didn’t plan to set up a community group. Long-time residents of Hyson Green, the sisters were used to seeing fly-tipping pile ups in alleyways and outside their front doors. But when it started putting their kids’ and elderly parents’ health at risk, they decided to act. What started as a petition and a few flyers has now grown into Hyson Green Community Action, a collaborative effort to clean up local streets and challenge perceptions.
“We’ve lived here for over thirty years,” says Zaynab. “And the fly-tipping, or illegal waste dumping, has gotten worse. It affects everyone - residents, businesses. My sister’s children have weak immune systems, and one day, we had to walk past a pile of rubbish, there were bags ripped open by animals, rotten meat, flies. You can imagine how much of a health risk that is.”
It was a build-up of frustration over time which had finally burst, Farzana explains. “It wasn’t just that one time. It was every day. Bags out on the street, cats and rats tearing them open. When I got to my mum’s house that day Zaynab said, ‘We have to do something.’ But we said, ‘Let’s start a petition. Let’s get people together.’”
“When we started the petition our main focus was raising awareness of how this is affecting people and how people play a part in fixing it, instead of blame shifting each other,” Zaynab continues. “It isn't just the shops, it isn't just the residents, it isn't just the council's responsibility. We're all in this together.”
The sisters started a WhatsApp group that quickly gained traction, but with the group’s growth came new responsibilities. “I remember saying to Zaynab, ‘What if what we’re doing isn’t legal?’” Farzana laughs. “We had to think about GDPR, all these rules. So we looked into setting up something more official. That’s when we registered as a CIC, with help from Nottingham Social Enterprise services.”
One of their early partners was the Nottz Garden Project, who noticed a leaflet about the petition and reached out. Together, they transformed a derelict corner of Berridge Road, once a hotspot for dumped furniture and bin bags, into a vibrant garden space. Now, Farzana explains, “in the morning when I go to drop off my daughter to school, you can hear the nursery kids getting excited and they say, ‘Wow! Look at those flowers!’ There’s a mural, plants everywhere.”
Fly-tipping isn’t just an environmental issue, it affects how people see their area, and themselves. “We talk about the ‘broken window theory,’” says Farzana. “If a place looks run down, it gets treated badly. But there are amazing people living hereprofessionals, doctors, nurses, business owners. It’s not just a ‘deprived’ area.”
“We realised we focus so much on children’s development in school and nursery,” Zaynab adds, “but what about the environment they live in day-to-day? If a child walks home past piles of rubbish every day, what does that say to them about their worth? That’s what we’re trying to shift – not just the mess, but the mindset.”
The group has drawn inspiration from many local partners, including Small Steps Big Changes (SSBC), where the sisters have volunteered. “They work in collaboration
with a lot of other entities, and we learned a lot from them,” says Zaynab. One collaboration Shifting Your Mindset, a group offering free hot meals on Mondays and Fridays at Hyson Green Community Centre. “They’ve been brilliant,” says Zaynab. “We promote their events and they support ours. We even did a joint litter pick, and that was a great way of building bridges with others in the area.”
Another key ally is John Luca from Clean Champions, the network of volunteer litter pickers supported by Nottingham City Council. “We joined one of his monthly litter picks early on,” Zaynab explains. “At first, there weren’t many people, so we helped promote it online. Now, more people are showing up. That’s the kind of small but real change we’re trying to make.”
If a child walks home past piles of rubbish every day, what does that say to them about their worth? That’s what we’re trying to shift – not just the mess, but the mindset
The group is also exploring creative approaches to waste reduction. They’ve begun encouraging shops to donate unused materials like pallets and carpet offcuts, which can be repurposed by schools for imaginative play. “It’s about turning waste into something useful, and involving kids in that process,” says Farzana.
Zaynab has also been using storytelling as a way to raise awareness. “When I started the petition, I didn’t want it to be about blame. I wanted to show how it affects everyone – the businesses, the stray animals, the kids. So I wrote true stories, illustrating how it impacts different lives. Sometimes people just need to hear it in a different way.”
The sisters are working events, educational outreach, new campaigns, but the Facebook page remains a key space for connection. “That’s where people can find us, share their experiences, and get involved,” says Zaynab. “We’re planning an event soon so we can introduce ourselves to more residents. We want to make it as welcoming as possible.”
“It was never our intention to set all this up,” says Farzana. “But we couldn’t ignore it anymore. It’s heartbreaking to see your area disrespected like that. A lot of the teenagers, when you listen to them, they feel like because they’re from this area, they can’t grow up and do anything in the world, which obviously isn’t true. But it becomes a fixed mindset, we want to change that.”
To get involved and find out more about the Hyson Green Community Action visit their Facebook page.
words: Adam Pickering illustration: Veronica Nilsson
Nottingham Restaurant week
interview: Caradoc Gayer
Nottingham Restaurant Week is set to take place across the city from Monday 2 to Sunday 8 June. Organised by It’s in Nottingham, it’s a chance for you to access exclusive discounts and try out some new flavours from the city’s vibrant food scene. To mark the occasion, we caught up with representatives of three popular dining spots involved: Antonio Oriente from Pizzamisu, Amita Sawhney from MemSaab and Terry Hayfield from Fellows, Morton & Clayton.
Firstly, tell us a bit about your restaurant. What’s the overall concept? What’s unique and special about the cuisine you offer?
Antonio: As Neapolitans we had a dream to bring not only pizza to Nottingham, but an entire experience: as you step inside you will feel like you are actually in Naples. We specialize in authentic Neapolitan pizza, prepared the traditional way with fresh, high-quality ingredients imported directly from Italy. Each dish we serve is made with love, care and the passion that defines our culture.
