It seems crazy but it’s true as the month opens with the traditional May Day break this weekend and ends with the Whitsun holiday on May 29. Sandwiched is between this year is the King’s Coronation, complete with a special, one-off Bank Holiday on Monday, May 8.
May Day has its origins as part of a Roman festival that celebrated the beginning of summer, and many European cultures still mark it with dancing and singing.
In this country, traditions such as maypole dancing, May queens and morris dancing appear to be in decline. And to be honest, with so many events planned for the Coronation, this weekend looks like being one of the quietest for some time within the Mansfield and Ashfield area.
However, we have still managed to unearth ten ideas for things to do and places to go. Activities from high-ropes adventures, a vintage vehicles show and world-class ice hockey to a dawn chorus walk and Meat Loaf at Southwell Minster! And venues from Sherwood Pines and Mansfield’s Palace Theatre to Trent Bridge cricket ground and Mansfield’s array of nature reserves.
Before setting off, please remember to check the individual websites of your chosen venues for opening times and admission prices.
Have a great weekend!
5. Guided tour of famous cricket ground
The new cricket season is in full swing and the Welbeck club, based at the John Fretwell complex in Mansfield, is looking forward to hosting three Notts home games in the One-Day Cup in August. In the meantime, why not pop down to Notts's base at Trent Bridge for a guided tour of one of the most famous cricket grounds in the world? The behind-the-scenes tours take place on most Tuesday afternoons and also selected Saturday mornings. Photo: Submitted
6. Fun for all at Water Meadows
Whenever you're stuck for things to do, Mansfield's Water Meadows leisure complex is always a good option, with its three swimming pools, air-conditioned gym and 17-station indoor climbing zone (pictured) for the kids. The fantastic facilities add up to fun for all ages, especially the Pirate Pool, which is one of the premier indoor water attractions in the Midlands. The complex is open every day of the Bank Holiday weekend. Photo: Submitted
7. Explore Mansfield's nature reserves
Now the weather is getting better, it's an ideal time to start exploring Mansfield's wonderful range of nature reserves. There are nine in total, including The Carrs in Warsop (pictured), and all have special habitats, such as woodland, heathland, wetland and grassland. They are also home to a variety of wildlife, including bats, birds and insects. Find out more about them on Mansfield District Council's website. Photo: Submitted
8. Horror sci-fi musical at the Palace
Maybe you've seen the film. Maybe you've seen the show. Now is your chance to see the fantastic horror sci-fi musical, 'Little Shop Of Horrors', at Mansfield's Palace Theatre, as presented by the Heanor Musical Theatre Company. Its three-night run starts tomorrow (Thursday) as meek floral assistant Seymour Krelborn stumbles across a new breed of plant, hell-bent on global domination! Photo: Submitted