Matt Turpin is a writer and journalist who, after wandering around Portugal and Kent for sometime, returned to Notts and became fascinated with Beeston, to the extent that in 2011 he set up The Beestonian – an independent, free magazine devoted to the town (not at all based on any other local magazine devoted to a particular area).
He's been part of Nottingham's successful bid to become a UNESCO City of Literature, set up ridiculous publicity stunts to promote Beeston Oxjam, and a load of other stuff he wishes he'd kept track of for when he has to write stuff like this. His proudest achievements to date however have been getting a school full of pupils in rural Uttar Pradesh AND a conference hall in Bandung, Indonesia, to chant 'ayup me duck' .
He's currently working to make Beeston the first ever Town of Culture in 2028, and lectures in Journalism at Nottingham College.
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Camp Williams
Becket School, West Bridgford, Nottingham YMCA Community & Activity Village, Newark 01636 233 253 ymcadaycamps@ymcarhg.org ymcanewarksherwood.org
Looking for something exciting for the kids during the Easter Holidays?
Camp Williams is YMCA’s fun-packed day camp for children aged 4 - 15, running throughout every school holiday in Newark and Nottingham.
Led by trusted YMCA Camp Leaders, each day is filled with sports, crafts, swimming, climbing, team games and much more. All designed to help your child build confidence, make friends and try something new.
- Book by the day or the week
- 8am–6pm – ideal for working parents
- Age-specific activities and groups
So much to try
Climbing & Bouldering
Arts & Crafts
Sport & Games
Dance & Drama
Swimming Cycling
In our latest edition of love letters to Nottingham neighborhoods, local wordsmith Matt Turpin, editor of The Beestonian magazine, discusses the creative melting pot of Beeston.
The proprietors of Alfreton’s 80s Video Shop tell us how they built their one way ticket to nostalgia for the age of neon.
Nadia on Palantir
Local MP Nadia Whittome discusses powerful tech company Palantir and why
we should care about their access to our data.
For Fox sake
We catch up with local grunge-rock duo You Want Fox ahead of their upcoming International Women’s Day gig at Billy Bootleggers.
Top of the Hops
We explore antiques and art treasure trove Hopkinson – the Aladdin’s Cave of Nottingham – and chat to its latest co-owner Bryony Woodgates.
Literary cartography
All you need to know about the Nottingham City of Literature’s new map celebrating our city’s literary heritage.
Greetings people of Nottingham, welcome to March!
This month’s lovely cover by Dani Bacon is a snapshot of one of Nottingham’s most vibrant shops – the wonderful Hopkinson Vintage, Antiques and Art Centre on Station Street. When we say we need to keep independent retail alive, this is the kind of place we mean. If you want to while away a good few hours browsing curious oddities, vintage thingamajigs and retro knick knacks, this is your place. Head to p.14 to read about how they’re fostering a community of creativity and nonconformity amongst the trinkets.
This month, as we often do, we’re shining a light on the Nottingham people who are making a positive impact in the community, from the efforts of locals in welcoming Ukrainian refugees to the city (p.26), to the transformative actions of the Clean Champions litter picking group (p.30).
We didn’t intend to keep directing you to New Art Exchange, but they just keep doing great stuff over there – if you’ve never been down to the multi-cultural art space by the Forest Rec, perhaps it’s time for a wander. Not only have they got an excellent plant-based cafe
Home away from home
On the four year anniversary of the Russia-Ukraine invasion, members of City Hub Ukraine and the Ukrainian School Band talk to us about supporting the Nottingham diaspora.
Seascapes and cemeteries
Exploring the Nottingham Contemporary’s latest two exhibitions which foreground culture and history in Pakistan and the broader Middle East.
Making a Connexion
Ahead of a gig at The Grove, folk rock act Connexion Man talk about their songwriting process and admiration for the local scene.
Out Of Time
A 1960s theft in an Ilkeston Road pub led to the first time in Britain that a truth drug was admitted into evidence… But who really dunnit?
and lots of regular family activities and art workshops (including a Sip & Paint session by Kim Thompson, who you can hear from on p.28), but their current exhibition, Our Yard: Foundations, is a great reminder of what immigration has done for the UK, with a particular focus on music and soundsystem culture. Read more about that on p.17, and check out a groovy sustainable fashion event coming up with ThreadsXchange on p.27.
For local lingo lovers, I’m also excited to introduce a new regular comic strip on p.41 which is a collaboration between Professor of Linguistics at NTU – Natalie Braber, and artist Lily Keogh. If we’re cursed by even more downpours through March, there’s a bit of Notts dialect to incorporate into your speech at least.
Finally, a happy Independent Women’s Day to all the fabulous ladies out there. There are lots of events happening around the city on 8 March, so get down to support the creative women of Notts, or just tell the women in your life you appreciate them.
Until next time,
Last month's answer: "Smile in colour" Beeston High Street "Waters edge"
Shaking the foundations
Notts music promoter and community organiser Nate Coltrane tells us about Our Yard: Foundations – an exhibition about his recent creative explorations of UK immigration history.
These Streets Are Ours
Neon Nostalgia
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Woman in Mapperley Top Wetherspoons: "This is like the only spoons you don't have to go into the caves."
“I'mbasicallyJimE. Brown, but Matcha.”
Strangers on the tram: Man 1: "All chocolate has got smaller." Man 2: "Yes, but is it that we've got bigger?"
At the end of a high-stakes football match: “What? It’s not even one of the set texts!”
Reasons to be Cheerful
words:
“Right who's the cleverest? You who's 6 or me who's 58?”
“Is she posh or Eastern European?” “She's asthmatic.”
“She had a remaining balance of more than £63 QUADRILLION.”
“Go on then get me f***ing arrested, I won't 'ave to go court tomorrow.”
“Sorry! I’m doing me wiggly man thing.”
Pick Six
To celebrate International Women’s Day we put some questions to Veronica Pickering , the first woman to be appointed as Lord-Lieutenant of Nottinghamshire, a former High Sheriff and a champion of our local communities.
“TellmeanysongandI'vegotit. OrIcansingittoyou.”
Ending Pothole Palava
As we’re sure many readers already know, Nottingham and potholes go together like Robin Hood and robbing the rich – that’s to say, one can’t seem to exist without the other. But there is an end in sight: a new highway scheme from Nottingham Council has allocated £350,000 to repair and resurface Queens Drive – a key route into the city between Crossgate Drive and Castle Bridge Road. Although road closures and diversions are expected 23 February - 6 March, Notts motorists are promised a much-needed makeover of particular roads.
Mind
over Matter
For over a decade, Victoria Centre, Nottingham’s most prominent shopping centre, has pledged annual support for a chosen charity of the year. Following their £24,972 donation to Nottinghamshire Hospice in 2025, spokesperson Nigel Wheatley announced their 2026 charity sponsorship, Nottinghamshire Mind. Mind is a mental-health charity advocating for everyone’s right to enjoy good mental health and to have access to the best possible care. All proceeds donated through Victoria Centre’s famous Emmet Clock fountain (located in the upper-mall) will go directly to Nottinghamshire Mind – supporting greater local access to mental-health support, guidance, and information.
Women in Red
After research found that only a mere 10% of Wikipedia articles were written by women, Nottingham’s women decided that enough was truly enough. Pairing with Nottingham Feminist Archive Group, and Lucy Moore (Wikipedian of the Year 2022), Nottingham’s Women’s History Group banded together for the ‘Women in Red’ project, tackling the site's overt gender bias. To date, the group has edited sixteen articles, with over 6000 views, adding 53 references from our vast literature of Nottingham’s women. To celebrate their achievements, there will be an exhibition at Central Library on Saturday 7 March.
Holiday destination
Kenya has always held a special place in my heart – not only because I was born there, but because it feels endlessly beautiful. I return whenever I can, and the coast is always a must. Few places in the world offer the simple luxury of swimming in warm seas while surrounded by such natural beauty. The vivid colours, the richness of fresh fruit and flavours, and the sense of peace are unforgettable. Occasionally we also experience a wildlife safari, adding another layer of magic.
Notts spot
I’ve been going to Broadway Cinema for many years; it feels like a hidden gem and a truly special place. There’s always something on offer for the whole family. Recently, I’ve used Broadway as an event space with the Art Society and the cinema for special screenings, including great art-house films. I’ve visited with my grandchildren and just about everyone else in my family. I especially love its location among independent shops and its appeal to an arty, eclectic crowd.
Album
The Best of Chic by Nile Rodgers. The bass, the beat and the irresistible urge to move — his music always takes me back to classic disco nights and timeless dance tunes. I love that, after all these years, he has truly stood the test of time, continuing to collaborate with both established and emerging artists. His tracks feel fresh yet familiar, and they never fail to lift my mood. It’s always the perfect soundtrack for my morning exercise routine.
Book
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus. This is a book that left me feeling joyful, hopeful and optimistic about life and the journeys it can take you on. It reminds you that even when you think you have no choices, life can still surprise you in unexpected ways. The lead woman faces real struggles, yet her story shows strength, resilience and possibility. It is a novel that will make you laugh and cry in equal measure, and one you will be genuinely sorry to finish.
Restaurant
Indian friends introduced me to Thambi’s Kitchen. I love spicy, flavoursome food, and this is easily some of the best Indian food I’ve found in Nottingham. They serve fresh, authentic South Indian dishes as well as favourites from across India – and a many veggie options, which I really like too. The décor is bright, vibrant and café-style, creating a welcoming space for families and students alike. On top of that, the food is excellent value and really affordable.
Sport
I was always one of those kids who loved school sports, especially running, badminton, and netball. I still get a thrill from live sports and take every chance I can to watch competitive games. Recently, I visited the Motorpoint Arena to see Nottingham Forest netball. I used to play goal attack, running and shooting, though the game moves so fast these days. I’m really inspired by how sport can motivate and transform young people’s Lives.
Jazmine Greenwood
Excerpt from Coming Spring
In all the years which have been, The spring hath green'd the bough — The gladsome hopeful spring-time! — Keep heart! It comes even now.
The winter-time departeth; The early flowers expand; The blackbird and the turtle-dove Are heard throughout the land.
The sadness of the winter, Which gloom'd our hearts, is gone:
A thousand signs betoken
That spring-time comes anon.
'Tis spring-time in our bosoms; All strife aside we cast; The storms were for the winter-days,
But they are gone and past.
Mary Botham Howitt (C. 1838)
nottinghampoetryfestival.com
UNDERCOVER ARTIST
We chat to LeftLion Photography Co-editor and this month’s cover artist, Dani Bacon
Tell us a bit about yourself…
I’m a little arty to be honest. If there’s a creative workshop or class in Nottingham, then I’ve either done it or I will find it and I will do it. But aside from spending money on endless art lessons, I spend it on film rolls and more cameras than I could ever need.
I’ve been making photographs since forever, inspired by old 90s disposable cameras, polaroids, chunky medium formats and the classic metal 60s/70s Canons, Olympuses and Pentaxes etcetera. Photography is just another language of expression for me; it’s a beautiful way of navigating and capturing life.
Nottingham’s most opinionated grocers on...
Antiques
Well, if you go out on town on a Saturday night you’ll find enough antiques - dragons and dinosaurs and fossils. Derby Road used to be the place for antiques, and if you know what you’re doing you can pick up some good stuff, but it’s hard work. We can’t be bothered with antiques though - we don’t have anything of any value. But Hopkinsons used to be an ironmongers and they had everything in the world.
Beeston
It used to be owned by Barton buses. It’s delightful - a nice gentle place. It’s not loud or lavish, and quite clean as well. You’d think all the students would make it louder but far from it - students have got work to do. And of course when The Beatles split up Paul McCartney played his first gig at the Pavilion at Highfields. Then they pulled it down, it was like a glorified wooden shed really.
VHS
We don’t have a video player and we never went to the video shop on a Friday night. We were in town drinking. Maybe our parents had one though. However, we were in Sisson and Parkers years ago when it was on Wheeler Gate and we bought a collection of Pathé tapes - sixty of them - so it was all the history of Pathé news. They were great. But we must have a video player…
Besides taking photos, I also co-own the Pigeon Loft Studio in Beeston, and I’m a writer.
What is the story behind the cover?
Well, I heard that our LeftLion were doing a feature on Hopkinson for this issue, so I dusted off my Sony, took a trip to one of my favourite vintage destinations ever, and did a little shoot. I’ve been a frequent visitor of Hopkinsons since I moved to Nottingham in 2013, and almost every time I go in, it looks even cooler. It wasn’t too difficult to get some interesting snaps this visit because there’s just so much to see. I’m just a little obsessed with their new mini bridge, ceiling décor and the zillions of ceramic ornaments. It’s as much a museum as it is a shop.
What inspires you as an artist?
This one is a hard one, because honestly, I am inspired by so much. It probably sounds pretentious, but filmmakers, photographers, painters, musicians, writers,
Nadia on...
Why we should care about Palantir
We should all be paying attention to Palantir Technologies. It’s a powerful tech company whose tools are being used by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in America to detain migrants. It was reportedly selected to help develop a “mega-database” of Americans’ personal information for the Trump administration – a claim the company denies. It’s also in a “strategic partnership” with Israel, supplying advanced technologies for “war-related missions”. And now, it has secured more than £500 million in UK government contracts.
This company, which is involved in what I would consider to be deeply unethical projects, is embedding itself in our public institutions. I believe we must do everything we can to prevent it from accessing our personal and national data.
In December 2025, the Ministry of Defence awarded Palantir a £241m three-year contract to “boost military AI and innovation” in the armed forces. This contract was awarded without tender, meaning it was given directly to the company without an open competition. There are concerns from campaigners that Peter Mandelson, disgraced Labour peer – over his links to Jeffrey Epstein and the leaking of sensitive national data – may have helped broker this deal. Mandelson’s lobbying firm, Global Counsel, was employed by Palantir in 2018 to help procure UK government contracts.
In February 2025, Mandelson, the Prime Minister, and Palantir CEO Alex Karp, met at Palantir’s showroom in Washington DC, but the visit did not appear in the Prime Minister’s published register of meetings. Campaigners and MPs have since complained that attempts to scrutinise Palantir’s government contracts have been blocked, with freedom of information requests about meetings involving Palantir repeatedly refused.