Amita: MemSaab offers award-winning, fine dining Indian cuisine at the heart of Maid Marian Way. We aim to exceed the customer’s expectations in every way, from the time they make a reservation to the time they leave the restaurant: the food, flavours, presentation, service and ambience - the whole experience! We are always evolving with this in mind. Terry: We’re a new addition to the Nottingham food scene. Our goal is a simple one: proper grub in a proper pub. We want our product, service and venue to exceed the expectations of our guests. This comes down to going the extra mile, whether it’s sourcing the best meat or artisan bread, delivering your Guinness to the table so you’re not standing at the bar waiting for it to settle or just simply making you feel at home and comfortable.
What is the inspiration behind the name of your establishment?
Antonio: When we started the business, we were doing only Pizza and Tiramisu. The name came from the combination of the two dishes.
Amita: MemSaab, a word originating in the days of the British Raj, literally translates from Hindi to mean the ‘Lady or lady owner of the house or organisation’. That’s me – quite apt I think!
Terry: Our pub bears the name of the business who originally built it… Fellows Morton & Clayton were a canal shipping business and it originally turned into a pub of the same name in 1981. It’s an iconic pub that is well known throughout Nottingham, so the name is here to stay!
What’s the best-selling dish on your menu? Also, what’s your personal favourite dish on the menu?
Antonio: The best selling dish is the margherita. My favourite is salsiccia and friarielli: a traditional pizza from Naples, and all the simple pizzas like margherita, marinara or provola e pepe.
Amita: A number of signature dishes sell really well, including the Lahori lamb chops that have marinated for more than 24 hours, the jumbo size king prawns which are not available anywhere else in the Midlands and the slow cooked Nizami lamb handi served in an earthenware pot! My personal favourite is the butter chicken makhni – more flavoursome than chicken tikka masala and a more authentic Indian dish too.
Terry: We sell a huge amount of fish and chips. We source freshly caught haddock from one of Nottingham’s last independent fishmongers. We make our own tartare sauce, hand cut our own chips, make fresh beer batter daily and serve that up with some fresh lemon, a touch of samphire and a punch of our vinegar laced sea salt for a hit of acidity that doesn't make for a soggy chip.
I like to dine at independents and Nottingham has a whole variety to choose from; I do think it sets the city apart from other cities
Have you seen any major changes in dining habits over the past few years? What percentage of your diners these days are vegan, vegetarian or glutenfree? How do you make sure you stay up to date with that?
Antonio: We’ve recently had a huge request for vegetarian, vegan and gluten free pizzas. One of the best is a pizza including a combination of mixed veggies, locally sourced and prepared fresh everyday. We use a very good vegan cheese that can be swapped into all the pizzas. We also have a very tasty gluten free pizza base, prepared by an Italian bakery in London. Amita: Over the years there have been more people with allergies and/or intolerances as well as preferred life choices including vegans and vegetarians. Indian food is a great fit for these 25% or so of our guests, as many dishes are already vegetarian, vegan, dairy free and gluten free. Some people have become more ‘protein conscious’ and, again, Indian food is a good fit here, with the meat and fish grills.
Terry: Friday nights seem to be very different these days. People tend to cook at home or get a takeaway. This is probably something that working from home and the cost of living crisis has reinforced. We’ve got a good selection of veggie and vegan options in our menu, but to be honest we’re seeing sales of those dishes eclipsed by meat based proteins - there’s been a lot of growth in people choosing to eat less meat for a variety of reasons, but beef on a Sunday roast, steak and ale pie and a good old sausage roll are among our biggest hits!
The last few years have been challenging financially for the hospitality industry as a whole going from lockdown to an energy and financial crisis. How are things for you now?
Antonio: We are still in a good position at the moment, thanks to all our customers. Their support is amazing; loads of pizza chains opened recently in Nottingham, but we haven’t seen any difficulty from that so far. The
only thing we could do is keep the quality very high. From April there has been another huge challenge, with prices going up, plus the raise in staff cost. We will do our best to keep our business financially healthy.
Amita: It just seems to be one thing after another! Higher energy costs, higher ingredients costs, inflation out of control and higher wage costs. As if trying to navigate out of this isn’t hard enough, there’s the Government's policy of tax, tax and more tax! It’s getting more challenging as time goes on. We are fortunate to have a strong client base but in a city like Nottingham there’s only so much you can pass on in terms of meal prices.
Terry: For a new business we find ourselves in a positive position. It’s pretty tough to do business in the current climate - costs are very high and you’ve got to fight hard for every pound you make. We think that there’s an appetite for quality pubs and hope to keep delivering for our guests.
For you personally, aside from your own, what is your personal favourite place to go and eat in Nottingham and why?
Antonio: I like the Hungry Pumpkin café for a great Italian breakfast or lunch, ViDa by Lorentes for fantastic Spanish cuisine and Bill’s Restaurant or Bhons for good burgers.
Amita: I like to dine at independents and Nottingham has a whole variety to choose from; I do think it sets the city apart from other cities. I love to unwind at Kushi-ya - everything is so fresh and tasty and I can just kick back and relax.
Terry: Coco Tang always feels like such a treat, escapism at its finest. The staff are friendly, the food is consistently amazing and the drinks are on another level.
What do you have on offer to people at this year’s Nottingham Restaurant Week?
Antonio: A margherita or marinara plus a soft drink for £10, from 12pm to 4pm all week.
Amita: MemSaab is offering a Michelin style platter of starter and mains, with a beer, wine or soft drink for £20! The offer is available as our Early Evening Menu, Sunday to Friday, before 6:30pm.
