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!
13. Robin Hood Town Tour starts up again
The multi-award-winning Robin Hood Town Tour is the definitive way to learn all about the world-famous legend, and its 2024 run launches this Saturday (2 pm to 4.30 pm) at the Cross Keys pub in Nottingham city centre. Follow a trail of historical facts and explore some of the city's iconic landmarks on a guided 1.2-mile walk that ends at another pub, Ye Olde Trip To Jerusalem. Photo: Submitted
14. Celebrate 'The Gruffalo' at Sherwood Pines
This year is the 25th anniversary of the award-winning picture book, 'The Gruffalo', and Sherwood Pines at Clipstone, run by Forestry England, is marking the occasion with an exciting, new trail for youngsters. Every day this year (8 am to 5 pm), families can pop along to take part in the trail, which is an adventure through the forest to search for missing party items, to enjoy fun and games and also to learn about plants and animals. Photo: Submitted
15. Drag queen superstars at the Acorn
If you're a fan of the hit TV show, 'RuPaul's Drag Race', you might be tempted to stroll down the runway to the Acorn Theatre in Worksop on Saturday night (7.30) when 'Queens For Tonight' promises to be "an eleganza extravaganza, honey"! The show features a stunning cast of drag queen superstars, including Pixie Polite from the TV show and also our very own local drag queen, Emma Maezin (pictured). Enjoy a fun-filled night of music, lip syncs, comedy and dance numbers. Photo: Submitted
16. Sweet soul music at the Majestic
The sweet soul music and Motown magic of The Four Tops is brought back to life in a show at the Majestic Theatre in Retford on Saturday night. Direct from the USA, Soul Satisfaction's 'The American Four Tops' show features powerful vocals, splendid harmonies and high-stepping dance routines. Enjoy again hits such as 'Reach Out I'll Be There', 'Baby I Need Your Loving', 'Walk Away Renee', 'It's The Same Old Song', 'Loco In Acapulco' and 'Standing In The Shadows Of Love'. Photo: Submitted