12 things to do in the Mansfield and Ashfield area this Eurovision weekend
By Richard Silverwood
Published 10th May 2023, 12:54 BST
Coronations, elections, Eurovisions – it’s all been happening, hasn’t it? And there’s no time for a breather this weekend in the Mansfield and Ashfield area.
Many of you will be glued to the TV on Saturday night for the final of the Eurovision Song Contest, which is being held in the UK for the first time since 1998.
But you don’t have to travel to Liverpool to have a fun time over the next few days, as our guide below proves. We have compiled a diverse list of 12 ideas for things to do and places to go to help you sing through the whole weekend and beyond.
Mansfield’s Music and Drama Festival comes to a conclusion, but a two-week celebration of Mansfield Market is only just beginning.
Heritage is at the forefront at Mansfield Library and Thoresby Park, while star names such as Jasper Carrott and Jerry Lee Lewis are celebrated at Mansfield’s Palace Theatre.
You can go searching for ghosts at Newstead Abbey, for robots at Kirkby, for bats at Sherwood Forest and for winners at the races!
Before you set off, please check the individual website of your destination for opening times and admission prices.
Have a great weekend!
Mansfield’s Music and Drama Festival comes to a conclusion, but a two-week celebration of Mansfield Market is only just beginning.
5. Celebrate rural life at county show
Celebrating the best of farming and rural life is the Nottinghamshire County Show, which returns to the Newark Showground on Saturday. Always a popular family event, it features everything from livestock and horses to countryside competitions, trade stands, local food producers and craft stalls. There's a chance to do some shopping, enjoy afternoon tea with jam and clotted cream, and even watch some lawn-mower racing! Photo: Submitted
Love Your Local Market is a national and international two-week celebration to show appreciation for markets, such as the historic one in Mansfield. It kicks off on Friday and runs until Saturday, May 27, with a host of events, activities and attractions. New traders and start-up businesses have been offered free rent, while regular traders have been offered discounts, so hopefully there will be lots of stalls for shoppers to explore. Photo: Anne Shelley
Robots are heading to Kirkby next Wednesday when the Summit Centre hosts a keynote event for businesses on the advantages of automation. Featuring speakers and exhibitions, 'Automation For You?' is aimed at companies who have yet to embrace digitalised and automated technology. A range of cost-effective solutions will be showcased, while businesses already converted will be telling their stories. Photo: Submitted
It's ladies' day at Nottingham racecourse on Saturday, so why not soak up the electric atmosphere, with action on and off the track? Whether it's taking part in a style competition, enjoying a few drinks or cheering home your horse, there is something for everyone at Colwick Park. A seven-race card is scheduled to start at 1.55 pm and finish at 5.20 pm -- and then it's off into the city for more fun. Photo: Submitted