Terry: Our main plates are the star of the show during Nottingham Restaurant Week. High quality pub classics at a great price! Two mains for £25 and you’ll get great food that is cooked fresh with integrity and high quality ingredients.
Nottingham Restaurant Week takes place from Mon 2 - Sun 8 June. To get discounts and a full list of the 50+ establishments involved visit itsinnottingham.com.
Review: Human life in motion at Primary
With reflections on travel, migration, identity, and what it means to be left behind, artist Maia Ruth Lee’s current exhibition at Primary brings sculptures and banners that are grounded in meaning and memory, whilst also being weightless and liberated.
Primary’s latest exhibition spans both floors of the former primary school building, now an artist-owned space. The exhibition Human Life in Motion features Bondage Baggage (2018–present) on the ground floor, and Bondage Baggage Banner (2024) in the upstairs gallery, both works by artist Maia Ruth Lee. Born in Busan, raised in Kathmandu and Seoul, and having spent over a decade in New York before settling in Colorado, Lee is a truly global citizen. Her first solo UK exhibition explores “the complexities of the self in times of dissonance and globalisation,” and poses a compelling question: What does it mean to memorialise something transient?
One case lies open, revealing a copy of The Hindu dated 4 February 2020, with a frontpage story about missing women. This small detail deepens the emotional charge without overt explanation, encouraging viewers to draw their own connections
On the ground floor, Bondage Baggage comprises sculptural arrangements of luggage, suitcases stacked and bound with nylon lace, multicoloured ropes, and different tapes. The utilitarian materials form graphic patterns, clashing yet aesthetically harmonious. Isolated in the gallery space, the parcels feel lost; like a lone suitcase circling an airport conveyor belt. One case lies open, revealing a copy of The Hindu dated 4 February 2020, with a
For Artworks this month we spoke to local pencil artist Kelly Brown.
I am Nottingham born and bred, growing up in St. Ann’s and later attending Elliott Durham School. For the most part I am a self-taught artist who has always had a pencil in hand, drawing anything I possibly could! Growing up I wanted to be a children’s illustrator but was told I would never make it and needed to get a ‘proper job’, so I stopped drawing for a number of years. Over time I taught myself to draw again, this time as a way of self expression. Having recently suffered the loss of both parents my artwork has acted as a way of coping with this loss, and the use of colour really helps with this.
Over the years I’ve used my art in different settings, from illustrations on furniture to portraits. I never name my pieces, but perhaps I should start doing so. My portraits are often full of colour, as I have been exploring the use of colour in my pencil portraits as a form of self expression. Colour, for me, provokes a sense of happiness and joy.
When creating my portraits, once I have my reference photo, I will choose the paper based on the colours to be used in the portrait. Currently, I like to use toned paper as this really makes my drawings pop. I then transfer my reference image to paper using a pencil - at this stage it is usually only an outline and very light pencil lines. Next, I start on the details (my favourite part) using my phone to zoom in and out of the reference image whilst
drawing to capture the best likeness I can. I often start with the eyes as I find these the most fascinating parts of the portrait; they capture so much emotion. Depending on the level of detail required, I will often use different grades of pencil to highlight particular features, then start to incorporate colour. My portraits typically take from 20-30 hours to complete.
I love all types of art, but especially pieces that are relatable and create a sense of emotion. One of the artists that got me into drawing portraits was Florence Lee. I'm drawn to Flo’s use of colour in her work and got to meet her in person a couple of years ago. Another artist I really admire is Emma Towers-Evans: a pencil artist specialising in hyperrealism. Her work is incredible and I aspire to be able to produce artwork with her level of detail I’ve been creative for as long as I can remember but it was my art teacher at secondary school, Rose Rutherford, who really saw something in me and pushed me to do really well at the subject. I will be forever grateful for her endless encouragement.
I hope to showcase my work in an exhibition in the near future, but for now, I am open for commission work and can be contacted through my Instagram page.
Q@kelly.brown.artist
front-page story about missing women. This small detail deepens the emotional charge without overt explanation, encouraging viewers to draw their own connections. Further reading reveals the sculptures are based on luggage seen at Kathmandu International Airport, often belonging to migrant labourers. In a nod to the Korean ancestral rite of Jesa, Lee invited artists from Primary’s community to contribute personal items. These, combined with her own materials, shape the final sculptures, these acts merge collective memory with individual narrative.
Upstairs, Bondage Baggage Banner offers a calming contrast. Six large fabric banners hang from the rafters, light and floating above the grounded sculptures below. Five of them are painted black, white, yellow, blue, and red, referencing obangsaek, the five cardinal directions and elements in traditional Korean culture. A sixth, painted green, symbolises ‘free passage’ and safety. The banners are made from the same rope that binds the luggage downstairs. Rope marks remain visible, suggesting a release from constraint. The elevation and movement of these forms evoke a sense of unburdening, of migration taking flight. One of the banners was created in Nottingham, through a collaboration with Heya Nottingham (a group for local Arab women) and local migrants. This local connection adds a timely dimension to the work. With travel frequently dominating headlines, particularly in the USA, where Lee now lives, the exhibition explores contemporary issues of migration and displacement.