Palantir’s reach in Britain extends beyond defence – also in February 2025, Palantir won contracts to help develop a surveillance network in the east of England, for police forces to identify people who may be ‘about to commit’ crimes. Numerous critics warn that such predictive systems risk reinforcing existing biases in policing.
According to an investigation by Liberty Investigates and The i, journalists found that trade union membership, sexual orientation, and race are among the other types of personal information also being processed.
In 2023, Palantir secured a £330m contract to deliver the NHS Federated Data Platform (FDP) for NHS England, designed to “connect vital health information across the NHS”. (It’s also relevant to add that Peter Thiel, chairman
and founder of Palantir, once said the NHS should be ripped up to “start over”.) The chair of the British Medical Association recently stated that NHS doctors should limit their use of the system due to Palantir’s links to US immigration enforcement. He pointed to reports that, in the US, Palantir’s Enhanced Leads Identification & Targeting for Enforcement (ELITE) app has obtained medical records to help immigration officers find people’s home addresses, curating a “confidence score” about whether someone is likely to be at a certain location. It is vital that NHS patients have confidence in who is handling their data – and I share the BMA’s concerns about this contract undermining confidentiality and patient trust.
handing aCCess to some oF the Country’s most sensitiVe heaLth and deFenCe data to a Corporation whose Leadership is CLoseLy aLigned with donaLd trump and openLy espouses Far-right poLitiCaL Views is wrong on so many Le VeLs
While Palantir maintains that it does not store nor sell data, but only processes it for clients, I believe that a company closely tied to Trump’s government playing a central role in British health and defence infrastructure is a potential security risk. As technology journalist, Carole Cadwallah, writes: “We have embedded a notorious US military surveillance company, whose founder is a close ally of President Trump, into the heart of our military at a moment in which the US is threatening to invade our NATO ally, Greenland.”
A recent investigation claims that the Swiss government rejected Palantir contracts over fears that US intelligence might gain access to sensitive data. If this is true, why does our government not share the same concerns?
I am also deeply worried about how the company’s technology is being used in modern warfare. One of its flagship products, Gotham, integrates and analyses vast volumes of data to support military and intelligence operations. The company has described it as enabling an “AI-powered kill chain” that assists intelligence services with target identification and operational decisionmaking. In other words, it is a system that shortens the
distance between data collection and lethal action. But what if the software makes mistakes? In warfare, mistakes cost innocent lives.
In his own book, Karp confirmed the company’s involvement in Israel’s 2024 pager attacks in Lebanon –an operation that UN experts described as a “terrifying” violation of international law. In April 2025, when confronted at a public event with accusations that Palantir’s systems had contributed to deaths in Gaza, Karp responded: “mostly terrorists, that’s true.” Last year, Francesca Albanese, the UN’s special rapporteur, concluded in a report that there are reasonable grounds to believe that Palantir’s AI platform has been used in Israel’s “unlawful use of force,” causing disproportionate loss of civilian life in Gaza.
Palantir presents itself as a neutral software provider. Yet, its leadership has been explicit about its political and ideological commitments.
Thiel – one of the richest people in the world and a major Republican donor who supported Donald Trump’s first presidential campaign and is credited with catapulting JD Vance into the vice president’s office – once wrote that women getting the right to vote was bad for democracy. In his recent off-the-record lectures on Armageddon and biblical prophecy, he suggested that Greta Thunberg may be the antichrist.
Karp is another billionaire with terrifying views. In 2024, he also said that “the (Palestine) peace activists are war activists” who should be sent to North Korea. More recently, he said that “the West is obviously superior”, and that Palantir is here for “when it’s necessary to scare our enemies, and, on occasion, kill them”.
While not every client uses Palantir Technologies’s technology in harmful ways, the fact that some of the company’s contracts raise serious human rights concerns should have been enough to give the UK government pause before entering into a contractual partnership with them. Handing access to some of the country’s most sensitive health and defence data over to a corporation whose leadership is closely aligned with Donald Trump, and openly espouses far-right political views, is wrong on so many levels. The government must seriously reconsider its relationship with Palantir and the company’s receipt of public contracts. We must ensure that ethics and security are at the heart of government procurement.
nadiawhittome.org
words: Nadia Whittome photo: Lux Gagos
For Fox Sake
and heavy-hitting riffs. LeftLion caught up with the pair ahead of their comeback performance later this month…
For LeftLion readers who aren’t yet foxy fans, could you tell us more about the band, how and when you formed, and your musical influences?
Colette: We are a two-piece band - bass and drumsformed in 2015, with catchy vocal hooks and melodies that WILL get stuck in your head.
Natalie: We have a ton of musical influences between us and we often write songs as a result of something that has inspired us - such as a film, a chant, something someone shouted in the street… The ideas come from all over!
C : Just lately I’ve been listening to a lot of Ice Nine Kills and Saint Agnes so maybe that’ll influence the next song we write.
N: I’ve recently been listening to a lot of soul music by Otis Redding, O.V. Wright, and Labi Siffre. That said, I’ve had CRANK by Slayyyter on repeat, and Fiona Apple is never far from my playlist.
You’ve played together since long before You Want Fox formed… How has your musical history together helped you navigate today’s music scene?
C: Our aim is always to have fun and enjoy ourselves, which happens anyway as we always have a great laugh whenever we get together.
N: I think having a positive attitude to life and making sure you’re doing the things you love is what helps us all navigate through most things.
After your all-girl punk group, The Smears, disbanded, what inspired you both to keep making music?
C: We weren't ready to stop making music!
N: We both had a mutual love of quirky pop and electro bands (and similar guilty pleasure bands and artists…) so we decided to form a band where we could draw on some of those influences - but put our own grungy-punk, distorted spin on it.
C: And that’s how You Want Fox was born!
Around 2019 you both toured in LA. What was that like? How did California crowds compare to Notts ones?
C: They were great - but so are our Notts crowds!
N: The gigs over there are always well attended - people who make sure to support their local scene.
C: We think, more than anything, they just wanted to hear
our accents, haha!
You’ve been on hiatus for a while, is your dynamic as a band any different since coming back together?
C : We don’t think it ever really changed - we’re best friends outside of the band, so we’re always in touch and catching up.
N: We always know what the other is thinking when we’re in a practice room or on stage. And we’ve always said that we will only do this for as long as we are enjoying it and it’s making us happy. So we’re here because we love it and we always have a laugh, which has always been our dynamic.
we aLways Know what the other is thinKing when we’re in a praCtiCe room or on stage. we’re here beCause we LoVe it and we aLways haVe a L augh, whiCh has aLways been our dynamiC
What can we expect from your comeback performance –songs inspired by your punk-rock roots? A rediscovery of your electro-pop style? Or something different?
C: The new songs we have written so far are unmistakably You Want Fox…
N: They still have all the catchy vocal hooks and harmonies. When LeftLion spoke with you both back in 2016, Colette’s ultimate ‘bad girl’ icon was Gwen Stefani, and Natalie’s was M.I.A. – nowadays, who is your favourite Notts-based ‘bad girl’ icon?
C: Anna Wheelhouse is doing some pretty badass murals around Nottingham! She’s basically prettying up the place with the most incredible art work and just at a glance you can tell that it is her work. That’s pretty ‘bad girl’ if you ask me… (I still love Gwen I.D.S.T.)
N: Sophie Johnson-Hill founded Sojo Animation. My son attended her online workshop that taught him to design and animate his own character - he loved it! I also adore the illustrations by Emily Catherine; I love watching her videos from the start of a piece, to the finish.
Which of your songs do you think is most unapologetic, and really ‘sticks it to the man’?
C: That’s gotta be Ex-Boyfriend!
N: If you’ve been to any of our shows, you’ll know there are some extra lyrics that are sung live to that track - and with lots of help from the audience, which is amazing! But I won’t say them here, in case kiddies are reading this…
With streaming, A.I, and other factors, making things difficult for grassroots artists today, how do you guys see the importance of supporting live and local gigs?
C: It is sooooo important! A lot of time, money and effort goes into being in a band.
N: Then there’s the promoters putting on the gigs, putting in their time and effort - and sometimes their own money as well!
C: And we can’t forget the venues - there are too many amazing venues closing down across the country, week in week out, due to financial pressures and the huge cost of living at the moment.
N: We all need to support our local scene wherever we can, otherwise we’ll lose it and the world would be a very dull and sad place without live music.
Pre-gig, or post-performance, what women-owned spots in Notts are you most excited to hit up?
C: Recently I went to La Fleur on Bridlesmith Gate and had the best chocolate orange cake - I definitely recommend it!
N: I would have to agree!
After all this excitement, we’re all wanting more Fox! Is there anything upcoming for the band you’d like to mention?
C: Our next gig is upstairs at Billy Bootleggers on International Women’s Day.
N: We’re playing alongside Hystamine and there will also be a fierce femme-rock cabaret and burlesque performance by Widow’s Rock n Rollium, so it’s gonna be a fun night!
Catch the show by You Want Fox at Widow’s Rock n Rollium on Sunday 8 March at Billy Bootlegger’s
@YouWantFox
interview: Jazmine Greenwood
photo: Steve Fisher
TOP OF THE HOPS
Hidden gem Hopkinson could be described as what happens when a Victorian hardware store has a wildly creative midlife crisis - and we mean that in the best way. Part-shop, part-café bar, part-museum (and occasionally part-maze), this four storey antiques and art centre is packed with independent artists, vintage trinkets, handmade oddities, and curiosities you definitely didn’t plan on buying but absolutely will. Co-owner, Bryony Woodgates, talks about her tenure co-directing the space with Ash Hudson…
Tell us about the history of Hopkinson, and what it’s evolved from…
It’s a building from the 1800s, and it’s always been an industrial supplier. We have people come in who remember it as a hardware store – they talk about ladders from floor to ceiling, and how they would move around on rails. Previous owners, Liam and Becky, turned it into an antique centre about fifteen years ago; then I took over a few years ago.
I would really enjoy seeing somebody from the 1800s come in! You can see how it looked in some photographs, with horses and carriages outside, and guys in top hats and Victorian dress - I always wonder what they would think of it in its rainbow form today.
The shopfront sign – is that the original one? Yeah, I believe so. We have a photograph of Harry Hopkinson in the basement as well.
How did it become such an interesting mix of creative, retail, museum, and café spaces?
It happened quite organically. I don't think anyone has ever walked into Hopkinson and been like, ‘this is a solid plan; this is what we’re gonna do’. When Ash and I took over, we had a job to get the communities back and have it thriving again. But there’s never been a sort of set idea of what we wanted it to be. We’ve just poured our hearts into it – it’s a reflection of what's important to us and what we feel passionate about.
How do you choose which independent traders, artists, and makers become a part of Hopkinson? And is there a particular image you look for?
Ash has done such an incredible thing by getting independent artists trading their products on the first floor, so we have a community of artists who are wanting space here. We had a little bit of controversy previously with some of our dealers who were selling Temu items and things like that. So, we've had to put a ban on that to make sure that the items we stock are genuinely handmade, produced by the artist, and organically sourced.
We try not to repeat what our dealers are selling, to not saturate what we offer our customers, and to keep it as diverse as possible. I think as long as they meet that criteria, that’s sort of the threshold, and I think we follow demand as well. So, I guess we respond to our community, is what I’m trying to say.
Which part of Hopkinson do you find people are most receptive to, and why?
I think it’s the energy. We’re a group of people who have always felt a little bit like outsiders. We try to create a space for other people who share that feeling, and people really
pick up on how genuine our intentions with the space areand feel safe here.
All of our staff – myself, Ash, and the people who work with us – we’re part of the Queer community, and we’re neurodivergent, so we’re welcoming to people who haven’t felt welcome in the past. I think people come back from time to time to be their odd, eccentric selves without that feeling of performativity or conformity.
How do you think Nottingham has influenced the business and vice versa?
Nottingham is an eclectic mix of people. I think we are such a good example of how people can come together from all walks of life. We often have a bar full of football fans and people drinking tea. Then we have goths walking in, or students, or very alternative people. We all coexist under one roof, quite harmoniously – there’s never any trouble between football fans and the more alternative or Queer crowd. I think that's a really beautiful example of how people who wouldn't necessarily mingle day-to-day can just quite happily come together here.
And how do I think we have influenced Nottingham? It’s a really lovely thought to think that we have. We are known for our creativity, artists, and everything I mentioned. It’s nice to know that people have somewhere like that to go.
Do you have a specific example in mind of when you realised that it was making a difference?
Yeah – I’ve got loads of little moments. This place has been challenging to keep alive at times – when we took over it was really struggling. It’s been a labour of love and dedication to get it thriving, especially in the financial climate we find ourselves in. There have been many a day where at least one of us is thinking ‘Can we do this? Can we get through it?’
But there are moments – it’s usually people coming in and being like ‘Oh my God I’ve never been in a place like this’, or people saying a member of staff was really kind to them, and made a difference when they were having a really rough day. It’s those things that push us through when we’re up against it.
I remember a guy who came in, and his card wouldn’t work – he looked really upset. I said, “You know what -
have a drink on me. It’s fine.” He came back a few weeks later and said that he was on the brink, and that his friend was meeting up with him to pull him out of a really dark place. But just being smiley and kind made a difference to his day.
How do you keep the space evolving while still preserving character and history?
Part of its character is that we’ve just layered and layered it to get where it is now. I don’t think you could do this with a new-build building – it wouldn’t have the same atmosphere and charm.
We’ve still got loads of photographs, and a catalogue of the old hardware and its price in shillings. We inherit a lot of cracks as well – it’s such an old building that’s been patched up and fixed for such a long time.
The retail side has got to a really good point, and we are going to refurbish the yard for the summer. We’re going to have a bar, and get some nice festival vibes outside. We want to work on our community again, and start hosting workshops and events, and we’re going to expand the artists space quite a lot too.
The thing about the building is that there are so many nooks and crannies, when you feel like you’ve completed something or filled the space, you turn around and there’s another project or business that can make its home here, or something else we can change. Part of its evolution is that it’s never finished – it’s never a completed thing.
