Now we head into July, and the excitement doesn’t stop. The first Mansfield Town Film Festival and the learning disability festival, OneFest, are lined up for the middle of the month, so what is happening this weekend as a warm-up?
We have pieced together a guide to 15 things to do and places to go in the Mansfield, Ashfield and wider Nottinghamshire area over the next few days – and there is no shortage of stuff.
Fresh from his stunning show at Glastonbury last weekend, Elton John is on the radar again with a special tribute show to his music at Mansfield’s Palace Theatre.
The Palace also hosts shows exploring ghosts and famous murders, while Shakespearean theatre comes to both Mansfield Museum and Titchfield Park in the town.
Talking of ghosts, a psychic table night is being held at Newstead Abbey, while Creswell Crags goes back to the Stone Age to revive the oldest craft in the world.
Add a dose of comedy, a drag pageant, a plant hunters’ fair and a chance for cricket-lovers to immerse themselves in Ashes Fever and it’s clear we’re heading for a weekend rich in diverse entertainment.
Please make sure you check the website of your chosen destination for opening times and admission prices. But have a great weekend!
9. Learn the oldest craft in the world, flintknapping
An event at Creswell Crags, Welbeck on Sunday (12 midday and 2 pm) enables you to discover the art of the oldest craft in the world, flintknapping. Find out with archaeologist and craftsman James Dilley how prehistoric people made tools to survive. The oldest flint tools found in Britain date back to about one million years ago. in this fun and educational workshop, James will take you through the process of making your own flint tools that you can take home. Photo: Submitted
10. Chilling night explores UK's notorious killers
If you are fascinated by the UK's most notorious serial killers, then a chilling night at Mansfield's Palace Theatre on Friday with experienced Scottish detective David Swindle could be just the ticket. 'The Makings Of A Murderer' is a gripping criminology lecture that gives a unique insight into the likes of Jack The Ripper (pictured), Harold Shipman, Peter Sutcliffee, Fred and Rose West and Ian Brady and Myra Hindley. Critics say it is sure to have you on the edge of your seat. Photo: Submitted
11. Go heel to heel at drag pageant
Interest in drag queens is sky high thanks to the success of the hit TV show, 'RuPaul's Drag Race'. Coinciding with Pride Month, the Nottingham Drag Pageant is back on Friday when the county's finest drag talents go heel to heel in an epic 'dragstravaganza' for their chance to be crowned the next superqueen. Mascara will run and wigs will be snatched at an event at Nottingham Arts Theatre featuring drag legends Liv and Moth, Marilyn Sane, Nana Arthole, Susie Nova and Una Versa. Photo: Submitted
12. Pick up bargain gifts and crafts at makers' market
It's the first Saturday in the month, so that can only mean one thing at Mansfield Museum on Leeming Street -- the latest makers' market, showcasing products made by local crafters. From 10 am to 3 pm, visitors can check out a variety of stalls and pick up any number of bargain gifts, expertly made. Admission is free, with the next market taking place on Saturday, August 5. Photo: Submitted