Human Life in Motion by Maia Ruth Lee is at Primary until Saturday 31 May.
weareprimary.org
words & artwork: Kelly Brown
words: Benjamin Kay
prime moVers
While they may proudly herald from Reading, rock trio The Amazons’ thriving career has long been intertwined with our city too. From cutting their teeth in The Chameleon to sold out shows at Rock City, to even playing Motorpoint Arena with Royal Blood, they have spent the last decade making memories and building a strong fanbase right here in NG1. Now with shows at Rough Trade and Rock City coming up in the next six months, we decided to catch up with frontman Matt Thomson to discuss their longstanding romance with Nottingham…
I’ll never forget it. Ahead of my first Dot to Dot festival in 2015, I would scroll through the line-up for that year and listen to some of the unknown bands on YouTube, trying to whittle down which ones to catch on the day. I would come across a band called The Amazons, who only had one video uploaded – a song called Junk Food Forever. It was the kind of immediate anthem that struck a chord, with simple but relatable lyrics about friends going off to university and being left behind in your hometown. Little did I know at the time, but it would begin a love affair with a band that I would follow for the next decade and beyond, seeing them grow from promising unknowns to one of the country’s very best rock bands.
As it turns out, there is a loose connection between Junk Food Forever and Nottingham. You see when frontman and songwriter Matt Thomson’s friends went off to university, some landed at Nottingham Trent. He would spend 2013 and 2014 travelling up to Nottingham, living the university life vicariously through his friends and exploring our city. “We would be going out to clubs like The Forum and The Market Bar, so I had a really well-established relationship with Nottingham,” he reveals. “I always loved the independent spirit of the scene there and I love the history. I’ve been through the caves about five times, and I’ve been in Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem about a million times! I’ve seen some great gigs at Rock City too, saw Father John Misty on his first record, saw Foals – can’t wait to come back.”
Oxford math-rockers Foals would end up being critical to the band’s history, as witnessing one of their gigs at Alexandra Palace in London in 2014 would light a fire in Matt’s belly, leading him to start a band with friends Chris Alderton (guitar) and Elliot Briggs (bass). Their Dot To Dot performance would follow about twelve months after their formation, with only a handful of people turning up to their early afternoon slot at The Bodega – which included their friends in fellow Reading indie outfits, Sundara Karma. They won me over that day though and I was back to see them six months later for their first headline show in Nottingham, at the sadly now closed Chameleon Arts Café.
While there were only about five people in the room that night, grassroot venues like The Chameleon were crucial to The Amazons building their fanbase early on in their career. “It was the difference between us playing Nottingham and not, because we weren’t even at the level to play somewhere like The Bodega at that point,” Matt explains. “We just wouldn’t have played Nottingham if we couldn’t have played The Chameleon Arts Café. Then by the time you get to Rock City, you have a really established relationship, and you’ve got memories of a city like Nottingham.”
A big part of establishing that passionate fanbase in Nottingham has come from their Rough Trade in-stores over the years. Playing a show here on every album release to-date, it’s allowed them to connect with their fans in a way they simply can’t with other shows.
“I think it’s ultimately the structure of the event that allows for time to meet the fans and talk to them,” Matt explains. “To hear their stories and connection with the music, or just who they are and what they do - what their life is outside of just listening to The Amazons. You get a really good sense of the characters and the people who like the band. Of course, you can meet your audience at shows and in chance meetings, but it’s never a dedicated time to do so in the same way the record store shows give that opportunity.”
“I think Nottingham, especially Rough Trade, feels like a real hub for the art and the music scene. It’s obviously a space that’s not just used for records, but you can do shows, there’s a bar and a café - so just to engage with that, you get a real sense of the city’s scene,” he says.
When asked about any special plans for their next Rough Trade in-store show, Matt is understandably coy - but he does hint at doing a DJ Set at The Bodega this time around.
However, the Rough Trade show isn’t their only return to Nottingham this year –they will also be playing Rock City in October for the first time since 2022. Matt hasn’t been shy on social media about his love for the venue, even posting at one point that it’s his favourite venue in the UK. When asked what makes the venue so special, Matt believes it’s a combination of the space design and the people in attendance.
A big part of establishing that passionate fanbase in Nottingham has come from their Rough Trade in-stores over the years. Playing a show here on every album release to-date, it’s allowed them to connect with their fans in a way they simply can’t with other shows
“First of all, it is the Nottingham crowd – they are well versed in live music,” he explains. “I think just to have a space like Rock City promotes a routine of going to live shows. Nottingham crowds from the off are already warmed up, that’s just what they know.”
“So with Rock City, it’s the combination of how close you are to the crowd and how the room is shaped around the stage. When I come out, I’ve got an audience that is really close to me, we seem to almost be on the same level, and then my peripheral vision is just completely covered with people. So what people love about Rock City is there’s just a natural energy to the whole thing. I think with this tour, a lot of the venues have been picked because of that energy, so for example the Albert Hall in Manchester and The Roundhouse (London) are exactly the same, where just everywhere you look is people - it just gives an urgency from the off.”
“At its best, rock and roll is reactive – we have the capacity to be in this conversation with the crowd where it’s almost this one-upmanship, where you just keep on pushing and pushing. That’s why Rock City is so great, and I think Nottingham just has more of an instinct for the alternative. Our Nottingham shows always sell out and I don’t know why – we’ve always loved Nottingham.” I think it’s safe to say, the feeling is mutual.
The Amazons release 21st Century Fiction on Friday 9 May. Catch them playing at Rough Trade Nottingham on Saturday 10 May before playing Rock City later in the year on Sunday 26 October.
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words: Karl Blakesley photo: Bryce Glenn
If you’re from Nottingham and want to get added to our list of music writers or get your tunes reviewed, hit us up at music@leftlion.co.uk
To listen to these tracks and more, check out our Notts Sounds playlist on Spotify
Katie Keddie Crooked Shoulder (Single)
This exquisite new acoustic single from alternative folk singer-songwriter Katie Keddie was initially drawn from a thought-provoking songwriting workshop prompt last January. Katie used artist Genesis Báez’s tranquil Skyscape photograph as inspiration, which is a possible reference in the opening line: “Wrap me up in white linen/the warmth on your skin is glistening.”