You’ve got such a range of objects in the building. What’s the strangest item you’ve seen pass through Hopkinson? There are just so many. It depends on what your definition is, doesn't it? Because you can go really dark, and think some of the historical stuff is strange. Or you could be like, ‘well, that five-foot ice cream is a bit strange’. We’ve had a lot of medieval jewellery here… But you never know what people are going to bring in.
Do you have a particular favourite room, space or trader in Hopkinson - which you think everyone should check out?
It’s hard because it’s all so different. I think what Ash has done with the artists on the first floor is really special. He’s executed it so well – it’s such a whimsical place. I think the bar is a really nice environment to be in too – it changes a lot throughout the day. It’s a nice place to work, but on Friday and Saturday evenings there’s a really nice vibe –when you sit outside in the sunshine it just feels so good.
Visit Hopkinson at 21 Station Street.
@hopkinson21
interview: Maddie Poy
photos: Dani Bacon
Shaking the foundations
If ‘Our Yard’ is a phrase as of yet unfamiliar to you, it’s definitely worth visiting the New Art Exchange this month. Currently, the Hyson Green-based gallery is hosting Our Yard: Foundations – a multimedia exhibition curated by Notts music promoter and community organiser Nate Coltrane, which bookends years of creative work he’s been doing to highlight immigration’s positive impact on the UK. In advance of the exhibition’s launch, Nate walked us through how Our Yard has evolved since its inception.
One wintry day in Sneinton Market my eyes were drawn to a poster on a lamppost. Emblazoned in the bright green and gold of the Jamaican flag, it displayed a printed slogan – ‘WHAT HAS IMMIGRATION DONE FOR THE UK’ – and above, a social media tag – ‘our yard’. Almost immediately, I was opening Instagram to find out what that meant.
It was 2023, when the news cycle was seemingly taking for granted that the majority of the British public were hostile towards immigration. In July of that year, Rishi Sunak’s government passed the Illegal Migration Act – mandating the removal of people unauthorisedly entering the UK, mostly via the wilfully cruel ‘Rwanda Plan’.
Many legislative bodies, including the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, were repeatedly criticising that idea, but the UK government apparently didn’t want to hear it. As such, the slogan on that poster seemed really quite bold – striking at the heart of an issue lots of people felt strongly about.
t he reason why we haV e big spea K ers in a F ie L d is be C ause we had migrants bring their C u Lture to this C ountry
The man behind Our Yard – Nate Coltrane, has always been a bit of a cultural force of nature in Notts. For fifteen years he’s led Mimm (music is my motive), a street clothing retailer doubling as a music, fashion and art studio, while balancing that with a career as one of Nottingham’s most prolific dance music promoters and the mind behind Notts Street Food – a pop up at Trent Bridge Cricket Ground. So naturally, when Nate decided to start a ‘heritage project’
on immigration, and its positive impact, he knew it would be through the cultural lens of music.
“My goal with Our Yard is to look at how we change people’s view on what immigration has done for our country – especially with sound system culture and Caribbean culture,” says Nate. “It’s so important to look at the genres throughout underground music – genres that use bass music. You look at all of them – they’re all influenced by the immigration of the Windrush Generation. The reason why we have big speakers in a field is because we had migrants bring their culture to this country.”
When I meet Nate he’s preparing to launch Our Yard: Foundations in Hyson Green’s New Art Exchange gallery. This new exhibition bookends what he describes as Our Yard ’s first “chapter”, primarily exploring the Windrush Generation – post World War Two emigrants from the Caribbean and other countries, to the UK – and how they
So far, Our Yard has featured clothing drops, radio shows, film screenings, a mural painted near the New Art Exchange, and interviews with artists and promoters, from Notts and beyond, who shaped UK soundsystem culture.
s o Far, o ur yard has F eatured CL othing drops, radio shows, F i L m s C reenings, a mura L , and inter V iews with artists and promoters, F rom n otts and beyond, who shaped u K soundsystem C u Lture
“One interview I really enjoyed was Lloyd Coxsone, which was the first one,” says Nate. “He was probably the oldest person that we’ve interviewed and he came over from Jamaica in 1962. He talked about the resilience that the Black community had to have to put on these parties and have a space for themselves. It was a great way to start the project off.”
Lots of the interviews that Nate has co-ordinated as part of Our Yard , including film director and DJ Don Letts, musician Dennis Bovell, and local promoter Valerie ‘Lady V’ Robinson, plus archive film and photography he’s sourced, all emerged from an unexpected connection he has with 48-year-old reggae imprint Greensleeves Records. Nate met their marketing manager, Adam Prescott, when they were both teenagers DJing on the Notts circuit.
As such, the cultural cornucopia of Greensleeves Records has given Nate and his Our Yard collaborators a profound understanding of soundsystem culture’s early days. In the 1950s, inner-city soundsystem ‘blues parties’ provided refuge for the UK’s Caribbean diaspora – barred from ‘whites only’ parties.
Eventually, these events helped facilitate racial integration, as the ska, reggae, and rocksteady sound became popular with people who were part of sixties subcultures like the Mods. Despite that, the people putting on these parties faced continual racist violence and persecution.
“I was always aware that people were subjected to this kind of racism but to hear other people’s perspectives of what they had to go through, say Lloyd Coxsone – whenever he wanted to put on a blues party he had police coming to the door, stopping him from loading into the house with his sound system, and trying to pin stuff on him when he didn’t do anything wrong,” says Nate. “That kind of police brutality was very insightful – to understand the gravity of what Black people faced in the sixties, seventies, eighties…”
Trace the history of UK dance music and you’ll always arrive at descendants of the Windrush Generation. Whether we’re talking about alternative hip hop and dance music in the nineties, acid house and rave – which was indebted to soundsystems and Black British DJs putting their own spin on house music coming out of the US – or the emergence of UK garage and dubstep in 2000’s London clubs, pretty much all UK music made for cutting loose and moving your body is indebted to immigration. In subsequent chapters of Our Yard, Nate wants to explore this.
“My starting point, potentially, would be trip hop, and the Bristol scene. I’d really like to interview Daddy G, who was one of the founding members of Massive Attack,” Nate says, adding, “and like I said: trip hop never would have happened if we didn’t have sound systems. Massive Attack had their Wild Bunch sound system back in the late eighties, and off the back of the fact that they were playing hip
hop, reggae, and dub, they were doing something a little different from their upbringing. What was born out of that was trip hop – bass heavy, but hip hop, and they were spitting over it in Bristolian accents. And that never would have happened if we hadn’t had immigration in post-war Britain.”
If all of this sounds interesting, a great starting point for engaging with what Nate is up to is visiting the new exhibition at New Art Exchange.
Towards the end of our conversation, he shows me around the exhibition space, which is still being put together and set to be packed full of all of the art and culture you could want. From archive photography, film and radio shows, to original visual displays from his collaborators and a documentary made about Nottingham’s historic A.C.N.A centre – it’s going to be a pretty spectacular experience.
“I always wanted this to be a nod to Nottingham. The relationship with V Rocket had been there from when I started Our Yard – I wanted to tip my hat to what V Rocket have done as an institution. So from lots of scouring archives and internet forums I managed to source live recordings from the Marcus Garvey Centre and V Rocket. Then, finding probably about sixteen hours worth of radio shows from Heat Wave Radio, which was the first, Black, pirate radio station in Nottingham –it’s been really nice to delve into that and see what I can find.”
Aside from the exhibition, the New Art Exchange is set to host various other Our Yard events in the approaching months, including film screenings, networking events for music producers, and live interviews.
There’s also stuff going on in other venues, which include Brickworks, Mimm, and the Nottingham Playhouse. Our Yard continues to be a resolutely ‘Notts-based’ project – if you support it, you’ll definitely be supporting some of our city’s most hard working creative people.
“I love working in that ‘community way’,” Nate says with a grin, “I love curating, I love being able to curate a program of events. It’s just what I’ve done for fifteen years innit, so it’s great to do something which really taps into my heritage.” A worthy cause.
Our Yard: Foundations features at the New Art Exchange, Hyson Green, until 2 May 2026.
@ouryarduk
These sTreeTs Are
Ours: BeesTOn
words: Matt Turpin illustrations: John Ashton
In our latest edition of love letters to Nottingham neighborhoods, local wordsmith Matt Turpin, Editor of The Beestonian magazine, discusses the creative melting pot of Beeston.
Towns are strange things to articulate. We understand the concept of a city, we fetishise the idea of a village. Yet towns often sit awkwardly in some transitional space, as if waiting until the dice rolls in their favour and they are bestowed city status, completing their trajectory set in train since the first local set down a dwelling. Nottingham was, of course, an uncity for a millennium before Queen Victoria elevated it in 1897. Towns therefore exist in the public imagination as in nymph state, suburban caterpillars yet to chrysalise and emerge as urban butterflies.
Some towns bide their time by adopting a prefix to lend distinction. A barracks town. A spa town. A market town. Pity, therefore, the town-that-is-right-next-to-a-big-city town, a town that forges its identity while sitting on the shoulder of another. Let’s talk Beeston.
Despite multiple attempts over the years by various bureaucrats and politicians to annex it into the bigger city, Beeston remains resolutely its own place: to the South, the lugubrious Trent and its trespassing flood plains give it a thick margin. To the East, and Jesse Boot’s grand gift to academia and outdoor good health in the form of the University and Highfields Park create a firebreak from urban sprawl. North, the sandy hills of Bramcote. West, and you’re in a different county altogether. It is a place that you feel shouldn’t exist, a precarious place.
Yet it doesn’t just survive, it thrives. Beeston’s attitude to urban absorption is not just geographic, but something in the populace. We love Nottingham, for sure… but Beeston is our place.
rumbles through the town – once thought an alien invader (oh, the Great Beeston Tram Debate of 2006 -2015! You made the later national Brexit debate feel like a mild tiff! But, unlike leaving the EU, how fast and fulsomely we all made up!), now an ubiquitous and embedded part of us.
Inevitably, we moan about change – but I think of Siobhan Coppinger, a sculptor who, in 1987 designed and created The Beeston Seat – the High Road centrepiece that is more commonly known as The Beeston Beeman. She remembers the hostility to the piece when it was first put in place, and how it was, in its first year, repeatedly attacked by vandals. And I contrast that with now: if it was announced on a Thursday that The Beeman was due to be removed, there'd be a human shield a hundred Beestonians thick tight around it by the Friday.
o ur history is a se L e C tion box o F oddity: we birthed a King Ki LL er, had g andhi pop o V er F or tea, and e V en had the r o LL ing stones host an a F tershow party here
Since light industry scaled back – no phones are assembled at Plessey, and much fewer potions and pills are concocted at the sprawling Boots factory – Beeston has reinvented itself. Our relationship to the University of Nottingham places it in a ‘Goldilocks zone’: not too close to be scorched clean of identity by the heat of the campus; not too distant to feel the benefit of its warming rays. Here, we bask, fresh energy (and cash!) flowing into the town each September. While Lenton, Dunkirk and others are transitory places, Beeston is where those who study consistently go on to make their home. We are awash with professors.
Across town, the flooded gravel pits of Attenborough Nature Reserve sees seasonal mass migrations of both birds and visiting humans. It wasn’t ever guaranteed: the original plan was to fill the pits with (toxic) ash from Ratcliffe on Soar power station. “No”, said the heroic visionaries of the day, “Let’s flood it and make a nature reserve” They did, and while the elephant-foot cooling towers no longer gape out constant steam, the Reserve looks like a greener future should. Beeston is a writhing, living thing, constantly shapeshifting within its tight geographic constraints. Where a brutalist bus station once squatted over the town, now a neon lit cinema offers more aesthetic pleasures. A tram clangs and
Our history is a selection box of oddity: we birthed a King Killer (Cromwell's son-in-law, Henry Ireton), had Gandhi pop over for tea (in 1931 – his nephew was lodging near the train station) and even had the Rolling Stones host an aftershow party here (and where Charlie Watts took a call to hear they’d hit number one in the US for the first time). Sir Paul Smith, then just a bike-obsessed scrawny lad from Chilwell, grew up and developed a taste for stripes on our streets, around the same time a young Richard Beckinsale decided that his boyish good looks might work on TV and film.
We don’t just spawn, we attract. Shane Meadows is a local, Vicky McClure is just round the corner. Forest players seem to like the quiet and golf of Beeston Fields. Soul legend Edwin Starr made this his home, until his death in 2003. Why did the Nashville born igniter of a million dancefloors choose lil’ ol’ Beeston for Chez Starr? I asked his widow once: ‘He looked at Wollaton,” she explained, “but preferred Beeston.”
Such weirdness is, paradoxically, the norm. When mysterious bowls of bananas began turning up into the town, we were baffled it made national news. “What? Other towns DON’T have such apparitions of fruit?” was the vibe. Yet can such a place truly have an identity, other than being in the shadow of a larger neighbour?
As I write this, Beeston is coming together to prepare a bid to become the first ever Town of Culture. As you read this, a panel led by the esteemable Phil Redmond, of Grange Hill and Brookside fame, will be sifting through the entries and most likely reading about how a fairly unknown East Midlands town is crammed with so much excellence we’ve had to write in a minute font to get it all on the entry form.
#If Redmond and co decide that our town, with out street art, our art trails, our annual charity festival, our poets and film makers and musicians and authors ad infinitum are enough to see us receive £3 million to stick a spotlight on ourselves for the duration of 2028, then that’s great. But if they don’t – well, so what? We’ll just keep on being Beeston: Nottingham’s odd, little sister that seems on a constant joyful sugar-rush of creativity.
Literary Cartography
interview: Jared Wilson
illustration: Chloë Holwill-Hunter
Nottingham was awarded UNESCO status as a City of Literature in December 2015. As part of their celebrations to mark this decade milestone, Nottingham UNESCO City of Literature, the University of Nottingham and Visit Nottingham worked together on an AHRC funded research bid to bring the map to Nottingham. As part of the project, Research Affiliate Crystal Mah-Wing was employed to help create a map, showcasing our cities best literary locations, for locals and tourists alike. We spoke to Crystal about the process, the team she worked with and what to expect when it’s out at the end of March…
Firstly, what can you tell us a bit about the format of the map?
