Maybe you’re off to Newport with Nigel’s tabletopping Stags! Maybe you’re looking forward to a trip to the theatre or cinema. Or maybe you’re praying that the weather stays fine for a family day out.
Whatever is on your agenda, why not take advantage of our weekly guide to things to do and places to go in the Mansfield, Ashfield, Worksop, Retford and wider Nottinghamshire area?
This week, we have come up with 16 ideas for the coming days, including the launch of Ashfield’s Big Spring Clean, which is full proof that winter is on its way out.
The region’s theatres have a packed programme of entertainment again, including a poignant performance by Ukrainian National Opera at Mansfield’s Palace, which also hosts the global musical hit, ‘Kinky Boots’.
Motown magic takes centre stage at both the Palace and Retford’s Majestic Theatre, which pays tribute to The Four Tops. And if you’re one of the many hooked by ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ on TV, you’ll love a ‘Queens For Tonight’ show, starring a stunning cast of drag queens, at Worksop’s Acorn Theatre.
On the outdoor trail, Thoresby Park stages one of its popular courtyard markets, while the Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre stages a medieval tour and a stargazing evening.
Mansfield Museum puts on an evening of drum and dance, plus a stand-up show by Mansfield comedian Charlotte Cropper, while The Harley Gallery at Welbeck introduces visitors to AI art. A more orthodox art exhibition, by Sutton Art Group, can be found at Bassetlaw Museum in Retford.
Before you set off for your chosen destination, please check its website to confirm admission prices and opening times. Have a great weekend!
9. Pignant performance by Ukrainian National Opera
With the war in Ukraine still raging, Mansfield's Palace Theatre stages a poignant performance by the country's national opera group on Saturday night (7.30). 'Madama Butterfly', one of the most colourful and exotic operas, is staged by the Dnipro Opera from Ukraine and featuring an impressive cast, accompanied by a live orchestra with more than 30 musicians. The touching tale of innocent love, crushed between two utterly different cultures, resonates as strongly as ever in today's world. Photo: Submitted
10. Go stargazing amid the wonders of the night sky
Go stargazing at the Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre in Edwinstowe this Saturday (7 pm to 9.30 pm) and enjoy an out-of-this-world evening all about the wonders of the night sky with experts from the Mansfield and Sutton Astronomical Society (MSAS). Even if the weather doesn't play ball, the MSAS team have fascinating talks, demonstrations and exhibits to get you starry-eyed about the cosmos. All under-18s must be accompanied by an adult. Photo: Submitted
11. Exhibition of paintings by Sutton Art Group
Established more than 25 years ago, Sutton Art Group is still going strong today, with more than 20 members meeting every Friday morning in the village hall of Sutton cum Lound, near Retford. The group holds occasional workshops and demonstrations, and now it is staging an exhibition of its paintings at Bassetlaw Museum in Retford. The exhibition opened last Saturday and runs until Saturday, April 27, with members hoping visitors enjoy their art and creativity. Photo: Submitted
12. Comedian's stand-up show
Mansfield Museum is the venue for a stand-up show by comedian Charlotte Cropper on Saturday night (7.30). 'Good Girl Gone Rad' is all about reinventing and reverting yourself in the style of Charlotte herself, who left her Mansfield roots for the glittering heights of Salford! With a warm and mischievous delivery, Charlotte indulges us with her cautionary tales of wit and whimsy. Photo: Submitted