Springy and sprightly with entrancing lyrical imagery, bewitching vocals and gentle banjo chimes, Crooked Shoulder is an alluring complement for a morning mental health walk, or for a wistful trip down memory lane. It is the lead single for Katie’s next EP which will be launched with a headline show at The Grove in June. (Katherine Monk-Watts)
Gang (Single)
With rumours of an album due later this year, local singer-songwriter Laura Dickinson – who you may know better as Lace Thief – has been treating our ears with some excellent singles in recent months. The latest release Girl Gang is no exception, a track bursting with a buzz of guitars, stomping drums and Dickinson’s own soaring vocals. The empowered arrangement reflects the themes of the track, as Dickinson passionately describes female friendship, identity and a sense of togetherness. As uplifting as it is immediate, it’s further evidence that Dickinson is quickly becoming one of our city’s most cherished songwriters. Roll on the album! (Karl Blakesley)
Nottingham native songwriter Keane Baldwin’s six-track EP, In Spite of Everything explores themes of power, purpose and grief. Absorbing the lyrical qualities of this synth and chamber pop work, the words serve as a mantra to manifest into this concise project. The title track includes reverb-soaked, striking major piano chords before meandering into a repeated refrain, seamlessly entering Atmospheric Decline, a soaring song interpreted as a reflection from beyond the grave. Similarly, What’s Next to Unexpect, a buzzing piece of synth and electro-pop, portrays losing yourself within your grief. Final track The Farewell Man opens minor and mellow, before expanding into a sunset stadium-filler. Despite its dark themes, the earnestness within the tracks shows Baldwin’s newfound hope and a real pride stemming from his working class upbringing. (Tommy Robertson)
Joey Collins Alive (Single)
KALIKO Move Along (Single)
The sound of Nottingham’s summer last year, KALIKO’s debut single Red Sky was a certified indie bop that ended up as one of our favourite tracks of 2024. Now second single Move Along is just as instantly infectious, with the band showing a knack for crafting math-rock-influenced indie jams that would rival the likes of veterans Foals and Two Door Cinema Club.
The perfect song to soundtrack the recent sunny days we’ve been experiencing, the band rides a blissful wave of danceable guitar grooves, before erupting into some fierce, mosh-ready rock riffs in the final thirty seconds. Quickly earmarking themselves as the next indie band to break out in Nottingham, they have moved themselves along to the top of our ‘to-see live’ list in 2025. (Karl Blakesley)
One of Nottingham’s dearest singer-songwriters, Joey Collins has outdone himself here; an acoustic-guitar opening melds into something dramatically wider and euphoric. Melancholic strings add a poignant beauty as Joey sings with hushed emotion… But then, a dramatic build and the vocals soar, with new layers of sound emerging, before we return to a reflective ending. It feels as if Joey has poured his whole soul into this song; it's heart-wrenching stuff. Don't miss Joey performing at The Bodega in August. (Phil Taylor)
Lace Thief Girl
Keane Baldwin In Spite of Everything (EP)
illustration: Jim Brown
As you read this column, there is at least a small chance that you’re inside a café. I know I am. Look around you if you aren’t sure: there will be a man bellowing into a laptop about marketing stratagems, there’ll be a fashionable dachshund with its nose in a puppycino, there’ll be a penniless grad student expressing cultural alienation in the medium of foam, some modern Mocha-langelo.
The café seems to be one of the distinguishing features of 21st century life, but as long as we’ve had coffee we’ve needed somewhere to sip. Pasqua Rosée was a caffeinated entrepreneurborn in modern Croatia and inspired by the Ottomans, he set up one of England’s first coffeehouses in 1651. To introduce conservative beverage-drinkers to this gravelly new concoction, he published a handbill promoting the Vertues of Coffee: it helped prevent miscarriages, scurvy, and ‘hypochondriac winds’. Outstanding perks, but not as good as getting a free one for every nine stamps. That would come later.
Soon these coffeehouses became a sensation, with more than three thousand in the country by 1675. These weren’t places to wolf down a panini, but the steamy centres of England’s burgeoning democracy. Newspapers would be passed around, helping to spread the light of literacy, and these early cafés were open to all social classes - rare for the time - allowing ideas to spread between nobles and commoners. They were even known as ‘Penny Universities’ - for a cheap cup of hot joe, you’d gain admission to these hyperactive debating chambers, and in doing so you could furnish your mind.
The catch, of course, was that you had to be a man. The early feminist movement took off in the 19th century, just when mixed-gender ‘tearooms’ were beginning to open for business. You can keep a social movement down only as long as you keep it decaffeinated.
the meLbourne identity
interview: Andrew Tucker Leavis
photo: Dietmar Rabich
For all of its flaws, the internet has become a wonderful tool of cross-country collaboration, allowing the movement of ideas between far-flung time zones and territories. Last year, in a month-long virtual City of Literature residency, LeftLion Literature Editor Andrew Tucker Leavis took a virtual trip down under to explore the imagined meeting of outlaws Robin Hood and Ned Kelly. Here he recounts his experience and talks to fellow Notts writer Alison Moore about what they got up to.
‘It’s always happy hour somewhere’, says the sign in my local pub. Whatever the time of day, in some far corner of the world there’s a madcap creative workshop going on, too. Ever since I’ve started writing, the word ‘residency’ has sounded enticing - jet off across the planet, drink in the culture shock, write about the Kabuki theatre, say, or the Yellowstone geysers first-hand. It’s never seemed very likely: for one, I’ve been studying at university in Notts, chained to a desk in the Hallward library.