It’s a printed guide to both the literary history and contemporary landscape of Nottinghamshire. In terms of format, it’s A3 when folded out, but it folds down into six sides. We’ll be giving thousands of them away free at various locations, including of course the places that are on it. It’s not strictly a tour guide as we’ve left it open for people to choose their own routes. We’re hopeful that they’ll be useful for both locals and tourists and that everyone might be able to learn something new from it. It also includes a reading list for anyone who wants to dive into some of the interesting literature from creatives in the city
Can you tell us about some of the key partners who helped make this happen?
Yes. The key partners are the University of Nottingham, Nottingham UNESCO City of Literature, Visit Nottinghamshire and the Arts Council. Without their support, guidance and funding we would not have been able to do this. We commissioned an illustrator from an agency called Creative Triangle, to create the artistic elements of the map. Her name is Chloë Holwill-Hunter and she has a strong background in illustration for books, particularly children's books. The work she has done has really helped bring some of it to life.
You spent quite a while at the outset consulting with various Nottingham-based community groups about this project. Can you tell us a bit about that process?
We held a series of consultation sessions and meetings to gather all the data. We spoke to dozens of different writers, creatives, local businesses and community groups and it was partly due to this that we decided to focus on print first. As you know, Nottingham is a very creative and diverse city and everyone we met was very passionate about what they do and what they write about. However, we have a
wealth of data that came from the research phase, so we really want to utilise that further after this comes out. At the outset there was a lot of talk about both an interactive digital and print map, but to start with we decided to focus on the print and digital item first and foremost. However, there might also be a phase after where we can explore more interactive elements too. The map will be available in print and online, on the Visit Nottingham website.
there’s a great writing C ommunity here in n ottingham, who haV e a rea L wi LL ingness to wor K together and support ea C h other. t here's a passion, and enthusiasm F or things to grow, de V e L op and impro V e together.
What locations are we likely to see on the map?
The main part of it focuses on Nottingham city centre and there are obvious current locations that had to be on there like the amazing local bookshops, libraries and writers studios. We wanted to start with what the literary landscape looks like here right now and also reflect the different communities of writers that are here.
However we also couldn’t ignore some of the history and out-of-town locations like Newstead Abbey, the ancestral home of Lord Byron or the DH Lawrence birthplace museum. The distance between some of those locations is too big to fit on a standard geographical map, so we’ve used the borders to point our audience to go and visit those locations too and given some idea of the distance away they are.
Can you tell us a bit about your own background and how you got into this?
I work as a Research Affiliate for the University of Nottingham and I also complete freelance research. My background is in working with museum collections and on heritage and historical research based projects. I'm originally from London, where I worked at the London Museum documenting the collection there. I have completed historical research projects such as working
on a children's book called TEN: Children Who Changed the World. That role was alongside the writer and actor Paterson Joseph and it features stories of ten different young activists and how they have contributed to social change and creating a better world. It’s available from bookshops like Waterstones and Page 45.
Who else has worked on the map with you that you’d like to mention?
I’d like to give a special shout out to our core team who worked on this map. Our team includes Michelle Leonforte, Communications Manager at Nottingham City of Literature, Matthew Welton, Associate Professor in Creative Writing, and Patrick Glynn, Knowledge and Exchange Impact Manager, at the University of Nottingham. Also to mention the geography department at the University of Nottingham, more specifically Gary Priestnall and Elaine Watts who contributed their insights in bridging the gap between artistic and functional cartography.
Any final take-homes from working on this project?
I came here as a bit of an outsider. I’m from London and I studied in Leicester, but I think that puts me in an interesting position to work on this and view the city as a literary tourist might do. However, I also think working on this has really shown me there’s a great writing community here in Nottingham, who have a real willingness to work together and support each other. There's a passion, and enthusiasm for things to grow, develop and improve together. I spoke to a lot of Nottingham born creatives and also a few people that weren’t from the city, but they settled here for one reason or another and Nottingham then became their home. I can see why, there is a hub of literary artistry that Nottingham truly embraces. I really hope they all enjoy what we’ve created.
The new Nottingham City of Literature maps will start to appear at various venues around Nottingham from the end of March. Visit their website for more details.
nottinghamcityofliterature.com
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.
A Little Damp at the Bath Inn Sandra Bartley
Spring in the Square Rachel Hopkins
Ultra Hi-vis Jon Robson @henkyrobson
Spot the Dog Matthew Ahern Sax and the City
Irina Holliday @exposingtheordinary
Crow Turrett Squarebk @_squarebk
Another Perspective Eloise Idoine
HOME AWAY FROM HOME
For decades, there has been a strong Ukrainian community in Notts, organising events and fundraisers to keep their culture and traditions alive. As such, Russia’s 2022 invasion of the country made our city an obvious destination for many refugee families. As we pass the invasion’s fourth anniversary, members of City Hub Ukraine and the Ukrainian School Band talk about supporting the diaspora and people caught up in the conflict…
Eight days after Russian military forces entered Ukraine in February 2022, husband and wife Maksim and Hanna packed all their necessities into a bag and left their home in Odesa. The couple, who are wheelchair users due to their disabilities, headed for the Moldovan border, along with Hanna’s parents, unaware of what the next few weeks or months would hold.
“It was becoming too dangerous for us to stay,” says Hanna. “Everything was moving very fast and it was unpredictable. I barely can even remember those days.”
“When we got to Moldova a very kind family allowed us to live with them, and we spent five months with them until we got our UK visa.”
“When you’re starting your life from scratch you realise how necessary it is to have the kindness of people. We’re so grateful for all the people we’ve met, just giving us places to live or supporting us with different things.”
It’s this generosity of strangers that’s helped the pair navigate their new life – first in Moldova, then in the UK. They found themselves in Nottingham in early 2023, after struggling to find suitable rental accommodation elsewhere.
“It’s next to impossible to rent anything if you’re a family of four adults, with two wheelchairs, and you’re a refugee,” adds Maksim. “Nobody wanted us.”
But they found an already established community in Nottingham who were supporting each other to access services, medical supplies, or accommodation. Now they say the city feels like home.
“We didn’t have anyone in this country – no relatives or friends,” said Hanna. “So it was scary and new for us, and especially with our disabilities –it was even harder. The war is not stopping and right now we’re happy with our lives here. We’ve settled down.”
to toys, toiletries, and even vehicles.
“It’s all the things you want when you’ve got nothing,” adds Ann. “Anything if your house or hospital has been tipped upside down and destroyed. You need the basics or anything that brightens up your day.”
Ann and Stuart are two of the Hub’s lead volunteers and were recognised by the Ukrainian government in 2024 for the humanitarian aid they have sent. Even four years later they haven’t lost their motivation and continue to fundraise and collect donations.
“We have no Ukrainian background whatsoever, but I just couldn’t imagine having to leave our home like that, and we just want to help people,” says Ann. “From spending a few days volunteering, it’s just something that’s evolved. And there’s a few families we’ve looked after that have become like our own family. That’s why we can’t stop, because it’s become personal now.”
Like them, musician Iryna Muha has found her own way to help families finding refuge in Nottingham. Born in Vinnytsia, Ukraine, she moved to Nottingham more than twenty years ago. She formed the Ukrainian School Band to support Ukrainian children’s transition into life in a new city, and says that music has been healing for many of them.
t hey were ripped out o F their en V ironment and put into this new, C omp L ete Ly strange wor L d they didn’t K now anything about
“We feel very safe here,” Maksim adds, but more than anything the couple long to be reunited with their friends who have taken refuge in Germany and Canada – and their family who stayed in Ukraine.
“Everyone has different reasons for staying. They didn’t want to leave and we do worry for them,” Hanna says. “I don’t know when, but I hope we will have a chance to see them again in future.”
They credit Nottingham couple – Ann and Stuart Vickers – for “saving them”. They were already doing a lot to support Ukrainian families and found Maksim and Hanna somewhere to live.
In 2022, the Vickers saw the start of the invasion on their television screen and felt empowered to volunteer. Without hesitation they joined a local Ukrainian-born businessman who was gathering donations to fill lorries heading for Ukraine.
“We couldn’t believe what was happening in Europe,” said Ann. “People were cramming onto trains and trying to get out of towns and cities as the aggressors moved in. We had some free time and just went into action.”
But even after a week passed and those lorries had gone, the couple didn’t stop. The donations kept coming, they carried on sending lorries of supplies to the Ukraine frontline, and the City Hub Ukraine was born.
To date, they have sent 65 lorries containing everything from food, clothes and medical supplies,
“They were ripped out of their environment and put into this new, completely strange world they didn’t know anything about,” says Iryna. “They had a lot of frustration and were feeling lost with a different language, different schools, moving houses.”
“Many also had to grow up very quickly and be a support to their mothers, as they have been better with learning English. There’s a lot of pressure on them.”
“For that reason it’s very important to have this band. To provide a safe space for them to come and sing, make friends and have fun making music.”
“I know how much music is healing for the soul and gives a sense of belonging, and it gives the children a chance to express themselves.”
The band has now recorded their debut song Dodomu (Home) which was recently performed at a concert to mark the fourth anniversary of the invasion and fundraise for a children’s hospital in Kyiv. The song tells the story of displacement, finding a new home, and hopes for the future – a subject that the young singers can resonate with.
“It’s about searching for warmth and a sense of belonging, but also about strength and hope for a brighter future ahead,” adds Iryna. “It’s something they have created themselves in a new country and it’s a way of saying ‘hey, we’re here’.”
“Everyone still has friends or family, somebody they know, still in Ukraine, and fundraising is a way for us to remind people the war is still on, and children there still need care. It’s disappeared from the headlines but it’s still happening.”
Both the City Hub Ukraine and Ukrainian School Band are taking donations and hope that Nottingham maintains its support for Ukraine as the war continues to impact people’s lives.
This month, a brand new stylists and designers market takes over the ground floor of Hyson Green’s New Art Exchange. Blending music, art, and sustainable fashion, Thread Xchange aims to make itself the antidote to perpetual fast fashion, doomscrolling, and in general, cultural habits that aren’t good for us and prevent us from connecting with other people. Emmanuel ‘Manny’ Ighofose, who founded the event, walks us through why Thread Xchange is well worth a visit.
The event was originally conceived to promote Afro-punk band Anansi’s World, named after West African folklore character Anansi - a symbol of chaos, transformation, resistance and wisdom. Emmanuel ‘Manny’ Ighofose, 25, who created the band and concept, wanted a new way to promote their new EP –creating a space grounded in community, creativity and connection, rather than individual separation.
“Art, fashion, music – these things shape the culture that we live in,” says Manny. “If you think about back in the day, there was the golden age or the Renaissance era –stuff like that. That’s a really clear example, in the west, how art shaped culture. If you look at the zeitgeist, that collective consciousness, the way that we talk, the way that we think – the things that we see as acceptable, and cool – are all influenced by artists. They're so much more influential than politicians, I think.”
“So with that in mind, the way that we engage with promoting our art, with promoting our music, with promoting fashion, we should be thinking about what type of world we want to see. Because I do. The way that I wanted to promote Anansi’s World, I was like, ‘If this art is going to shape culture, then what type of culture do I want to create?’ And the culture I want to create is one where we're a community, we're connected – we think as a collective as opposed to individuals who are all separated from each other.”
The intersection of punk and fashion is well documented – the likes of Vivienne Westwood and The Sex Pistols spearheading the marriage of the two worlds back in the 1970s. And, while Anansi’s World doesn't claim to be traditional punk, for Manny, it’s the punk philosophy he’s channeling into the band’s ethos and Thread Xchange concept.
“When you look at Sex Pistols I really love their style. It's really DIY. It's really thrifted,” he says. “Because I'm really into fashion, that aesthetic caught my eye so much. I started listening to the music and I was like, ‘I love how raw it is’. It's very visceral. Learning about Vivienne Westwood and the Sex Pistols is also what inspired the event.”
The upcoming event is designed to create a vibrant,
real-life community hub, promoting sustainable fashion, supporting local creatives, and fostering connection to counteract digital over-saturisation and fast fashion culture.
In a world where doom scrolling has become the norm – people clocking up hours of screentime each week –Manny describes himself as a part of the ‘digital refugee’ movement: people disengaging from social media due to its negative impact on quality of life. This idea was a big contributing factor to launching Thread Xchange.
t he C u Lture i want to C reate is one where we're a C ommunity, we're C onne C ted – we thin K as a C o LL e C ti V e as opposed to indi V idua L s who are a LL separated F rom ea C h other
“Last year I had a really big mental health crash. A lot of it was tied to being on social media – and when you’re online it feels like the world is ending. I think more people are starting to realise that social media is eroding certain aspects of life, as well as the quality of life.”
Manny thinks that channelling energy into experiences where people meet in the real world and connect can spur change.
“A consistent theme you’re going to see with the projects I run is that they are very much based in real life,” he says. “Third spaces have been disappearing, and we want to recreate them. New Art Exchange is a third space. I want to keep bringing people back here.”
It’s no secret that Nottingham’s independent fashion scene is facing its most challenging period yet. Recent months have seen the closure of various independents like COW Thrift and WILD – the oldest vintage shop in Notts. Manny wants to tackle these challenges and shift how people shop – encouraging them to find places
they can support the city’s creatives.
“One pound can have completely different value,” he says. “You can spend it somewhere and it can have zero value, or you can spend it somewhere else, and it has tons. And the way to give our money the most value is to put it back into our community. So, if you can spend that money, and put it on a local designer, they can use it to make more stuff, or it encourages them to continue chasing their career.”
Fast fashion continues to wreak havoc on the world's resources, plus the lives of factory workers facing unlivable wages and harrowing conditions. Manny is passionate about trying to change that.
“I think that on average Zara and other companies generate £2.5 million per year from one shop. How much of that is actually getting pushed back into the local Nottingham scene? It’s barely any. Which of the fashion people in Nottingham are getting helped out by that?”
The event, which will take place from 6pm - 11pm, will feature a minimum of fifteen stall holders at New Art Exchange. There visitors can browse from a range of vendors, like sustainable fashion designer Balikis Akindiya, bag designer Nicole Smith, knitwear designer Mistryarchives, and designer D Mar.
