So let’s ensure we make the most of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations this weekend with an extended Bank Holiday stretching from Thursday to Sunday.
Thousands of us left Wembley deflated and dejected after the Stags’ sorry defeat against Port Vale in the play-offs final.
But the jubilee weekend gives us the chance to revive our spirits, and we have pieced together a guide to some of the events taking place in the Mansfield and Ashfield area, and beyond.
From tea parties to picnics, from dance displays to exhibitions, it’s all happening during half-term week as we mark the Queen’s 70 years on the throne.
Before you set off, please visit the individual websites of the venues to check opening times and admission prices.
Have a great weekend!
. The Queen
The Queen looking her radiant best ahead of this weekend's Platinum Jubilee celebrations. Check out our guide for events taking place in the Mansfield and Ashfield area (PHOTO BY: Paul Grover/Getty Images) Photo: Pool
. Jubilee proms and picnic on park
Live music from Pleasley Colliery Brass Band is one of the highlights of a Jubilee Proms and Picnic in the Park event at Berry Hill Park, Mansfield on Friday (11 am to 4 pm). Organised by the district council, the day will also feature 1950s dancing, a Punch and Judy show and a bouncy castle for the kids, crazy golf, other games and a health and wellbeing hub. The park's cafe will be selling a full range of food and drinks, and free Union Jack flags will be handed out to wave. Photo: Submitted
5. Ideal day out at pumping station
The historic, spectacular Papplewick Pumping Station at Ravenshead hosts its third steaming day of the year this Saturday and Sunday (10.30 am to 4 pm). With a craft fair taking place too, Britain's finest Victorian water works is surely the ideal Bank Holiday venue for the whole family. You can buy tickets online. Photo: Submitted
6. Royal memorabilia on display
Bilsthorpe Heritage Musuem is well worth a visit at any time, but particularly this Saturday (10 am to 4 pm) when it hosts an exhibition of royal memorabilia collected over the years. Weather permitting, it will be held on the lawn at the back of the Cross Street museum, with tea, coffee and cakes. Entry and refreshments are free of charge. Photo: Submitted
7. Music and cakes with The Moonshiners
A medley of toe-tapping tunes from the Mansfield duo, The Moonshiners, will be the highlight of a picnic in the park event at Yeoman Hill Park in Mansfield Woodhouse on Thursday (12 midday to 2 pm). You're invited to take along your own picnic for an afternoon of entertainment, but free refreshments, including cakes, will be available. Photo: Submitted
8. Jubilee tea party for kids
Why not start the jubilee weekend with a tea party at Mansfield's Four Seasons Shopping Centre on Thursday? Kids of shoppers are being invited to make their own picnic box and then eat its contents at the centre's party table. Sessions are taking place at 11 am, 12 midday, 1 pm and 2 pm, although places are limited.. Photo: Submitted