Last year, though, I got a mission from our own fantastic City of Literature organisation. The equivalent team in Melbourne, Australia, were on the lookout for virtual writers in residence. The idea was simple - eight writers, living in every time zone you could think of, would all strap on unattractive bluetooth headsets and immerse themselves in Melbourne, the distant land of Narrm, through the magic of the internet. We’d all meet up once a week, speak to local writers, academics and historians, run our own workshops for Aussies to attend, take over social media accounts, and generally cause controlled havoc from a safe distance. Almost as spectacularly, the money that would have gone on flights and accommodation would be wired straight to our bank accounts.
At half three in the morning I was woken by the flash of an email which let me know that I’d been picked as one of these writers. After the first response (panic), I had ideas - the main one being a multimedia story of Robin Hood’s gang meeting the outlaw Ned Kelly - but where to begin? My confidence was soon bolstered when I found out that I wasn’t the only representative from Nottingham. Alison Moore is a superb wordsmith - her short stories have been included in several ‘Best of British’ collections and broadcast on BBC Radio, and her first novel was nominated for a Booker Prize in 2012. She’s also a complete pleasure to talk to - so, when our residencies wrapped up, that’s exactly what I did.
Alison - what were your thoughts about applying for the residency - did you choose to work with your library group for a reason? I had several fingers crossed when I applied, as I’ve not got a large body of work yet, so it seemed like a big step.
This was my first residency and everything about it seemed so perfect - I love libraries of course, I always have, and Moorabool Libraries wanted 'a writer who is passionate about short stories', and short stories are my enduring love as a writer and as a reader. They also wanted someone to work with writers of all ages, and having written for both children and adults, and as someone who does workshops/author events for both children and adults, it was all very exciting! I was so thrilled to be chosen and to get to do this, I loved every bit of it.
What did you think of the ‘virtual’ set up? I’m not sure my body clock loved getting up before 6am - I’d be a terrible farmer.
I loved the virtual aspect - with a school-age child there's no way I could do it in person, so that's another thing that made the opportunity so appealing. The time difference actually worked out really well. With Melbourne City of Literature very kindly arranging the social meet-ups to take place at 9am UK time, that was perfect for me. And then we arranged my school workshops for 10am AEST which was 11pm for me, so I had these really lovely sessions right before going to bed! I did have a 1am session with my writing group because they meet at noon, but again it was just such a friendly, enjoyable session, plus it was the weekend anyway.
the idea was simpLe - eight writers, LiVing in e Very time zone you CouLd thinK oF, wouLd aLL strap on unattraCtiVe bLuetooth headsets and immerse themseLVes in meLbourne, the distant L and oF narrm, through the magiC oF the internet
We were absorbing some of Melbourne’s contemporary culture - I loved hearing about Nathan Curnow’s ‘Ghost Project’, for example - he’d got funding to sleep over in ten apparently haunted locations, from a hearse to a gaol cell, and to distil that experience into poetry. Do you think that some of that will stick with you - and did you feel any compulsion to project some Nottingham culture over there as well?
Yes, Nathan's Ghost Poetry Project caught my fancy too - I mentioned it to my writing group because we were doing a workshop on writing from prompts and that seemed like a very good example! Nathan and I exchanged a few emails afterwards, and he mentioned the Bacchus Marsh Cherry Festival which had just taken place, which I then included in the story I was writing as part of the residency - so it was a very 'fruitful' cultural exchange. And yes, I remember during the social sessions we were talking about Nottingham as well, including singing David Belbin's praises!
I had the good fortune to meet so many talented people like Alison in the process of this online residency, and this surreal project will live in the memory for some time. I led my first writing workshop, with teens, retirees and everyone inbetween, and I got to film Ezekial Bone warming up his gritty Robin-Hood-voice in an underground cavern. If you tell people you’re a writer, they tend to think you’re terminally unemployed. But this was my first paid gig, and I feel like a pro now at last - or virtually, at least.
nottinghamcityofliterature.com
words: Andrew Tucker Leavis
Reasons to be Cheerful
words: Caradoc Gayer
The news is normally negative but here are some nice things that have happened in Notts this month.
Flying the flag
As April came around, Nottingham was awarded the Purple Flag for its 15th consecutive year, marking it as one of the safest, most vibrant and diverse nighttime economies in the UK. The assessment took into account lots of factors about Nottingham’s nightlife like police body cameras, CCTV, initiatives tackling hate incidents and a vibrant, consistently stacked events calendar. But of course, we all knew that already - there’s no night-out quite like a Notts night-out.
Dropping the needle
Record store day, Saturday 12 April, saw Rough Trade records on Broad Street provided with nothing less than a flood of business, as vinyl lovers from around the city queued all-the-way up Hockley to get their hands on limited edition records from the likes of Oasis, A Tribe Called Quest, Jeff Buckley and many more. The day was bookended by an energetic night of live music at the venue, featuring beloved local acts like Bored Marsh, Chloe Rodgers and Sancho Panza, which was reviewed on the LeftLion website. All-in-all the day was an uplifting demonstration of the widespread love for physical media, and the community spirit that comes with that, in our fine old city.
Punching her weight
There’s no stopping Bulwell-born athlete Emily Campbell who in April became the first British weightlifter to win five straight championship titles, nabbing a gold medal while competing in Moldova. This enormous achievement followed a successful 2024 Paris Olympics for Emily when she won the final medal for Team GB, already the first British woman to earn a weightlifting medal (in Tokyo 2020). She’s certainly doing Nottinghamshire proud; who knows which sporting record we’ll see her name under next?