There’ll be art from the likes of Kurkus.creates, a tooth gems station, and giveaways. There’ll also be thrifted and preloved clothing, footwear and accessories from a range of sellers, including SFiCE Foundation: a Nottingham charity who work to reduce the effects of food poverty, isolation and ill health.
A range of DJs will provide the perfect soundtrack for proceedings, with live open-mic performances and a headline from Anansi’s World. Manny will also be scouring the city for Nottingham’s best dressed, and stopping fashionistas who catch his eye for a street interview, in exchange for a free ticket.
Thread XChange takes place on Friday 13 March. Tickets cost from £3 and can be purchased online from skiddle.com.
art
artworks
For this month’s Art Works we heard from Nottingham's own, Kim Thompson about her newest and largest-ever mural, featured at Broadway Cinema.
This is Artfest x Broadway 35 Yr Anniversary Mural. I'm super proud of this piece – my largest painting to date: a mural for the mezzanine of Broadway cinema. Broadway was a regular haunt for me and friends as mosher teens growing up in Nottingham in the 90s. It remains one of my favourite spots in Notts for community, socialising, and entertainment.
The commission came about via a collaboration with Art Fest, a brilliant street art festival developed by Benjamin Kay at The Carousel. I've had the privilege of working with Broadway a few times on promotional projects and film festivals, so I felt I had a good understanding of their ethos, aesthetics and aims for this piece.
The theme of my design is a celebration of Broadway as an historic, independent cinema – a space for community, art, and education. Visually, I wanted to create something that felt joyous and painterly – nostalgic but timeless – as well as a great spot for photoshoots and selfies!
i wanted to C reate something that F e Lt joyous and painter Ly, nosta L gi C but time L ess
Having a thorough concept stage during the design process is key. I take time to research and plan colour and composition and gather any references I need. My illustrated work involves combining handpainted and digital elements, both in and out of a computer. I try to carry this over into my murals through texture and mark making.
This Broadway mural took around five days. I used a VR headset to scale the linework up and painted the whole thing with rollers, lots of masking tape, brushes, and emulsion paint – using both traditional and dry brush techniques.
I take inspiration from everyone and everywhere. I love people, so the overarching aim of my work is to foster connection and joy, often via nostalgia and people-centred story telling. I was blown away by the recent Kerry James Marshall show at the RA in London. Established Black pioneers, like Barbara Walker and Amy Sherald really inspire me with their unique style and portraiture focus – but so does lots of music, pop culture, mythology, B-Movies, kitsch… The kind of stuff perhaps seen as more 'low brow' or tacky is something I've always been drawn to – I believe there is a lot to learn from it, as someone concerned with visuals and engagement.
Currently, I am running a series of budget friendly Sip & Paint workshops at the New Art Exchange. Hosted in Corner Café, these guided sessions include materials and are for all levels of ability. I've designed them with the purpose of boosting creative confidence, utilising budget friendly tools, developing a body of work, and sharing my tips and tricks gained over twelve years as a commercial artist.
I've been freelance for twelve years. I was obsessed with drawing from around two years old, copying cartoon characters off the TV. I made picture books when I was five years old and it was all I wanted to do from then on! My family and Caribbean heritage are a huge inspiration and support, with my early work often reflecting their presence through bold colour palettes, unique characters, and maximalism.
I am Notts born and raised. I grew up in Sherwood, studied art at Bilborough College and South Notts Academy, before going on to Manchester where I did my degree, working in TV art departments and in various freelance roles. I moved back to Notts in 2016 and fell in love with my home city – it feels like there is genuine innovation and progress here – there are so many great things happening creatively, it's exciting!
Exhibition wise, in partnership with the charity Women for Women International, I'm showing work in Not My Type – a group exhibition at Atom Gallery in Stoke Newington from 28 March. You can also see more of my mural work around Nottingham, including Hyson Green Youth Club, Crocus Café, and The Lord Roberts pub.
Visit Broadway Cinema to see Kim Thompson’s largest mural honouring the venue's cinematic history.
Seascapes & cemeteries
words: Molly Allen photo: Dala Nasser
Two intriguing new exhibitions titled Lines That World A River and Cemetery of Martyrs have found a home at the Nottingham Contemporary, exploring culture and history in Pakistan and the Middle East.
It is a strange thing to walk into a gallery and feel as though the ground has shifted beneath your feet. Nottingham Contemporary’s Spring season – from Saturday 7 February to Sunday 10 May – does not just deal in mere spectacle, but in substance. Water that will not recede. Soil that will not wash off. Voices that refuse to be buried.
The season opens with a sense of mourning, in Dala Nasser’s Cemetery of Martyrs – her first solo exhibition in a major UK institution. She transforms two galleries into a suspended graveyard, using frottage –charcoal rubbings taken from the graves of Egyptian, English, Jordanian, and Lebanese writers, poets, filmmakers, historians, and journalists. Her cemetery spans from the midnineteenth century Nahda, Arab Renaissance, to the present day.
the exhibitions show memory pressed into stone, C arried in Fabri C , he L d in water, tra C ed by L ines
These remarkable figures appear as lengths of black mourning fabric hung from an overhead structure, with cyanotype replacements standing in for lost or unreachable sites. The charcoal preserves the grain and cracks of stone - the wear of history itself.
As you walk among the graves, the effect is unsettling. They are usually anchored to the ground, yet here they hover and surround you, forming a canopy of cultural memory. Nasser’s installation asks for slowness, a reminder that martyrdom lives in the body as much as the mind. They are usually anchored to the ground, yet
here they hover and surround you, forming a canopy of cultural memory
In the next gallery, Shahana Rajani’s Lines That World a River – her first European solo exhibition – shifts focus to the Indus Delta in Pakistan. The show begins with spoken language, the Arabic word for universe – ‘alam’ –and word for knowledge – ‘ilm’. Both share the origin word ‘alamah’, meaning ‘a mark’.
For Rajani, to draw a line is to know and be known. In a region where rivers are disappearing and the sea is consuming the land, painting a river becomes urgent and symbolic. Her work centres around the drawing practices of Pakistani coastal communities who map rivers and paint sea murals to maintain connections with sacred ecologies. The sea in her films and drawings is not picturesque, it reshapes the land and its history. Her work suggests drawing is not simply representation, but memory and way of holding onto home. Together, the exhibitions show memory pressed into stone, carried in fabric, held in water, traced by lines. Visitors move differently through these spaces - leaning, crouching, following edges and boundaries with fingers and eyes.
This season signals Nottingham Contemporary’s commitment to art as something physically experienced and shared. The most radical gesture on offer is also the simplest – keep drawing and keep remembering.
Find Dala Nasser’s Cemetery of Martyrs and Shahana Rajani’s Lines That World a River at Nottingham Contemporary from Saturday 7 February to Sunday 10 May.
nottinghamcontemporary.org
words: Kim Thompson photo: Tom Platinum Morley
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en V ironment Community Champions
It’s March, so many of us are probably considering a spring clean of our homes. Environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy, however, are thinking in bigger terms, and running a litter picking initiative The Great British Spring Clean – set to be the nation’s biggest mass action environmental campaign. Taking part here in Notts are the Nottingham Clean Champions, a City Council-supported volunteer program – we join them on a litter pick…
On a rainy February weekend, I join the Hyson Green and Forest Fields Nottingham Clean Champions. Despite the drizzle, seven adults and four children, armed with signature purple bags and pickers, are here to clear the area of litter. They carry out a monthly group pick up, varying their route each time, focusing on specific parks or streets outside schools. Many will also do picks by themselves, fitting them in at a lunch break or during a dog walk.
Across the UK, over 400,000 volunteers will take part this month in a national movement to take action to tackle litter – The Great British Spring Clean, run by charity Keep Britain Tidy. In Nottingham, our network of over 700 Clean Champion volunteers will clean their streets and parks, picking up rubbish and reporting fly-tipping and graffiti. We freshen the rooms we live in; the Clean Champions freshen the streets we share.
The Clean Champions are a grassroots organisation set up by people who simply wanted to take action in their area. They’re supported by two incredibly dedicated and friendly coordinators at the City Council who make sure they have all the equipment, training, and that there’s someone at the other end to collect the bags.
The benefits of doing it together are clear, when I join them – there’s a real camaraderie in showing what they’ve collected, and the group makes short work of each park. Each filled bag is celebrated and there’s a real pride that they’ve collected a total of fifteen bags, but even more in walking back to the New Art Exchange café, via clean streets.
The group gets excited when we see another purple bag tucked behind a bin – a sign that we’re not alone. It feels like a secret society of collectors, each with their own goals and reasons, but all uniting to make the city cleaner.
As with those vacuuming their lounges for a spring clean, there’s pride in seeing a room, or street, return to itself. The freshness a room regains after a clean is the same quiet transformation a street undergoes when the litter is gone. Some volunteers want their children or grandchildren to enjoy a safe, pleasant walk in their neighbourhood, or simply enjoy the satisfaction of making a measurable difference, when so much of what we do is lost in meetings and processes. Cleanliness can
be a way of practicing faith, whether within their house, street or city.
I ask Gianluca, the group leader, why he picks up litter, and he gestures to the children chatting and swapping toys as they collect it. He’s a lecturer at NTU and eloquently speaks about how we live in an atomised, fractured society. He wants to embed a different ethos of bringing community to life, through taking action together, and teach that to his children.
s ome V o L unteers want their C hi L dren or grand C hi L dren to enjoy a sa F e, p L easant wa LK in their neighbourhood, or simp Ly enjoy the satis Fa C tion o F ma K ing a measurab L e di FF eren C e
One of the children volunteering says the saddest thing they picked up was food, recognising that it’s “wasting food and is littering so that’s doubly bad.” The strangest thing collected? A keyboard, with the keys everywhere. Hannah is on her first litter pick. She once cleaned beaches in Miami, and is now settled in Nottingham, hoping to build the same habits here. She’s grateful to the team for putting the infrastructure in place so she can simply join in: “They’ve created it from scratch, which is brave to take a step before you know where you will land”. Another volunteer had complained about the amount of litter with a friend, who good-naturedly challenged him to do something about it.
But how do they stay motivated, when, just as with chores inside the house, the moment it’s done more crumbs are dropped. “We’re trying to keep everyone’s hope up, to realise they don’t have to accept this, we can do something,” says Zaynab, who with her sister Farzana, set up the Hyson Green Community Action.
This stubborn hope is exactly what the Spring Clean celebrates — that small, repeated acts can refresh a whole area. Together, they celebrate sharing the message
of hope when they see others join in, when neighbours sweep out the pavements, or join them on a pickup. Rather than blaming each other for the waste, it’s about working together to improve the area we all live and work in. As we walk, some shop owners offer free coffee and cakes to say thank you.
It’s a simple, accessible way to volunteer and make a visible difference to your area. The Spring Clean only happens once a year but in between there’s plenty of quick tidies and filled bags. For many, this simple act may be a gateway to wider community involvement. One volunteer wryly noted that “quite a few of us do lots of bits and bobs”.
The moment you start tidying your patch, you notice the whole network tidying theirs. Zaynab and Farzana hadn’t set out to start a community interest company, but knowing they needed to do more, they used their skills and advice from Nottingham Enterprise to turn frustration into something practical.
Other volunteers work with local projects – Nottz Gardens, Green Guardians or Community Gardens to focus their efforts. Expanding this network, there’s a Clean Champion partnership with the Nottingham Wildlife Trust Youth Group who look after their wildlife areas, or GoodGym, who include a run with their litter pick up (described by the unusual verb of ‘plogging’).
The Great British Spring Clean highlights what these year-round efforts achieve: thousands of bags collected, neighbourhoods transformed, and a city that enters spring visibly renewed. Twenty wards in twenty days is the city’s version of ‘every room in the house’, making every part of Nottingham fresh for the year ahead. In 2025, the Clean Champions reported collecting 7,020 purple bags of litter. In January 2026, they beat all previous records and collected 965 bags of litter. These purple bags and clean streets are an example of the incredible power the volunteers have, and the visible impact they can collectively make through small individual efforts. Hope is a verb (with its sleeves rolled up!).
If you’d like to join the Clean Champions, you can contact the team at clean.champions@nottinghamcity.gov.uk
Right on the border between Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire sits the 80s Video Shop – a one-way ticket to the age of neon, fuelled by original Big Box Rental VHS Tapes. Owners Chris Annable and Rob Lane talk to us about the story behind this tucked away portal to another time…
How would you describe the 80s Video Shop in three words?
Chris: Heaven on earth!
Rob: People have actually said that, so it’s not an exaggeration! I have places in my brain which feel warm and fuzzy, and I describe them as my ‘go to time’… and the Video Shop Era is one of them.
What inspired you to open the 80s Video Shop, and how did the idea first come about?
Chris: Heat stroke from queuing!
Rob: True Story. Chris and I have known each other since the late 90s, from playing in bands and becoming kids again when Star Wars came around once more during that time. He invited me on a holiday to Florida a few years ago, and whilst queuing for one of the park rides, we started spitballing ideas about opening our own video shop museum in… errr… Alfreton!
Can you describe the kind of 80s nostalgia you’re trying to tap into with the shop, and what you think is great about the video shop experience back then that you’re trying to recapture?
Chris: Everyone has memories of the video shop, and we’re trying to capture the very early days of what Americans call the ‘Mom & Pop Stores’. The ones that every village had before all the big corporate shops came along. It was always so exciting to go and see what’s new on the shelves.
Rob: Everyone who comes into the shop has the same memories and stories about renting videos, but it never gets boring to hear, as they always speak with so much joy and enthusiasm. So that’s what we want to ignite in people when they walk through the door. They perhaps didn’t realise it before they came into the shop, but once they do, they realise that we all spent a lot of time in shops like this when growing up.
What do you think made local video shops such a memorable part of people’s lives in the 80s and 90s?
Chris: The new technology of being able to watch films over and over again at home, the sheer volume of choice and a brand new world to explore each week.
Rob: Agreed. It’s actually hard to explain the impact video shops had back then, since everything is so accessible these days. It really was a highlight of the week, and you never knew what you would walk out of the shop with. Especially if all the new releases were out on loan and you had to perhaps pick something you’d never heard of based on the cover art alone. You might just walk out with your new favourite film!
