So hopefully, the Chad’s guide to things to and places to go can at least brighten up your weekend. There are events and activities lined up across Mansfield, Ashfield and the wider Nottinghamshire area that you can get stuck into to lift your spirits.
Appropriately, one of the main ones is designed to boost the way you feel because the Mansfield Spiritual and Wellbeing Show takes place on Saturday and Sunday at the Civic Centre. Talks, demonstrations and exhibitors focus on the mind, body and spirit, and there are even readings by psychics and mediums.
If music is the spice of life, then Mansfield’s Palace Theatre is also the place to be, with a live concert by 1980s’ chart-toppers Odyssey (remember them?) and shows highlighting Whitney Houston and Motown legends.
The kids might be back at school, but there is still lots going on for them to enjoy, including a circus, musical adventures and an activity trail.
Add to that a photography exhibition, an art exhibition, Ashfield's Big Spring Clean and the chance to explore your family tree, and it’s clear there’s no excuse for moping about!
Please check the websites of your chosen venues for admission prices and opening times. Have a great weekend!
9. Magical musical journey for kids
The wonderful 'Adventures In Music' sessions for children aged two to five continue at Kirkby Library next Tuesday (11 am). The 45-minute sessions use rhythm, music and movement to develop your child's language skills, spark their imagination and build their confidence. They can clap, stamp, shake, dance and sing to a different theme each week --- from pirates to fairies and from mermaids to monsters. Photo: Submitted
10. Learn all about our feathered friends
Meet Jack Baddams, an ornithologist who is keen to teach us how to handle birds safely. He is hosting sessions at Creswell Crags Museum and Heritage Centre this Sunday and also on Sunday, March 5 (10.30 am, 12.30 pm and 2.30 pm) on the study of our feathered friends. The sessions are suitable for the whole family and take place outdoors Photo: Submitted
11. Dance on the ceiling with Lionel Richie
Don't miss a chance to dance on the ceiling with Lionel Richie one more time in a special show, 'Motown -- How Sweet It Is', at Mansfield's Palace Theatre next Tuesday night. The 130-minute show combines first-class live music with slick choreography and an amazing band. It features songs from other legendary artistes, such as The Temptations, Stevie Wonder, The Four Tops, Smokey Robinson, Marvin Gaye, Edwin Starr, The Isley Brothers and The Jackson Five. Photo: Submitted
12. Exhibition of artwork
What do you see, hear or feel when you read a book? What does reading mean to you? An exhibition at Mansfield Library features 22 beautiful illustrations by artist Carol Adlam which reflect the answers to these questions gleaned from the thoughts of real readers in a project that led to the writing of a short-story anthology. The 'I Am A Reader' exhibition runs at the library until Sunday, March 5. Photo: Submitted