That means it’s time to plan a few days out, beginning with this coming weekend. So we have drawn up our usual list of ideas for things to do and places to go in the Mansfield, Ashfield, Worksop, Retford and the wider Nottinghamshire area.
For many, the big event of the weekend is the big local derby at the One Call Stadium between Stags and promotion rivals Notts County. But tickets are like gold dust, so most of us will have to cheer on Nigel Clough’s boys from afar.
Elsewhere, Mansfield’s Palace Theatre is back in full swing. The Robin Hood panto we told you about last week continues until Saturday before a fantastic night on Sunday of toe-tapping country nostalgia with tributes to legends such as Dolly Parton Johnny Cash, Patsy Cline, John Denver and Kenny Rogers.
Similarly, Retford’s Majestic Theatre is in for a busy few days, with a Beatles tribute show on Saturday, followed by local dancers telling the magical tale of Wonka to coincide with the hit film, starring Timothee Chalamet, which is currently wowing audiences in cinemas.
One of the highlights of the whole year, Nottinghamshire’s Festival Of Science And Curiosity, kicks off next Monday and runs for two weeks, while a new art exhibition begins at Kirkby Library tomorrow (Thursday).
Textile art and pottery take centre stage at The Harley Gallery in Welbeck, and there’s even an event for your pet dog at Clumber Park!
Before setting off for your chosen destination, please check its website to confirm opening times and admission prices. Have a great weekend!
1. Toe-tapping country nostalgia
Highly acclaimed tributes to the likes of Dolly Parton, Johnny Cash, Don Williams, Patsy Cline and Kenny Rogers are highlights of 'The Legends Of American Country Show;, which has started its 2024 tour and visits Mansfield's Palace Theatre on Sunday. Featuring three superb singers and a live band, the show is a fantastic night of toe-tapping country nostalgia and also pays tribute to icons Hank Williams, Glen Campbell, Tammy Wynette, John Denver and Jim Reeves. Photo: Submitted
2. Festival Of Science And Curiosity
Stand by for a fortnight of fun-filled discovery and learning when the annual Nottinghamshire Festival Of Science And Curiosity kicks off on Monday and runs until Tuesday, February 16. Interactive events and family days, celebrating science, technology, engineering and maths, take place across the county, including Mansfield and Worksop, and appeal to people of all ages. Check out next week's weekend guide for more details. Photo: Submitted
3. Robin Hood rides in for panto fun and frolics
This is how Robin Hood once looked in one of the many films about him back in the day. Now you can get up to date when the Mansfield Hospitals Theatre Troupe enjoys its annual fun, frolics and fundraising when it presents 'The Adventures Of Robin Hood' panto at Mansfield's Palace Theatre. All profits from the show go to charity, and it runs tomorrow (Thursday) and Friday evening, as well as Saturday afternoon and evening. Photo: Submitted
4. Explore fantasy and fairytales at free exhibition in Kirkby
A legendary quest through the impossible worlds of fantasy. That's how a free exhibition at Kirkby Library is being promoted. 'Fantasy Realms' celebrates some of the finest fantasy creators and reveals how their imagined lands, languages and creatures came into being. Journey from fairytales to folklore and discover how the oldest forms of literature inspire the authors, film-makers and game producers of today. The exhibition, which has already been a hit in Worksop, runs from tomorrow (Thursday) until Saturday, February 24 Photo: Submitted