Your shop includes so many original VHS tapes, posters, and arcade machines. How do you choose
what to include in the collection?
Chris: The ones that hold the best memories get preference, then it’s the cool cover art and who’s in it.
Rob: Initially, a lot of the tapes were from my own personal collection, but as the shop has grown, we’ve had some incredible donations for us to display. Thousands of tapes must have ended up in landfill, which is heartbreaking, but there are still some amazing films out there. Just when you think everything has gone, someone will give us a call to say they’ve found some tapes in the loft. We want to make the experience of coming into the shop as genuine as possible, and we don’t want to ‘gatekeep’ either; we display things we love regardless of whether they’re considered cool or not.
t housands o F tapes must haV e ended up in L and F i LL , whi C h is heartbrea K ing, but there are sti LL some amazing F i L ms out there. j ust when you thin K e V erything has gone, someone wi LL gi V e us a C a LL to say they’ V e F ound some tapes in the L o F t
Has there been a particularly memorable reaction from a visitor, especially younger visitors who may never have experienced a video shop firsthand before?
Chris: We get great reactions and lots of young people who blow us away with their knowledge. Being described as “it’s my heaven” was a great response, and a few tears of joy.
Rob: Yeah, it’s pretty crazy the knowledge some youngsters have. Things that took us years to learn, they already know and have a love for the same films as the two of us. I love that. We even have a bunch of really young VHS collectors who prefer to have films on video rather than watch them on streaming.
You’ve hosted a few special guests and events at the shop. How do these contribute to the overall atmosphere and community aspect of the shop? Do you have any upcoming events or special guests?
Rob: I think some guests can get swamped and lost in the shuffle at bigger conventions, so when they visit our shop, the day is all about them, so they have as much fun as the people coming to meet them. I agree with the community aspect too, people genuinely get excited to come to the shop to meet someone they know from the TV or movies, and they’ve made genuine friendships
with like-minded video fans. It’s great to see.
Chris: It brings folks who probably don’t know who we are. All the guests we’ve had have been brilliant, and we do our best to make it a special occasion for each of them.
Rob: We already have a few events lined up for 2026. Already, we’ve had Lloyd Kaufman of Troma do a meet and greet, which was insanely popular. Next up in March, we’re gonna be visited by Femi Taylor, who was in Return of the Jedi, and we have a fun Ghostbusters Day planned for April, so lots going off. We’ve also started having small live music events at the shop, which has been really cool, and we’d like to build on that.
What challenges have you faced in running such a niche, nostalgia-focused business, and how have you overcome them?
Chris: We are forever grateful for our loyal customers and Patrons (www.patreon.com/80svideoshop) that keep us going. As a business plan, it’s pretty bonkers. But we are still here and have no plans to go; we still await that big break.
How do pop culture influences like Stranger Things affect interest in the shop and the VHS era?
Chris: Initially, a really good impact. I’d guess it’s definitely influenced the younger generation.
Rob: We love that there is such a warm and positive feeling about that era, and it doesn’t seem to be going away. The 80s have been back in ‘fashion’ for a long time, and now we’re seeing a real fondness for 90s nostalgia too, which I consider just as the 80s continued, so it can only work in our favour. I think the 80s and 90s are gonna be around for a long time, as they’re probably the last two really ‘memorable’ decades. You can put a stamp on things from back then, but once we get into the 2000s, it gets harder.
What future plans do you have for the 80s Video Shop?
Chris: More guests, more events, some cool things planned this year. And another movie release.
Rob: Yep, Chris has written and directed two films –One Night Rental and Serial – since we opened the shop, with another on the way, so that’s pretty cool in itself. We’re always changing things up in the shop too, so hopefully there’s always something new for people to check out when they come back. I just love that people are still finding out about us even now, after over three years, so it’s always fun to open our doors and see who comes along to talk about silly, trashy 80s films!
Visit the 80s video shop at 11, King Street, Alfreton, DE55 7AF.
80svideoshop.co.uk
interview: Emily Davies
photos: Steve Fisher & 80s Video Shop
BEYOND MEASURE
No Half Measures are a female-led brewing collective who this month will launch a new beer they brewed alongside nationally recognized brewer Jaega Wise, to fundraise for Nottingham Central Women’s Aid. Their co-founder Aimee HarbisonRoper speaks more about it…
How did No Half Measures start, and what motivated you to create a space for beer-loving women in Nottingham?
It started with a beer-fuelled conversation between me and Lucy Simons, owner of The Abdication, at a beer festival. The idea was sparked a few years earlier, when we attended a talk with Jaega Wise about women in beer. An initial meeting at The Barrel Drop, with a handful of like-minded women has since turned into a community of over one hundred.
You've been working with brewers Liquid Light and Jaega Wise – how did this collaboration come about?
Myself and Lucy attended the first Women In Beer Awards in October, and had the chance to meet Jaega. We’d followed her work for a while and approached her about working with No Half Measures. Jaega was keen to brew with Liquid Light, long time supporters of ours. This will be our third brew with them.
Can you tell us what you have planned for the International Women’s Day event on Sunday 8 March, and how you hope the event will bring people together?
of women will experience domestic abuse, but only 20% of those report it. We hope to raise funds and awareness so more women know support is available.
What challenges have you faced as a women-led collective in a traditionally male-dominated beer scene, and how have you navigated them?
There’s been the (unfortunately) expected misogynistic comment here and there, people questioning our credibility, knowledge, or even the need for such a collective in the first place. We’ve had instances of not being credited for our work and been told we are overreacting when calling out concerns within the industry. However, on the whole, the Nottingham beer scene is generally a really friendly space, and we’ve been given some fantastic opportunities and shown lots of support and generosity.
the nottingham beer sCene is generaLLy a reaLLy FriendLy spaCe, and we’ Ve been giVen some FantastiC opportunities and shown Lots oF support and generosity
It will celebrate women, beer, and of course women in beer. We’ll have live music from some amazing artists (such as Luna and the Lime Slices), pizza, and our new brew to try. While open to all, it’s a great opportunity for women to get together and share experiences. We’ll also raise money for Central Women’s Aid too – a very worthy cause.
What inspired you to support Nottingham Central Women's Aid with this event?
The official International Women’s Collaboration Brew Day brings communities together to celebrate women in beer, along with raising money for women’s causes. Nottingham Central Women’s Aid has supported women and children escaping abuse for over fifty years. It’s estimated that 30%
From the KitChen
jaKe dodsLey, head CheF at jaKe’s at the Fox & grapes
When did you first know you wanted to make food for a living?
I used to sit on the kitchen counter from a very young age and watch my mum cook. Before long I was making meals myself and I’d often have food ready for her when she came home from work. It seems like a natural progression to make my living from it!
Who has been the biggest influence on your cooking? My mum!
Describe your venue in three words: Great atmosphere. Welcoming.
What’s the best-selling item on your menu?
All of the items on the menu are equally popular to be honest. People often give feedback on the burgers and are impressed by the freshness of them.
What’s your personal favourite item on your menu and well?
Ma’s Chilli – beef, beans and served with nachos. It’s our family recipe.
What’s the best meal you have ever cooked?
A family feast of mutton, rice and peas.
What’s the best meal you have ever eaten?
Anything Mexican – I love the spice and variety of food.
Other than your own place, where do you eat out most in Notts?
I’m a simple man so my absolute favourite is GB Cafe – that and Vietnamese restaurant Pho are my go-to choices.
Who are your five ideal dinner guests alive, or dead? And what’s on the menu?
Dave Chapell, Arnold Schwarzenegger, James Hetfield, Kerry King and Dimebag Darrell. A good hearty chilli is on the menu.
Find Jake’s at The Fox & Grapes at 21 Southwell Rd, Nottingham NG1 1DL.
@foxandgrapes_notts
Are you open for new members to get involved?
Absolutely! If you’re interested in joining, please drop us a message on our socials about how to get involved.
What's next for NHM? Any other collaborations, brews or events that you're especially excited about?
We aim to hold monthly socials, which include walking pub tours and quizzes. We have a brew day with one of our members, brewer Eloise Nicholson-Phillips, at Everards in Leicester. We’re also hoping to return to Burton-on-Trent for another brew with Burton Bridge. We are planning to attend Castle Beer Festival, Nottingham Craft Beer Festival, and we will be back at our own bar at The Robin Hood Beer and Cider Festival.
Join No Half Measures for their International Women’s Day fundraiser and ‘Zing Boom’ pale ale launch at the Liquid Light Taproom, from 2pm on Sunday 8 March.
@nohalfmeasurescollective
LiFe behind bars
with tong man, proprietor at the piLL ar box, sherwood
ManageTell us something interesting about your pub/bar…
Location of the bar was formally a post office, hence the name The Pillar Box, and it was founded by the late Karl Routledge Wilson as the first gin bar in Nottingham.
What's the best thing about your job?
Having worked here for over six years as general manager – the challenge of transforming a small gin bar into a busy cocktail bar that has wonderful customers which some have become good friends.
What's the worst?
Delivery day – having to carry 62 kilograms down to the cellar – is quite back breaking.
What's your best selling drink?
Espresso Martini – its secret ingredient is our own bespoke coffee bean blend from Lee and Fletcher’s.
What's your most expensive drink?
A bottle of Cremant – a french sparkling wine produced outside the champagne region – very tasty and worth its price tag.
Describe your bar or pub in three words?
Quirky, cosy, entertaining.
What's your personal favourite tipple?
Dr Pepper Bomb, which is a better alternative to Jagerbomb; lager and Pepsi with a shot of Disaronno dropped into it.
Who's the most famous person you've had drinking in your place?
James Aspell, proprietor of 400 Rabbits, Le Petit Vert and Loose ends. Real legend of the Nottingham bar scene and avid Forest fan.
What's the best thing a customer has ever said to you?
“I have been to Mexico and frequented many bars up and down the UK. You make the best margaritas.”
interview: Poppy Begg photo: Thom Stone
AfternoonT
COOKERY CLASSES
Cook, taste & connect
Join our seasonal group cookery classes, or book a private session with friends.
Treat your loved one to one of our homemade afternoon teas this Mother’s Day. Everything is made by us in our kitchen from the petit fours to our sausage rolls. Pushing the traditional boundaires of afternoon tea but keeping it classy & delicious.
Served on Sat 14 & Sun 1 March th th Booking essential
Seasonal cooking at Pippley Cookery School in Beeston
Connexion Man are a relatively fresh name on the Nottingham circuit, but their roots in the city still run deep. Built on long standing friendships, shared history and a renewed love for their home’s music community, the group are reconnecting with the scene that first shaped them. Ahead of a debut record and gig at The Grove, the band talk about returning to Notts and their evolving sound.
Connexion Man may be relatively new to the scene, but its members are far from that.
“I was playing in bands in Nottingham when I was sixteen or seventeen,” George says. “Some of us moved to London for about ten years then came back and reunited. Matt, Seb and I started it, then Tom joined a little later.”
Scouted by local musician and musical organiser Alex Hale, who heard them jamming at JT Soar, the band soon found themselves gigging and reconnecting with the scene.
“We’ve met all these wonderful people. We were part of it fifteen, twenty years ago and now we’re part of it again.”
For Matt, the biggest difference nowadays from how the Notts scene used to be is the “cross-pollination of genres”.
“It feels like people are doing what they want and it’s inclusive,” he explains. Seb adds that, “the venues are important and we’ve lost a few” – Junktion 7, The Maze, The Chameleon – “but we’ve gained some good ones.”
One of these is The Grove, co-owned by musician Cam Worne, who worked with the band to record their upcoming debut album A Forest and a Town
Connexion Man will also perform at the venue this month on 21 March to celebrate the LP release, alongside indie pop band Flöat and LeftLion's own, multi-talented creator of the ‘New Nottingham’ literary journal, Andrew Tucker Leavis.
“We’re really big fans of Flöat. There was a really nice gig at the Grove – a fundraiser for Cat Patrol –where we covered each other’s songs. With Andrew, I bought the New Nottingham Journal and I saw some footage of him playing a folky, wistful song on social media. I thought he’d sound really good alongside us.” Local bakery Tied Up In Notts will also be there selling pastries.
Although the band are here to talk to LeftLion about
their debut album (not yet released at the time of speaking), they are already looking ahead.
“Our eye is on the second album – we’ve already got enough songs for it. We’d love to record some of it in The Grove, as we’re thinking more of a live sound. Our first one was all done at Summerhouse Recording Studios.” (they’ve already recorded some live YouTube sessions at the venue).
Returning to the debut, they continued their tradition of splitting things three ways – the album is made up of three sets of four songs – Seb, Matt and George each take responsibility for one section.
i t’ LL be interesting to see i F, as we de V e L op, our sty L es go radi C a LLy di FF erent or i F they get more and more K nit. b ut our di FF erent sty L es haV e V ery C omp L ementary e L ements to them
“Personally, I write about whatever comes out. They’re quite impressionistic. Matt would be the other end of the scale,” George says. Seb says that he’s, “in the middle. Lukewarm waters,” he laughs. “When that inspiration comes, it’s easy. I feel more ready to express myself, at the age I’m at now. It’s been a great few years for me, creatively.”
Three different songwriters with three different approaches could create a jarring listening experience, but their shared sense of melody and harmony brings the album together as a cohesive whole.
“It’s got some of those sensibilities that overlap,” Matt says. “It’ll be interesting to see if, as we develop, our styles go radically different or if they get more and more knit. But our different styles have very
complementary elements to them.”
For George, the experience of listening to an album, rather than singles, is like reading a novel, rather than watching short form content online.
“The songs change because of the songs they are next to,” he explains. “We haven’t talked about our favourite songs,” Seb admits. Tom, as the non-songwriter in the group, is put on the spot. “I’m going to answer diplomatically and say they’re all brilliant!” he laughs. Seb adds, “Tom is our musical director – he pulls together the arrangements. He’s like quality control. When we have three creative minds firing at once, you need someone to level it off.”