Toliet Humour
Something made you laugh in the lavs? Send your funniest quips to editorial@leftlion.co.uk
Guess the answer to this Notts themed riddle…
My first is a shoot, Tasty and green, My second a pit For water that’s clean.
My third is a rock, An old knobbled face, You’ll find art and bones In this ancient place.
TRUTH
THE STRANGE CASE OF Rihanna's Grillz
Over the past ten months we have been vigorously interrogating Nottingham’s urban myths and legends to give you, the people, the answers you all deserve. With every article striving to leave no stone unturned, LeftLion has become the East Midlands’ answer to the cheesefest that was MythBusters: whether we’re covering the sinister Barbeque-Death-Ray outside of the Nottingham Playhouse (Issue #174), or the ghastly ‘White Lady’ haunting Wollaton Hall (Issue #178). This week we will be taking on one of Nottingham’s most controversial cases to answer the question: did Rihanna really have a set of grillz made i n Hockley?
According to urban legend, during her 2011 Loud Tour of the UK, Rihanna’s entourage were taking in the sights whilst roaming around Hockley when they spotted a place where the megastar could gain some shiny new teeth jewelry. Rihanna’s team of bargain hunters were instantly drawn into the notion that she could take home a piece of Nottingham with her. At first, Neville from Grillzs 4 U thought it was a wind-up until he got an email from one of her team asking to have a set of six teeth diamond encrusted gold grillz to be custom made for t he superstar.
It is believed that after her performance at the Motorpoint Arena, formerly known as the Capital FM Arena at the time, her entourage went through with the deal. In Rihanna’s music video for You Da One eagle eyed viewers can spot a glimpse of the East Midlands as she showcases the diamond encrusted grillz in recurring segments of the video.
In fact, 2011 was the last time Rihanna performed in front of a Nottingham audience. During her 2011 tour she was supported by Calvin Harris, who had released Feel So Close three months prior to the tour date. That statement only makes me Feel So Old. Whilst the closest we can probably get to seeing her in association with Notts again is through looping her You Da One music video, members of the Rihanna Navy can visit Grillzs 4 U’s shop front in Hockley which proudly states ‘We made Rihanna’s Grillz.’ Legend has it that upon collection of the grillz, Rihanna was instantly inspired by their glistening shine and soon after wrote her smash hit Diamonds. Unfortunately, we were unable to get any confirmation from the global megastar, but one can only assume it to be true.
month’s answer: Herbert Kilpin
words: Matthew Blaney
Asking For It
When: Until 13 July
Where: National Justice Museum
How much: Free
A powerful photographic series by Jayne Jackson that challenges the persistent culture of victimblaming in cases of sexual and gender-based violence. Jackson uses a striking mugshot format, historical styling, and heritage photographic techniques to expose the enduring narratives that shift blame onto survivors of sexual and domestic abuse. Developed over three years, the series features 20+ portraits, each representing a different period in history. Issues around consent, accountability, and justice abound throughout the different ages.
Amber Run
When: Fri 9 May
Where: Rock City
How much: £25
Nottingham’s own Amber Run return to Rock City this month for another showstopping performance. The three-piece indie band is composed of Joe Keogh, Tom Sperring, and Henry Wyeth. They first met at the University of Nottingham and have since released three full-length albums, three minialbums and five EPs. The band have also performed at big festival venues such as Reading and Leeds with their hit singles Noah, I Found, and Fickle Game. Homecoming gigs like this are always a bit special and we’re sure this will be no different.
Capoeira na Comunidade
When: Thursdays, 6.30-8.30pm
Where: Fishergate Point
How much: From £5
For the uninitiated Capoeira is an Afro Brazilian martial art that combines dance, music and culture. It might not instantly make you a ninja, but if you like the idea of improving your fitness, flexibility and coordination, whilst reducing stress in your life then it’s a good shout. This class (the name of which translates as ‘Capoeira in the Community’) is run every Thursday by Brazilian capoeirista and professor in ecology Felipe Melo at the friendly cafe bar and venue Fishergate Point. Free taster sessions are available.
Experience Greece
When: Fri 9 May
Where: New Art Exchange
How much: Free
Opa! Join New Art Exchange in enjoying a day experiencing the rich Greek culture. With live music from local Greek/ Cypriot band Rebettingham, bringing sounds from Rebetiko, while indulging in succulent Greek foods and beer. You can also learn to dance like a true Grecian, with a traditional Greek dance workshop, and feel transported into Greece with a live theatre performance from the Hellenic Theatre group Palkosenico.
Das Koolies
When: Tue 6 May
Where: Rescue Rooms How much: £22.50
Remember Supper Furry Animals? Back in the 90s and 00s they released nine albums including Fuzzy Logic, Radiator, Rings Around The World and seemed like an odd and naughty cousin to the emerging Britpop scene. Well Das Koolies is a band formed from four out of five of their old members (basically all of them except the singer Gruff Rhys). Their Nottingham gig takes place just three days before the release of their new album Pando and is set to showcase their ongoing pursuits into experimental psychedelicfolk-rock.
Scissor Sisters
When: Fri 16 May
Where: Motorpoint Arena
How much: From £50.98
Last year marked the 20th anniversary of Scissor Sisters eponymous debut album and was enough of a reason for the members to re-unite and embark on a tour together for the first time in a decade. Well-known for hits like I Can’t Decide, I Don’t Feel Like Dancin’ and Take Your Mama, they’re likely to fill the arena with the nostalgic disco-funk sound that dominated the 2000s. We’re told this tour will feature every song from their debut and then other hits besides.
