Many of you will be looking forward to your holidays, so to get you in the mood, we’ve come up with our weekly list of ideas for things to do and places to go, both outdoors and indoors, in the Mansfield, Ashfield and wider Nottinghamshire area over the next few days.
Shows at Mansfield’s Palace Theatre shine the spotlight on one of our local performing arts academies and also the history of rock.
Sherwood Pines hosts a running event, while Sherwood Forest hosts one of its many popular tours and world-class tennis arrives on our doorstep.
Maybe you fancy taking on the Aqua Challenge at one of Mansfield’s leisure centres or getting to know more about one of the most notable tourist attractions in the Eastwood, Kimberley and Awsworth area, Bennerley Viaduct?
And surefire confirmation that summer is almost here is the fact that many beautiful private gardens are staging open days as part of the National Garden Scheme for charity. This week’s standout is Patchings Art Centre at Calverton.
Wherever you’re heading, please visit the website of your chosen venue before you set off to check opening times and admission prices.
Have a great weekend!
5. Free Windrush exhibition at museum
The Windrush generation comprised immigrants from the West Indies who came to rebuild this country when there was a shortage of labour after the Second World War. Their story, and Nottinghamshire's link to it, is being told in a fascinating and free exhibition, 'It Runs Through Us, at Mansfield Museum on Leeming Street on selected days between now and the end of November. This week, it is open tomorrow (Thursday), Friday and Saturday, as well as next Tuesday and Wednesday. Photo: Submitted
6. Pilgrim's story-telling tour of Sherwood Forest
Tours of Sherwood Forest are always popular -- and sometimes, it's the humble observers who can provide the most revealing insight into the myths and legends that surround Robin Hood's stomping ground. Step forward Miles, a simple medieval pedlar and pilgrim, who leads a tour for visitors on Saturday (10 am) on his way to Lincoln Cathedral. Miles has many a story to tell about the outlaws and the dastardly Sheriff of Nottingham! Photo: Submitted
7. Jaw-dropping show charts the golden ages of rock
Music from bands such as Led Zeppelin (pictured), Cream, Guns 'N' Roses, AC/DC, Queen and many more will be ringing out from Mansfield's Palace Theatre on Friday night. 'The History Of Rock' is a celebration of the golden ages of rock music through the decades -- from the 60s to the classic rock of the 70s and 80s. It's a jaw-dropping night that features a live band, original video footage and incredible staging and lighting. Photo: Submitted
8. Another special film for people with dementia
A successful season of dementia-friendly film screenings at Mansfield's Central Library continues next Wednesday afternoon (1.30 to 3.30) when the ever-enchanting Disney romance, 'Beauty And The Beast', is shown. Inspire, which runs libraries across Nottinghamshire, has been delighted with the response to its series of films, specially designed to entertain people with dementia and memory challenges. Next week's event is in the library's accessible auditorium. Photo: Submitted