All four members work full-time day jobs alongside the band, with George also working Saturdays at The Thompson Brothers on Haydn Road (yes, those opinionated greengrocers, on page 9 of this mag), which is one thing that stands out about Connexion Man – they (suitably) are deeply connected to Nottingham's roots in many different ways. This is surely a key part of how they have reached this point: they are kind people who have built genuine connections and a strong support network around them.
In April, the band will perform at the National Justice Museum with Lande Hekt and Katie Keddie, before heading to Coventry in May for their first show outside Nottingham.
“We’ve been together three years, but it really does feel like we’re just getting started,” Matt says. “With Tom joining in the last year, we’re expanding what we can do. The exciting part for us right now is how far we can take that. We’re itching to play new songs, record new songs, and share them. That’s the really exciting thing for us.”
Connexion Man will be playing at The Grove on Saturday 21 March to celebrate the release of their debut album A Forest and a Town.
@connexionmansongs
words: Gemma Cockrell
photo: Victoria Siddle
Blackadder Traverse (Single)
Nimble and organic, Traverse evolves beautifully over its sub-three-minute runtime, packing in an array of trills and melodies that expand the soundscape, while still ably cohering into something altogether greater. You can hear echoes of Floating Points throughout, alongside Blackadder’s long-stated love of Bonobo. Yet here he is again demonstrating a unique intelligence – assimilating his influences and reworking their core sounds in the context of the feelings and emotions he wants to elicit with great sensitivity. Instantly impactful and undeniably joyful, Traverse stands as a hopeful signifier of more to come from one of Nottingham’s most relentlessly intriguing producers, who enters 2026 in fine fettle. (Kieran Lister)
Ruby Aeron what are you scared of? (EP)
ALT BLK ERA Tissues (Single)
The perfect anthem for this current spell of dreary weather we are experiencing, the latest track from Notts sister duo ALT BLK ERA is both vulnerable and intense, once again showcasing the duo’s talent for turning raw emotion into a powerful bop. The track moves between hushed reflective verses and an explosive chorus, driven by sharp percussion and distorted textures, which mirror its themes of emotional overload. As ever, the sisters’ vocals are the standout element here: fragile one moment while fiercely defiant the next. The result is a cathartic, memorable single to add to their already stacked collection, with the impact lingering long after the track ends. Get this on repeat and learn the words ahead of their huge homecoming show at Rescue Rooms on Saturday 30 May! (Karl Blakesley)
Five tracks doesn't sound like much, but Ruby Aeron – “writing music for the whimsical and slightly deluded" – makes this EP feel like a life-story. For this Nottingham artist, what are you scared of? is an intimate portrayal of human emotion and experience. There is a lot to discover here, including some remarkably pure and beautiful vocals on ballad Empty Pavements; the impossibly cool and sparklingly intimate sounds of Chapters (with a brief and winning foray into French lyrics); and Ruby's most recent single, Atlantic, which closes out the EP. What comes across most clearly is Ruby's songwriting skill – she has a timeless style, reflecting some of the best classic jazz and soul numbers of the past, while combining it with youthful energy and a modern, unflinching exploration of emotion. That shines through clearly on Girl in the Mirror, which develops from a soulfully crooned ballad into a punchy blast of strident energy. what are you scared of? must be a rhetorical question for Ruby; with a powerful EP like this in her repertoire, she certainly doesn't need to be scared of what her future holds. (Phil Taylor)
Whisky Stain
Flicker Show (Single)
Book of Churches
Song By A Stranger (Single)
Following hot on the heels of widespread acclaim for local stars Divorce, their co-vocalist and guitarist Felix MackenzieBarrow has embarked on a venture of his own with Book of Churches. Song for a Stranger is the opening track of Felix’s self-titled album, and is a tender and thought provoking song, with introspective and brooding lyrics – the kind which you might attribute to seasoned songsmiths such as Leonard Cohen or Tom Waits. Here, Felix gently takes us by the hand and leads us on a journey that explores his deepest hopes and fears, or as he describes it “the raw contents of my brain.” It’s a song stripped down to bare bones which has a definite spiritual feel, providing a disconnect from the world’s troubles with just the acoustic guitar and vocals effectively carrying Felix’s innermost feelings clearly and honestly. (Claire Spencer)
Whisky Stain are a Nottingham-based, two-piece southern stomp rock band made up of Rob Lavington (guitar and vocals) and Luke Grainger (drums). They’re known for their energetic live performances, blues-drenched riffs and gritty vocals and have played at various festivals, including Y Not and Deerstock. Flicker Show is another energetic romp, enjoyable, gripping and right up there with their classic The Lord’s Revolver (which featured prominently on the Sky Atlantic TV series Ray Donovan). If you like the Black Keys and Royal Blood then this is your kind of thing. Check out their launch event upstairs at The Angel Microbrewery on Sat 7 March. (Roger Mean)
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 the LeftLion channel on Spotify.
Out of Time
The truth of the matter
When it comes to court cases, there have been few in Nottingham that have ended up in the history books for their sheer oddness, but for this month’s Out of Time we recount a bizarre whodunnit that happened on Ilkeston Road and claims to be the first time in Britain that a truth drug was admitted into evidence…
On a January night in 1960, Edith Simpson went to speak with her old lodger, Howard Graham (61). Opening the door to his room, she found him dead on the floor. Graham hadn’t been a well man, but had lived with her for about two years. In shock, she ran across the road to their local pub, The Wheatsheaf on Ilkeston Road. The Wheatsheaf was a Shipstone pub that was later transformed into a chemist's.
The pub was licensed by Ernest William Spencer (42) – Simpson’s neighbour – who was behind the bar that night. He, along with Eric Hobster (29), a regular, went across to the house to help her immediately.
Simpson began collecting Graham’s things, putting bags on the couch, ready to give to his son. This included getting his money from the safe. Later, when counting the money, she realised that £420 was missing.
Incredibly, the £420 was later found on the cellar floor of the Wheatsheaf pub in an envelope. Police arrested Hobster, who told them that Spencer had taken it and given him £100 as part of the larger amount. He showed them where the money could be found in the pub. Spencer admitted to taking the money but not to stealing it. He said he had been worried that Simpson had been about to take the money, and when he came to, he’d found £420 in his possession. As he panicked, he threw it down a 120-foot chute into the cellar.
Unsure what had happened and worried, Spencer suggested that the Superintendent of the Coppice Mental Hospital, Dr Gideon Woddis, interview him about his mental health, but he had a strange request –he wanted to take a truth injection first.
A truth injection was described as a mix of Pentothal and Methedrine. The history of truth drugs or injections goes back to the 1930s, when they were first developed. The oldest of these is sodium thiopental, which was part of a group of drugs known as barbiturates. These were commonly used during this era to help people
with sleeping, but were very addictive – later linked to the death of Marilyn Monroe.
It was thought that when patients were between consciousness and unconsciousness, they would speak more freely – hence the idea that it was a truth drug. It was also felt that it made lying more difficult.
When the case went to court, Dr Woddis was called to give evidence about what Spencer told him while under the influence of the drug. Woddis testified that Spencer had reenacted the entire night and his own personal history, which explained perfectly what had happened…
i t was thought that when patients were between C ons C iousness and un C ons C iousness, they wou L d spea K more F ree Ly – hen C e the idea that it was a truth drug
On seeing the body, Spencer had had a fright and gone into a state of deep dissociation. His own father, who was said to have resembled Graham very closely in mannerisms and physical features, had passed away a few years before. Spencer’s father had raised him on his own from the age of four after his mother left the family. As Spencer recounted this to Woddis, he recalled blacking out on seeing the body of Graham, which had brought him a considerable amount of distress.
In a state of dissociation, he had taken the money, believing he was protecting his own father by putting it somewhere safe, as he believed Simpson might steal it. During the war, when Spencer left to fight, his father had been targeted by women who robbed him. Terrified, Spencer thought history was repeating itself and took the money to protect Graham. When he came round from the blackout, he panicked and didn’t know how to
return it. So he hid it and pleaded not guilty.
The court heard how Spencer had a sterling war record and “first class character”, so this was exceptionally out of character for him. They were also told that he was in no financial difficulty either. Newspapers had a field day with the case – the Daily Herald ran the headline: “hypnotised by a dead man” on page three in January 1960.
The jury took just under two hours to decide Spencer’s fate. Spencer was given an absolute discharge after the recorder said he had been “sufficiently punished” after losing the tenancy of the pub when he was convicted. It was likely, according to the recorder, that Spencer would be unable to obtain another license for another pub, too.
An absolute discharge occurs when the court decides not to impose a punishment because sufficient punishment has already been imposed through the court, or due to various factors. Hobster was ordered to pay 50 guineas towards the court costs of 200 guineas.
The recorder stressed that the testimony of the psychiatrist must be taken fully into evidence by the jury. He added that the truth injection had been a ‘novelty’ but warned it should not be discredited.
It was widely believed, due to the reporting, that this was the first time that truth injection evidence had been used in a court case in England. However, this was far from the truth. There are multiple cases across England where this is the case, including a case in 1945 where an American corporal was accused of murdering a girl in Buckinghamshire, He was also given the truth drug, pentothal. It was under this drug that he confessed to the killing.
So, despite reports, Nottingham cannot lay claim to being the first city to use truth drugs in court, although the case was certainly unusual, even for its time.
words: CJ De Barra illustration: Lizzie Bosworth
Toilet Humour
Something made you laugh in the lavs? Send your funniest quips to editorial@leftlion.co.uk
Nottsword
2.
7. Hot Notts coffee chain is 200 what? (7)
8. Much-loved Castle Rock pub named after a cheese. (12, 7)
9. You can find a bronze sculpture of Robin Hood and Maid Marian in this North Notts town. (10)
10. Famed 60s pop artist whose work is currently exhibited at Lakeside Arts (4, 6)
TRUTH
OR
Unpicking Nottingham's Weird History
The Case of Lady Godiva
words: Matthew Blaney
your mams) we thought it best to highlight a particularly well-known noblewoman, and her generous donations to Nottinghamshire.
With countless properties under her belt and a particularly remarkable act of protest (if you believe the legend) Lady Godiva has intrigued LeftLion’s Myth Busting Operations Team (a fancy term for a bloke currently writing about an 11th Century noblewoman in a Greggs, in a Primark, in Birmingham).
Her heritage is rather murky, but we can assume she came from a rather wealthy family given the sheer amount of land she owned. This included estates across England and even ownership of Coventry – yes that’s right, she owned Coventry, which she later sold for a pint of mead and some straw (according to false legend). During her time in Coventry, according to one Roger of Wendover, to protest her husband’s unlawful taxation of the Cov locals, she rode completely naked through the streets. Interestingly enough, every single person was ordered to stay indoors apart from one man named Thomas who thought
act of peeping, hence the phrase “peeping Tom.”
Whether you believe Roger’s tale is one thing, but Lady G’s involvement with Nottingham involved less permanent vision loss and much more clothing. With her serious hold on the medieval property ladder, with land in Bassetlaw and in Rushcliffe, the largest of all of her properties was in Newark.
She decided to rather generously donate the income she earned from her property in Newark (where the Trent Bridge House is now located) to Stow Monastery near Lincoln. This donation helped to raise funds for further development within the area and religious life.
Despite the name Godiva deriving from the Old English word “Godgifu” meaning ‘gift of god,’ her philanthropic endeavours seemed to give back to God instead. Perhaps a form of divine intervention as the big man realised, he may have presented locals with too many gifts from God. Alongside this particular donation, she also gifted precious metalwork and a string of prayer beads in her will to the Church.
Lady Godiva’s charitable donations helped to develop Newark’s churchly prominence and cemented its place on the map.
Lady G has presented herself as one of the most influential women of the 11th Century. Both her serious donations to her community, and physical act of process that you may or may not believe in, are testament to her character as an individual fighting against greedy officials and standing up for what’s right. Though her Notts connection is not too well-known, her legend still runs to this day –unfortunately for her, not through Coventry anymore.
3.
5.
6.
I can only assume the horse was clamped.
Left: Coventry's Lady Godiva statue by Sir William Reid Dick (1949). Right: A sketch of 'Peeping Tom' (1826) by W. Reader.
illustration: Lily Keogh words: Natalie Braber
Circus home to the Sir John Borlase Warren. (7)
1. Robin’s mate and name of the Council House bell. (6, 4)
Up-and-coming Notts goth band Bloodworm supported this 90s Brit pop act at Rock City. (5)
4. The longest road in Notts will take you here. (9)
Notts town in which the 200 million year old Hemlock Stone is located. (10)
Sneinton Gallery that recently hosted the International Postcard Show. (7)
best oF the month
Punch
When: Until Sat 4 April
Where: Nottingham Playhouse
How much: From £36
Directed by Nottingham’s James Graham, Punch is based on the true story of Jacob Dunne, a teenager from Nottingham whose one fatal punch killed a stranger on a night out. The play follows the redirection of Dunne’s life following this moment, delivering a powerful story about gang culture and justice. Based on the memoir of Jacob Dunne, Punch aims to inspire and inform, alongside Dunne’s and Joan Scourfield’s (victim James Hodgkinson’s mother) campaigns surrounding the risks of a single punch.
When: Wednesday 4 and Sunday 8 March
Where: The Arc Cinema
How much: £17.45 - £18.45
This is a new production of the legendary Shakespeare story, directed by Tony Award-winner Tom Morris and starring David Harewood OBE as Othello –back in 1997 Harewood was the first Black actor who the National Theatre casted as their titular character. It’s an epic story of manipulation, jealousy and toxic masculinity; plus the music comes from famed musician PJ Harvey. Check it out and enjoy some topnotch theatrical storytelling at Beeston's Arc Cinema…
When: Until Sunday 19 April
Where: Lakeside Arts
How much: Free
This exhibition showcases the work of London-based photographer and filmmaker, Alexis Chabala, honouring black musicians whose sound and presence have shaped culture across generations. Featured in the exhibition are various torchbearers of funk, soul, R&B, hip-hop, dancehall, and afrobeat – each portrait is very powerfully and intimately taken, making you consider rich cultural threads and how creativity becomes passed down through generations.