War Horse
When: Wed 7 - Sun 19 May
Where: Royal Concert Hall
How much: £23-£65.50
The National Theatre’s acclaimed production of Michael Morpurgo’s novel, returns to Nottingham. At the outbreak of World War One, Joey, young Albert’s beloved horse, is sold and shipped to France. This takes him on an extraordinary journey, serving on both sides. But Albert cannot forget Joey and embarks on a treacherous mission to bring him home. This show is renowned for being spectacular, even by theatre standards. At its heart are some astonishing life-sized puppets created by South Africa’s Handspring Puppet Company, who bring the horses to life on stage.
Bryan Adams
When: Sat 17 May
Where: Motorpoint Arena
How much: From £65.10
Back in 1991, when the pop charts meant everything Bryan Adams did something very special. He released (Everything I Do) I Do It for You, which spent sixteen weeks at number one. It was the soundtrack to the film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves and felt particularly special for those of us from Notts and old enough to remember. He’s now fifteen albums in with his latest album Roll With The Punches about to be released. But for that feat alone, the Canadian-born rocker (born to British parents) deserves the freedom of our city!
Jasmin Vardimon
Company - ALiCE
When: Tue 20 May
Where: Theatre Royal
How much: From £22
A woman, or perhaps a child, unsure of her identity and where she is going. Escaping or exploring, discovering the powers within her changing body. The world around her is different, curious, and compelling and at times absolutely bonkers. Dancer and choreographer Jasmine Vardimon re-imagines the classic tale of Alice in Wonderland, promising a sensory feast, powerful performances and eye-catching moving scenery. This show follows on from her acclaimed adaptation of Pinocchio.
Michelangelo: Love & Death
When: 4pm, Sun 25 May
Where: Arc Cinema, Beeston
How much: £17.95
Exhibition on Screen is a documentary series that explores the history behind works of art. The spectacular sculptures and paintings of Michelangelo seem so familiar to us, but what do we really know about him? Spanning his 88 years, this ninety-minute documentary takes a cinematic journey through the print and drawing rooms of Europe and the chapels and museums of Florence, Rome and the Vatican. If you’d like to gain a deeper understanding of his tempestuous life, his relationship with his contemporaries and his incredible legacy then here’s your chance.
We Are Fugazi From Washington D.C.
When: Tue 20 May
Where: The Savoy
How much: £7.50
This film commemorates 23 years since American post-hardcore band Fugazi last performed. It’s made up of rare archive footage from the band and merges them with fan-recorded footage from their live shows. The 96-minute movie is both a celebration of the band and also of their fan’s camerawork. Although presented by Doc'n Roll Films, this film has been explicitly billed as not a documentary. Nevertheless, it invites newbies to discover a missed gem and old fans to reminisce about the glory days.
Sophie Ellis-Bextor
When: Wed 28 May
Where: Royal Concert Hall
How much: £39.50-£50.50
Ready to murder the dance floor?
Sophie Ellis-Bextor adds Nottingham’s Royal Concert Hall as a destination on her biggest ever headline tour. After the singer’s hit song Murder on the Dancefloor surged back to fame following its feature in the film Saltburn she has returned with a new disco dance banger, Freedom of the Night. You can expect those hits plus other bangers like Groovejet (If This Ain’t Love) and Take Me Home (A Girl Like Me) all as part of the set at this event.
Matthew Barley - Light Stories
When: Thu 22 May
Where: Metronome How much: £5-15
Matthew Barley is an English cellist known for mixing things up a bit. On this tour he’ll be performing music by Anna Meredith, John Metcalfe and Bach, as well as his own compositions. This show is a deeply personal and epic journey, weaving together music, projected imagery and electronics. Barley gave a revealing interview to The Telegraph last year where he talked about how music healed him from a psychotic episode. If you like the idea of exploring the transformative power of music to heal, console and uplift then this show is for you.
NAE Open 2025
When: 31 May onwards
Where: New Art Exchange
How much: Free entry
The NAE Open is an annual exhibition and professional development opportunity for UK based artists from the Global Ethnic Majority and all artists living in Nottinghamshire. Each year submissions are taken and often cover personal stories of migration and identity and questions of belonging, culture, politics and place. Many pieces also speak directly about life in Nottingham and the city's ever-evolving landscape. This year it’s open to the public from the end of May and throughout the summer, with a public launch party from 6pm on Fri 30 May.
Nottingham UNESCO City of Literature Annual Lecture
When: Thu 22 May
Where: Central Library
How much: Free
This year’s guest at Nottingham City of Literature’s annual lecture is Baroness Lola Young OBE; actress, author, crossbench peer and the current Chancellor of the University of Nottingham. In the 70s Young forged a career in children’s TV, starring in shows such as Play School and Metal Mickey. In the 90s she moved into academia, lecturing and publishing her first book. In 2004 she became one of the first black women in the House of Lords. Last year she published her memoir Eight Weeks, which tells of her fascinating life.
Green Hustle
When: Sat 31 May
Where: Old Market Square
How much: Free
Hockley Hustle’s environmentally conscious sibling returns to the Old Market Square this month for its fifth year. As ever the festival will be a mix of stalls, workshops and performances all spread over a Saturday daytime. Once again the main stage is curated by Cultural Vibrations and features V Rocket, Hit The Dhol, Lady Rose Duo, Lioness, Candice Blake and more. It’s all totally free and very family friendly, with loads of activities to keep your kids occupied and in open-mouthed awe at the wonders of nature.
