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!
13. Captivating 'Tap Factory' comes to Mansfield
After mesmerising audiences across five continents with more than 700 shows, 'Tap Factory' has returned to the UK with its tenth anniversary tour -- and Mansfield's Palace Theatre is one of the venues with a show tomorrow night (Thursday, 7.30). Prepare to be captivated as eight extraordinary male performers deliver a sensational blend of dance, acrobatics, music and comedy that appeals to all ages. It will definitely make your toes tap! Photo: Submitted
14. Fairy trail for kids at Rufford Abbey Country Park
Take the kids on a magical fairy trail at Rufford Abbey Country Park any day this week, including Saturday and Sunday (10 am to 3.30 pm). Embark on a whimsical journey through woodlands, meadows and lakes, where fairies and pixies await. Encounter enchanting beings, enjoy interactive fun and let imaginations soar. Trail sheets can be picked up from the courtyard gift shop. Photo: Submitted
15. Endangered heritage craft is revived
Passementerie, the art of making elaborate trimmings, including tassels, is an endangered heritage craft. But it is being revived at a workshop at The Harley Gallery at Welbeck next Tuesday (10.30 am to 1.30 pm) when textile artist Ruth Waller will guide visitors through the process, with an array of textured threads to choose from. There is a £35 fee to attend, but all materials and equipment will be provided. Photo: Submitted
16. Blockbuster music from 1980s' movies
Enjoy a journey through the iconic movies of the 1980s, featuring some blockbuster songs, in a show at Mansfield's Palace Theatre next Wednesday night (7.30). 'The 80s' Movie Mixtape' brings you the upbeat, feelgood hits of 'The Breakfast Club' and 'Ferris Bueller's Day Off', plus the emotional power ballads from 'Top Gun' and 'Dirty Dancing'. And not forgetting the biggest tunes from movies such as 'Flashdance', 'Footloose', 'Ghostbusters' and 'Back To The Future'. Photo: Submitted