Vee Adu + Aileen Kelly + Gangsta Picnic
When: Saturday 7 March
Where: Fisher Gate Point How much: £10
Over at creative hub, Fisher Gate Point, local Notts talent continues to take center stage, as jazz-tinged soul artist Vee Adu headlines a night of smooth, soulful energy, with support coming from Aileen Kelly, and punk-tinged funk band, Gangsta Picnic. Vee Adu’s been making lots of waves at a young age, and she's a frequent performer at Fisher Gate Point – a venue that’s become an important place for local young people to support each other’s artistic endeavours.
When: Tuesday 3 March
Where: Rescue Rooms
How much: £33.75
Peter Capaldi – yes, Doctor Who for those who didn’t grow up on The Thick of It – hits Rescue Rooms, bringing his lesser known musical side back into the spotlight. Before acting fame, he fronted punk band The Dreamboys as a student of the Glasgow School of Art. In 2021 he released his debut solo album: St Christopher and, he’s releasing his newest record: Sweet Illusions later this month, on Saturday 28 March.
When: Saturday 7 March
Where: Metronome How much £20
You’re guaranteed a laugh at Just The Tonic comedy club, home to some of the country’s best lineups. Actor, comic and writer Dan Renton Skinner appears as Angelos Epithemiou, and is joined by Olivia Lee, Aaron Wood and Darrell Martin at Nottingham’s Metronome. The Shooting Stars and Never Mind The Buzzcocks actor dabbles in an outrageous mix of sketches and jokes, all under the image of Epithemiou, an unassuming oddball.
The Correction Unit + Q&A
When: Tuesday 3 March
Where: Broadway Cinema
How much: £11
Created in Nottingham and directed by Derry Shillitto, this sci-fi thriller follows a group of troubled youngsters who are taken under the influence of AI within a correctional facility. A sense of realism, with a hint of action and dystopia, opens our eyes to a very scary – yet very possible – future for humanity if AI finds itself in the wrong hands. The screening is followed by Q&A with the cast and crew, where you can find out more about the behind the scenes and making of this hypnotic and contemporary film.
Whisky Stain
When: Saturday 7 March
Where: The Chapel
How much: £11
Local rock-duo, Whisky Stain, have got a special appearance lined up this month at The Chapel – The Angel Microbrewery’s upstairs guitar music haven –celebrating the launch of their forthcoming single, Flicker Show Known for their blues-influenced sound and electrifying live performances blending the sound of The Black Keys and Royal Blood, the Notts pair promise a set packed with fan-favourites, new unreleased tracks, and their latest single in full force.
The Beat Beneath Us
Peter Capaldi
Othello
Angelos Epithemiou
Find yourself at the centre of the story
best oF the month
Femme Fair
When: Sunday 8 March
Where: Sneinton Market Avenues
How much: Free
Nottingham’s haven for independents and creatives, Sneinton Market Avenues, is marking International Women’s Day with a particularly special day of arts and culture. There’ll be lots happening – co-working space Minor Oak will host stalls from several local charities and organisations like Juno Women’s Aid and Topaz Centre, while The Grove and By Our Hands Make Our Way will host talks and presentations, with lots of other businesses contributing to the day’s events in their own way.
Shakespeare Unfolded Festival
When: Mon 16 - Sun 22 March
Where: Theatre Royal
How much: Free or from £20
The Royal Shakespeare Company presents a set of new shows exploring the work of the Bard from various angles. Most excitingly a brand new adaptation of Hamlet, arriving in Notts fresh off its run in Stratford-on-Avon. Directed by Rupert Goold, who directed Dear England – a recent play written by Notts playwright James Graham – and it’s received lots of acclaim. As well as this production, the Theatre is also hosting Will and Testament, a new play about Shakespeare’s life, talks on The Merchant of Venice and Hamlet, plus several other occasions.
Special Friend
When: Tuesday 10 March
Where: JT Soar
How much: £11
This French-American pop duo, Special Friend, combines a variety of minimalist sounds, with those of lo-fi, indie, and pop apparent in their ethereal rhythms and melodies. Since meeting at a concert in Paris, Erica Ashlson (vocalist and drummer) and Guillaume Siracusa (vocalist and guitarist) have kicked around for over seven years now. They’re in Nottingham this month, anticipating the release of their third album on Friday 20 March.
Greg Davies
When: Tuesday 17 March
Where: Motorpoint Arena
How much: From £59.45
Host of Taskmaster , and star of The Inbetweeners and Man
Down , Greg Davies is back on tour with his new stand-up show, Full Fat Legend . After seven years off-stage, the Welsh comic delivers his biggest tour yet, bursting with wit and sarcasm. You may recognise Davies as a regular on shows like Mock the Week, Never Mind the Buzzcocks and Live at the Apollo , and after spending over a decade of his early career on teaching secondary school Drama and English, the gentle giant is now a household name in comedy.
Notts County v Chesterfield
When: Saturday 14 March
Where: Meadow Lane Stadium
How much: From £19.80
The Magpies take on the Spireites. Both sides are in contention for promotion this season, so expect a fiery close fought affair. Less than thirty miles separate the two teams’ home grounds, so as well as potential promotion, there's local pride at stake. Chesterfield won the corresponding fixture at Saltergate on Boxing Day 2-0. In Jatta and Dennis, Notts County have two of the division’s top scorers, but Bonis from Chesterfield is not far behind them. Kick-off is at 12.30pm, because the game has also been selected for Sky TV coverage.
The Hop-Nights
When: Friday 20 March - Sunday 22 March
Where: The Carousel
How much: £13.20
Hosted by local band The Hoplites, the Carousel presents The Hop-nights (try saying that three times) – an energetic explosion first-wave Jamaican ska, reggae, and rocksteady tunes, bursting with flavour and vibrance. Through familiar Nottingham bands – including Sonic Boom Six, Jeremiah Ferrari, and The Beat – The Hoplites aim to reintroduce authentic sounds live to the stage through a three-day festival celebrating the genre’s variety of instruments and original tunes.
Happy Mondays
When: Sunday 15 March
Where: Rock City
How much: £47.75
This’ll be a memorable one for any ‘Madchester’ disciples. Salford-formed act, The Happy Mondays, are hitting Rock City this month, commencing a tour which celebrates 35-years of their third record Pills ‘n’ Thrills and Bellyaches. As you can probably imagine, it’ll be an adrenaline-fuelled celebration of their iconic career and enduring charm as a formidable act that helped define the eighties. This will almost definitely be one of those ‘I was there’ moments.
DJ Yoda
When: Friday 20 March
Where: Metronome
How much: £22.60
Through a two-decade career
Duncan Beiny, AKA DJ Yoda, has become very well known for his enjoyably strange and satirical takes on the art of DJing. Working alongside classical composers, neuroscientists, brass brands, and film directors, DJ Yoda offers spectacular live shows, making mixtapes that have often gone viral. This month, he’s turning up to Notts to put on a set that celebrates the history of hip hop, all through music and onstage visuals.
The Selecter
FRI.27.MAR.26
RESCUE ROOMS
Fucked Up
FRI.03.APR.26
ROCK CITY (BETA)
TUE.10.MAR.26
Gipsy Kings
ft. Nicolas Reyes
ROYAL CONCERT HALL
TUE.10.MAR.26
The Deadlians
BODEGA
THU.12.MAR.26
Bodysnatcher
RESCUE ROOMS
THU.12.MAR.26
Witch Fever
BODEGA
FRI.13.MAR.26
Ekoh
RESCUE ROOMS
FRI.13.MAR.26
Lime Garden
ROUGH TRADE
FRI.13.MAR.26
SAT.14.MAR.26
The Rosadocs
BODEGA
SAT.14.MAR.26
Cavetown
ROCK CITY
SAT.14.MAR.26
Pentire
RESCUE ROOMS
SUN.15.MAR.26
Happy Mondays
ROCK CITY
SUN.15.MAR.26
Pastel
BODEGA
TUE.17.MAR.26
Thrice
ROCK CITY
THU.19.MAR.26
Howling Bells
BODEGA
Gig Guide
FRI.20.MAR.26
Grey Daze
RESCUE ROOMS
FRI.20.MAR.26
Hail The Sun
BODEGA
FRI.20.MAR.26
Nova Twins
ROCK CITY
SAT.21.MAR.26
Crystal Tides
BODEGA
SUN.22.MAR.26
Fit For A King
ROCK CITY
SUN.22.MAR.26
Wille & The Bandits
BODEGA
MON.23.MAR.26
TIDETIED
BODEGA
TUE.24.MAR.26
Good Health Good Wealth
THE CHAPEL AT THE ANGEL
WED.25.MAR.26
Kofi Stone
RESCUE ROOMS
FRI.27.MAR.26 snake eyes
BODEGA
FRI.27.MAR.26
The Selecter
RESCUE ROOMS
SAT.28.MAR.26
Grade 2
BODEGA
SAT.28.MAR.26
Paul Draper
RESCUE ROOMS
SUN.29.MAR.26
InMe
RESCUE ROOMS
WED.01.APR.26
EMF
RESCUE ROOMS
WED.01.APR.26
Split Dogs
BODEGA
FRI.03.APR.26
Dan Byrne
BODEGA
FRI.03.APR.26
Fucked Up
ROCK CITY (BETA)
SAT.04.APR.26
Laura Jane Grace
RESCUE ROOMS
SAT.04.APR.26
Mimi Barks
ROUGH TRADE
SUN.05.APR.26
Nordic Giants
RESCUE ROOMS
TUE.07.APR.26
COSMIC PSYCHOS
BODEGA
TUE.07.APR.26
Idlewild
RESCUE ROOMS
FRI.10.APR.26
The Pale White
BODEGA
SAT.11.APR.26
Basht
BODEGA
MON.13.APR.26
Black Foxxes
BODEGA
MON.13.APR.26
People Laughing
RESCUE ROOMS (ACOUSTIC ROOMS)
WED.15.APR.26
Jane Weaver
SQUIRE PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE
THU.16.APR.26
Picture Parlour BODEGA
THU.16.APR.26
The Bros. Landreth
RESCUE ROOMS
FRI.17.APR.26
Millie Manders and The Shutup
RESCUE ROOMS
FRI.17.APR.26
The 9075
THE PALAIS
SAT.18.APR.26
Oli Brown & The Dead Collective
BODEGA
SUN.19.APR.26
Creeper
RESCUE ROOMS
MON.20.APR.26
Seahaven
BODEGA
TUE.21.APR.26
LYR
SQUIRE
THU.16.APR.26
RESCUE ROOMS
TUE.21.APR.26 SQUIRE
Vona Vella
TUE.28.APR.26
BODEGA
MON.18.MAY.26
Beth Hart
ROYAL CONCERT HALL
best oF the month
asses.masses
When: Saturday 21 March
Where: Broadway Cinema
How much: £20 (£15 concessions)
A videogame turned immersivestory, asses.masses is designed with no instructions, encouraging its live audience to take it in turns to gain control and navigate the hardship of unemployment, all as a donkey, of course. This seven hour experience varies with each player; the outcome and journey of the story is completely reliant on how the controller decides to reclaim their donkey's job. Refreshments are provided at the intervals.
The Eminem Experience
When: Friday 20 March
Where: The Nest
How much: From £13.91
Tribute to his renowned energy and greatest hits, The Eminem Experience celebrates the legendary artist’s most acclaimed classics – including Lose Yourself and The Real Slim Shady – through live tribute performances and unforgettable production. This event differs from the average tribute act – it brings hip-hop to life with full immersion and positive intensity.
Gorillaz
When: Saturday 28 March
Where: Motorpoint Arena
How much: From £100
The legendary ‘virtual band,’ which sprang from the minds of Damon Albarn and Jamie Hewlett, are returning to Nottingham this month, celebrating the release of their new album The Mountain. If you’re a Gorillazfanatic but haven’t yet seen them live, this could be your moment – they remain highly relevant and captivating to watch, with Damon Albarn leading a massive and ever-changing group of musicians, while the visuals are always top-notch.
When: Tuesday 24 MarchSaturday 4 April
Where: Theatre Royal
How much: From £42.50
This famed musical features the epic love story of seventeenyear-old Kim and American GI – Chris Scott – following the Vietnam War. Prior to its WestEnd run, the musical arrives at Nottingham’s Theatre Royal with a new production, including the same timeless songs and score which guarantees a fair-fewrounds of goosebumps.
Crime Club: Victorian Criminal Mastermind
When: Thursday 26 March
Where: National Justice Museum
How much: £14.50 - £15.50
Crime Club is a series of events hosted at the award-winning National Justice Museum on High Pavement, providing an immersive experience for attendees to learn about history’s most infamous cases of criminal justice (free drink included!). The next instalment: Victorian Criminal Mastermind, focuses on notorious murderer and burglar, Charlie Peace, who – from the late 1850s – would regularly evade police, taking on numerous fake identities and disguises.
Ay-Up Market
When: Friday 27 - Sunday 29 March
Where: Old Market Square How much: Free entry
Returning to Old Market Square, Ay-Up Market brings vibrance and atmosphere to the city – celebrating and supporting independent creatives and businesses. With over ninety traders and artists expected to take part, it’s no doubt that you’ll leave the day with a full-belly of delicious street-food, new handcrafted treasures, or a baked treat for later.
When: Wednesday 25 March
Where: New Art Exchange
How much: £15.87
Kim Thompson is an awardwinning, Notts-born illustrator, painter, and muralist who is a regular collaborator of the New Art Exchange in Hyson Green. This month she’s leading a relaxed workshop in which she’ll provide tips, tricks, and stepby-step guidance on how to produce your own contemporary paintings. For an artist of Kim’s calibre, this is excellent value for money and probably one of the best available opportunities to get some art therapy. Head to p.29 to hear more about Kim.
When: Tues 31 Mar & Sun 5 April
Where: Savoy Cinema
How much: From £11.40
The Royal Ballet & Opera present an adaptation of the third chapter of Wagner’s Ring Cycle, brought to life by renowned Australian theatre director Barrie Kosky and starring Austrian opera singer Andreas Schager in his Royal Opera debut. If you don’t know the story, it’s based on Norse and Germanic mythology it follows a young man embarking on an epic journey in which he encounters a dragon, a valkyrie, and a shattered sword. Enjoy the story in the Savoy Cinema’s intimate, yet grand, art-deco surroundings – well suited to this type of production.
