We have found no fewer than 20 ideas for things to do and places to go over the next few days in the Mansfield, Ashfield, Worksop, Retford and wider Nottinghamshire area, so tuck into our guide below.
Theatre entertainment takes centre stage, with a host of shows set to wow packed audiences. At Mansfield’s Palace, the focus is on Take That, the Rat Pack era of Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis jnr and Dean Martin, the dance and acrobatics of ‘Tap Factory’ and the music of iconic movies from the 80s. Not to mention Michael Buble, Roibbie Williams and Harry Connick jnr.
Local talent gets in on the act too with a junior showtime event, while art-lovers will enjoy a take on Gustav Klimt’s famous painting, ‘The Kiss’.
Meanwhile, Worksop’s Acorn Theatre relives the classic sounds of Motown from the 60s and 70s, and Retford’s Majestic Theatre welcomes Barry Steele with his tribute to the likes of Roy Orbison and Chris Isaak. Elsewhere, The Verney Institute in Pleasley is a venue also worth visiting this weekend when it welcomes a unique, new musical trio, Cri Du Canard.
If you’re interested in birds or the stars, the Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre is the place to go, while The Harley Gallery at Welbeck, Kirkby Library and Brierley Forest Park at Huthwaite are also under the spotlight. For fun with the kids, head off to Sherwood Pines, where 25 years of ‘The Gruffalo’ is celebrated, to Rufford Abbey Country Park or the East Midlands Designer Outlet at South Normanton,
Before you set off for your chosen destination, please check its website to confirm opening times and admission prices. Have a great weekend!
5. Local talent on display at Junior Showtime
Some big, household names are featured at Mansfield's Palace Theatre over the coming days -- from Take That to Michael Buble. But let's not forget local talent too because some of the best young entertainers in the Mansfield and Ashfield area are ready to take to the stage at a Junior Showtime event on Sunday (3 pm to 5 pm). It promises to be a fabulous event, with tickets costing only £9. Photo: Submitted
6. Woodpecker walk at Sherwood Forest
Sherwood Forest is not only a haven for outlaws, but also woodpeckers. And this Friday and Sunday (9 am to 10.30 am), you can join a wildlife expert on a guided 90-minute walk, designed to reveal more about these iconic birds among Robin Hood's trees. With the UK's three native woodpeckers species -- great spotted, lesser spotted and green -- all resident, the forest resounds to their unmistakable drumming throughout the winter and spring. Photo: Submitted
7. Trail for the kids at shopping venue
A day out shopping can often be a bind for the kids. But all this week until Sunday, the East Midlands Designer Outlet at South Normanton is easing the burden with a fun trail that they can get involved with. The 'Find The Love Trail' challenges them to unearth nine East Midlands love hearts that have been placed in the windows of the outlet's stores. After completing the trail, there's a tasty treat waiting for them at the guest services counter. Photo: Submitted
8. Open event at West Notts College
It's that time of year when teenagers start thinking about their options once the school year is over. So West Nottinghamshire College in Mansfield is holding an open event tomorrow (Thursday) between 5.30 pm and 7.30 pm. The free event will provide insight into courses, apprenticeships and career pathways, helping budding students to make informed decisions about their future. Meet passionate teachers and get career guidance from experienced experts. Photo: Submitted