And that’s also the theme running throughout our guide to weekend events, many of which have a seasonal feel to them.
The guide points you in the direction of things to do and places to go in the Worksop, Retford, Mansfield, Ashfield and wider Nottinghamshire area. And to help get you in the mood for Christmas, it includes festive markets, a Victorian fair, a grand 1940s’ charity dance and even an elves’ workshop. The Christmas season starts at Clumber Park and at Retford’s Sundown Adventureland, while Santa is arriving at Rufford Abbey County Park.
It’s not quite festive panto season in theatreland, but the Acorn in Worksop, the Majestic in Retford and the Palace in Mansfield all host shows worth getting excited about, including a Meat Loaf tribute and a revival of that classic film, ‘Steel Magnolias’, starring Sally Field, Julia Roberts, Shirley MacLaine and Dolly Parton.
Meanwhile, Retford celebrates another Big Market Day, Babworth runs its annual arts festival, Mansfield hosts an antiques fair, Calverton stages its annual open A5 art and photography exhibition and Hucknall welcomes the circus.
Oh and by the way, there’s a chance to meet the Bride Of Frankenstein, The Man-Eating Caterpillar and Medusa at Sherwood Forest!
To find out how, and why, check out our guide below. Please also visit the website of your chosen destination to ascertain opening times and admission prices. Have a great weekend!
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13. Christmas market at Mansfield Library
The festive season springs to life in Mansfield with a Christmas market at the Central Library on Saturday (10 am to 2 pm). The free event could be the ideal place if you are looking for a unique gift for your loved one this Christmas. Local creators and small businesses will be hosting stalls selling everything from hand-knitted bobble hats to special jewellery. Photo: Submitted
14. Meat Loaf tribute show
After his sell-out tour of 2022, highly acclaimed recording artiste, Steve Steinman, brings his new Meat Loaf tribute show to Mansfield's Palace Theatre on Saturday night. 'Anything For Love -- The Meat Loaf Story' is a two-and-a-half-hour spectacular that features a ten-piece live band and 25 of Meat Loaf's greatest hits, including 'Bat Out Of Hell', 'Took The Words Right Out Of My Mouth' and 'Dead Ringer For Love'. Photo: Submitted
15. Antiques market on Saturday morning
Antiques and retro and vintage products will be a welcome addition to the weekly Saturday market on Mansfield Market Place this weekend. For the Mansfield BID organisation and the AG Events and Fairs company present a new antiques and collectables market from 10 am to 4 pm. The event is free, giving you the chance to pickup a bargain or two ahead if Christmas. Photo: Submitted
16. Annual art and photography exhibition
We know that many of you enjoy a trip to Patchings Art Centre (pictured) on Oxton Road, Calverton, which is currently staging one of its most popular annual events. It's the A5 exhibition, inviting artists and photographers of all ages and abilities to create their unique material on an A5 size board and see it hung on the gallery walls, This Sunday is the deadline for entries, and the exhibition runs from Saturday, December 2 until Christmas Eve. Photo: Submitted